From small-town beginnings to becoming one of OTT’s most beloved new stars, Actor Pragati Mishra has charmed her way into audiences’ hearts with her unforgettable role as ‘Keri’ in the recently released movie Bhool Chuk Maaf. Her rise to fame is the kind of story that feels both heartwarming and cinematic. But behind the lights and applause lies an equally powerful narrative — one of discipline, self-care, and an unwavering commitment to her well-being.
A firm believer in the importance of mental health, in this exclusive interview with THIP Media, she opens up about what health truly means to her, and how she nurtures it amidst the chaos of shoot schedules and stardom.
Bhool Chuk Maaf also touches on the rising rates of suicide in India. Did repeatedly filming that scene impact your perspective on mental health?
I remember reading the script of Bhool Chuk Maaf for the first time and feeling two things very strongly. The first was immense joy because of how funny it was. The second was an emotion I couldn’t quite put into words, as I was deeply moved by the ending. I felt extremely proud of what the film was trying to say. My perspective on mental health and wellness didn’t really shift, but I was just made more aware of it. I was truly amazed by Akash’s performance as Hamid—he brought such depth to the character. I also feel proud of the fact that I got a chance to be a part of a film that talked about something so relevant on such a deeper and spiritual level.
Unfortunately, there’s a significant lack of awareness about mental health, especially in rural parts of our country. Many people suffer in silence simply because they don’t have access to proper healthcare or even know where to go for help. That’s why I feel strongly about spreading awareness—about where people can seek support, even if their condition isn’t urgent but still needs attention. Improving access to mental healthcare and making people aware of their options is something I’m genuinely passionate about.
As Keri, you needed to be energetic and grounded on set. What fitness or wellness routine did you follow for long shoot days?
When I was reading Keri’s part, a few months before the shoot began, I remember working on my character and thinking of all the possibilities in which I could play her. Keri is very similar to me when it comes to energy levels, but she belongs to a different world. The energy that you see on screen is the result of the energy that was present on set. Even though we were shooting during the peak summer in Banaras, the entire cast and crew of Bhool Chuk Maaf remained so positive and energetic—that’s what helped me perform well.
Have you ever redefined what being ‘fit’ or ‘healthy’ means for you personally?
I have not really defined what “fit” or “healthy” means for me yet. I think I’m in the process of defining that, and I will always be. Our bodies keep changing, and so do our fitness levels. If you’ve certain goals in your mind, you just try to reach them.
What is your relationship with health like?
I genuinely enjoy staying informed, especially when it comes to fitness routines and the nutritional value of the food I consume. I also love watching fitness blogs on YouTube; they keep me motivated and curious.
Health, for me, is more than just a personal interest. It’s become a shared conversation in our home, something we all engage with and grow through together.
What does a typical day look like for you?
As an actor, each day is different, and now I have embraced the fact that things can change last minute, but I’d say a typical day, when I’m not working on set or rehearsing for a play, is very simple. If it’s a good day, I wake up in the morning and go to the gym first thing. On usual days, I wake up, and I have my breakfast while reading the newspaper. That’s the first thing that I do. After that, I enjoy my coffee and head to the gym. After coming back, I plan my day. If I have an audition, I’ll do my lines and work on the scene a little bit, listen to some music, and go to my audition. If I don’t have that, then I probably book a class or a workshop. Then I come back home and spend some time with my family, have dinner, and go for a walk or maybe watch or read something, journal, and sleep.
You’ve shared that your fitness mantra is ‘live each day and be happy’—how does that philosophy shape your daily health routines?
I have small health routines but they are very simple. I like to start my day with a fruit or some coconut pieces. These small rituals make me feel really excited about each day, and it genuinely makes me very happy.
What’s more difficult for you—discipline with food or staying consistent with workouts?
Staying consistent with my workouts is definitely more difficult for me, but I tell myself that showing up is all that matters, and once you show up, you end up doing your workout. But to be honest, there are days when I don’t show up, and I let it go, and I try to make up for it the next week. In those days, I try not to be too hard on myself.
How do you integrate joy and positivity into your fitness habits?
By talking about it and sharing it with my family. It feels like something that we’re all doing together, and it becomes very normal. This is something we enjoy doing. We crack jokes about it. That’s how I integrate joy and positivity into my fitness routine.
Was there a specific turning point in your life that made you realise the importance of prioritising your health?
I live with my dadi (grandmother), who’s 95 years old, and she still wakes up at 5 am, takes a bath by herself, and is ready in her saree by 6. Then she meditates for half an hour or so. I’ve been living with her for the past more than two years, and just watching her take care of herself at this age has been a turning point in my life. I feel like I’m way behind, and I’d love to be like that when I’m her age.
Do you think actors — or artists in general—need a different kind of self-care than others?
I think it helps to have a community you can talk to and share your journey with, because it can be very lonely. For me, having the luxury of living with my family certainly helps me a lot.
Quick Shots
One health hack you swear by every morning
Have water and a fruit or a coconut before my breakfast
The role laughter plays in keeping you healthy
It plays a huge role. My brother has a great sense of humour, and he makes me laugh a lot. It makes you feel less stressed about everything in life.
Any specific health habit or practice you’ve adopted over the years
During lockdown, I discovered yoga, and adopted it as a part of life now.
Your three favourite books
Atomic Habits by James Clear, Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout, and The Intent to Live by Larry Moss. I also love reading Karma by Sadhguru.
Your source of entertainment: TV/OTT/book reading
OTT, because it allows you to discover a lot of classics, especially old films that I love watching with my family from the 60s and 70s
Any health issue or condition you feel to talk about
Mental health is one of the most important aspects of well-being in today’s digital age. With social media constantly around us, it becomes even more crucial to keep our mental health in check.
Your social media routine includes
It involves installing and uninstalling the Instagram app every 3 to 4 days. There are things I enjoy about Instagram—being an actor, you come across a lot of opportunities like workshops and audition calls. But there are also aspects of social media that I really dislike, so it’s all about finding a balance.
Your future health goals
First, I want to motivate my family to lead a healthier lifestyle and for all of us to incorporate weight training into our fitness routines. Second, one of my dreams is to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training course. And third, I hope to stop being so stressed about health—I think learning to relax a little is part of the journey too.
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