Prateeksha Lonkar is a well known Marathi stage, television and film artist who came to Nagesh Kuknoor's rescue when he was shooting for Iqbal.

Nagesh had already finalised Kittu Gidwani to play the role of Shreyas Talpade's mother and begun shooting with her, when on the third day of shooting the famous Gidwani tantrums began to show and Nagesh realised that he would not be able to proceed shooting the manner in which he had planned if he had to continue with Madam Kitu and her tantrums.

So, overnight he began looking for a replacement and lo, Prateeskha came in with strong recommendation. And she more than fitted the bill. In fact Nagesh began calling her his lucky mascot.

So much so that he cast her in the role of Ayesha Takia's mother in law in Dor and extended the role a bit for justifying her presence.

And Prateeksha once again came to Nagesh's rescue when he, much against advice of his friends and well wishers, went ahead and cast Ashwini Bhave in the pivotal role of the nurse in the John Abraham starrer Aashayein.

Once again, the casting was not working, a case which Nagesh realised after having shot for two days. So who else does he go to but his lucky mascot Prateeksha. She was leaving for an outdoor at Laddakh for a spell of Heroes directed by Samir Karnik.

But after listening to Prateeksha's request, Samir adjusted the dates and agreed to pack herself off early. Nagesh, too, decided to keep the unit on hold for two full days but could not think of anyone else.

So Prateeksha, after shooting the old climate up north, flew down to the sultry heat of Pondicherry and gave shots for Nagesh. No wonder Nagesh constantly is now thinking of incorporating her in some role or the other.

Matter to notice is that Nagesh's Bombay to Bangkok was the only film that not only did not work at the box-office but also got Nagesh a lot of flak. And it did not feature his lucky mascot Prateeksha in the film! Nagesh may think of that side of the issue, too.