“Prakruti Mishra on Jury Duty, Music, and Her Journey Beyond Odisha”

From winning a National Award for Hello Arsi to being invited as a jury member at the prestigious National Film Awards, Prakruti Mishra’s journey has been one of constant reinvention. An actress who seamlessly moves between Odia and Hindi cinema, and a singer-composer whose latest track Aye Kyon is striking a chord online, Prakruti embodies versatility. With her fearless approach to challenges and an unshakable commitment to putting Odisha on the national map, she continues to carve her own space in India’s cultural landscape. In this candid conversation, Prakruti opens up about her jury experience, her love for music, and her vision for the future.

Q: Congratulations on being part of the prestigious National Film Awards jury. How did the invitation come your way?

Prakruti Mishra: Thank you! Honestly, it came as a surprise. Since I had already received a National Award for Hello Arsi, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting considered me for the jury. It was such a deep honour—an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down.

Q: What was the experience like, watching and judging so many films?

Prakruti: Over several weeks, we watched more than 65 films under the guidance of our jury chairperson, Ashutosh Gowariker. It was like attending a masterclass in cinema. After each screening, we’d have intense discussions—about technical brilliance, storytelling, performances, everything. For me, it was a rare and valuable learning experience.

Q: This year, Pushkara bagged the National Award for Best Odia Film. As someone from Odisha and a jury member, how did that moment feel for you?

Prakruti: It was truly overwhelming. Pushkara stood out for its unique storytelling, and what made it even more special was that it was directed by a debutant, Subhransu Das. To witness such fresh talent being recognised at the national level was heartwarming. As an Odia, being part of the jury that honoured this film was not just professional satisfaction—it was a deeply personal and emotional moment for me.

Q: You’ve already achieved so much in Odisha’s film industry. What made you shift to the national scene?

Prakruti: I felt I had done my bit in Odisha and wanted to explore beyond. Staying in one place won’t take you far; you have to keep moving forward.

Q: Apart from acting, you’ve been focusing on music too. Tell us about that journey.

Prakruti: Singing has always been a part of me. My father, Manmath Mishra, is an eminent music composer, so music runs in my blood. For years, I uploaded song covers on social media and people really appreciated them. That gave me the confidence to take it seriously. My recent track Aye Kyon—which I sang and composed—is getting great response. Now I’m even getting playback offers, and I recently sang for a Hindi film too.

Q: And on the acting front, what can your fans look forward to?

Prakruti: After Kuhudi, I’ll soon be seen in Bindasugar, where I reunite with my co-star Dipanwit Das Mohapatra. I also have a Hindi film with Nana Patekar coming up, which I’m very excited about.

Q: Finally, what keeps you motivated as you balance acting and music?

Prakruti: My mission has always been clear—I want to put Odisha on the national map.