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From an intense audition journey to sharing screen space with Sai Pallavi and learning from Aamir Khan, the rising actor reflects on her transformative experience.

Actress Pragati Mishra, who was last seen in Maddock Films’ Bhool Chuk Maaf, where she played Rajkummar Rao’s sister (Keri), alongside Seema Pahwa and Raghubir Yadav, now steps into a significant new chapter with Aamir Khan Productions’ Ek Din. The film features her alongside Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi. Signed in 2023, Ek Din marks the first Hindi feature film Pragati came on board for. She essays the role of Shruti, a character defined by empathy, loyalty, and emotional strength.

Talking about her role and the film, Pragati shares, “Shruti is that one friend we all need in our lives. She’s someone who listens, who stands by you without judgment. Through the film, you see her quietly supporting Mira (Sai Pallavi) as she navigates a deeply emotional journey. This was the first film I signed, and it gave me a foundation, not just as an actor but as a person working in this industry. The values I learned here are something I’ll always hold on to.”

The actor recalls being approached by casting director Faezeh Jalali, whose work she had long admired. After initially auditioning for a different role, she was called back to test for Shruti, leading to a rigorous four-round audition process that spanned several months. She shared, “At first, I thought it would just be a typical ‘friend’ role. But the level of detail we explored during auditions—her intentions, her emotional state, her relationships—made me realize how nuanced the approach to this film really was.”

Among the most defining moments of her journey was her first reading session in front of Aamir Khan. Understandably nervous, Pragati remembers what followed: “He told me he had watched my audition, really liked it, and believed I would do the part well.” That brief exchange left a lasting impact. “Whenever I felt unsure of myself, I went back to those words. It gave me a sense of belief—if Aamir Sir could see something in me, I needed to trust that too.”

About working with director Sunil Pandey, Pragati shared, “It was an absolute delight working with Sunil Sir. He is an incredibly patient director, and there’s a deep sense of intention behind every choice he makes. Before each shoot schedule, we would sit down for one-on-one discussions where we explored where Shruti was coming from emotionally, and he would clearly articulate what he was looking for in the scene.”

Following her work in Bhool Chuk Maaf and now Ek Din, Pragati Mishra reflects on her journey with a sense of gratitude and clarity. She shares that both experiences reinforced the importance of enjoying the process, especially auditions, noting that being fully present and creatively engaged often leads to the best outcomes. Working with reputed production houses (Maddock Films and Aamir Khan Productions) has also shaped her understanding of professional environments. Pragati highlights that there is a strong sense of respect for actors and their process, along with a disciplined work ethic and values she hopes to carry forward in her career.