Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle

photo courtesy: U B Pavanaja

Prakruthi Prasad is no ordinary 10-year-old.

Part of three national award winning films, nominated for the national award twice and a state award winner, is no mean feat.

In the industry for the last seven years, Prakruthi started off with TV.

“People still recognise me as the girl who recited the Bhagvad Gita, Dhyana Shloka and Soundarya Lahiri in one go,” she says.

Her first break as a three-year- old was with the TN Sitharam-directed Mukta. In 2007, she was nominated for the national award. She also got to act with Master Hiranaya.

The same year she was selected for Hejjegalu, a children’s film directed by Ramdas Naidu. The cameraman was also the famous S. Ramachandra (of Malgudi Days).

Having worked with so many big names, was she ever daunted? “I have never been scared to be in front of the camera. The first time I was shy and the next time, since it was my hobby, I lost all inhibitions,” she retorts.

Considering this youngster has never been to an acting school, her experience in documentaries have been helpful, she says. “I have been fortunate to work with all the big names,” says the young star. “All of the directors and actors have guided me and given me valuable tips.”

Prakruthi has also acted with wellknown ‘villain’ Prakash Rai. “He was very helpful and I wasn’t scared to act with him,” she says.

The youngster says she likes being in the ‘arty’ layer of Kannada films despite being fluent in English. “It is my mother tongue and I feel there is more scope for my acting in these films than in a commercial Sandalwood or in English films,” she says matter-of-factly.

Despite missing school due to her schedule, the fifth standard student feels her friends and teachers have been very supportive. And the best part about acting, she says, is that she gets to dress up. “I enjoy all the attention and dressing up. Barbie is my favourite!”

But surprisingly, acting is not what the young actress wants to do in the future. “I want to be a doctor,” she concludes.