Celebrating Patralekha on her February 20 birthday, her story blends family expectations, fierce independence, and fairy-tale romance. Shillong-born in a Bengali family, her accountant’s father pushed for CA, but her soul danced to acting rhythms.
Mumbai’s hustle shaped her via ad gigs. Christened by poet nani, her Bangalore schooling nurtured dance, swimming, basketball, and riding talents. Debuting in Hansal Mehta’s ‘CityLights’ (2014), she mesmerized as Rakhi opposite Rajkummar, winning acclaim.
Post-debut, films like ‘Love Games’ (2016), ‘Nanu Ki Jaanu’ (2018), ‘Badnaam Gully’ (2019), and ‘Phule’ (2025) highlighted her depth, especially as Savitribai Phule with Pratik Gandhi. Streaming successes in ‘Wild Wild Punjab’ and hijack drama ‘IC 814’ broadened her appeal.
Sparks flew with Rajkummar during an early ad. A 11-year journey led to 2021 vows. Launching ‘Kempa Films’ in 2025, named for moms, they now raise Parvati Paul Rao. Patralekha masterfully juggles stardom and motherhood.