Roop Durgapal Says Working with Nana Patekar and Prakash Jha Was a Learning Experience

Mumbai — Actress Roop Durgapal says sharing screen space with veterans like Nana Patekar and filmmaker Prakash Jha felt like a masterclass in acting as she prepares to make her web series debut with the upcoming project Sankalp.

The series, directed by Prakash Jha, features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Kapoor, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kranti Prakash Jha and Meghna Malik.

Speaking about her experience, Roop said the opportunity to work with such accomplished performers was one of the main reasons she was excited to be part of the project.

According to the actress, being on set with Nana Patekar and Prakash Jha allowed her to observe and understand several dimensions of acting, filmmaking and even life. She added that interacting with Meghna Malik was equally enriching, noting that the two often spent time together during breaks and built a warm rapport.

In the series, Roop portrays the character Madhuri, the wife of the role played by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. She praised Ayyub as a dedicated co-actor, highlighting his disciplined approach to performance and strong command over language.

Roop said working with him proved helpful during their scenes together, as his energy and preparation created a supportive environment on set.

The actress revealed that she was preparing for a theatre production when she learned about the auditions for Sankalp. Despite having an established career in television, she had not initially planned to explore other mediums.

However, the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to reassess her goals. Witnessing the uncertainty of life, she decided to take creative risks and experiment with new forms of performance.

Roop said theatre initially felt intimidating because it required long rehearsals and live performances without retakes. Yet the experience turned out to be deeply fulfilling and helped build her confidence as a performer.

The journey on stage eventually encouraged her to expand beyond television and step into the world of digital entertainment.

Reflecting on her career path, Roop said she believes every artist’s journey unfolds at its own pace. For her, the transition into theatre and web projects happened naturally over time, and she feels content with how her career has evolved.

With inputs from IANS