Prachurjya Mohanty is a known name today in the Odia film and television industry, having appeared in movies, serials and reality shows. Singing, dancing, anchoring (news and stage shows) and modelling, she has done it all with panache.
Daughter of Ashok Chandra Mohanty and Pushpamali of Bhubaneswar, Prachurjya’s talents were first noticed by her mother. “I saw that she had interest in several activities. She started with dance but then became an anchor onstage; we didn’t know she could do that. She has appeared on numerous stages such as Kunu Kuni Mela organised by the Odia magazine Kadambini. She has been hosting the event for the past two years. She is also hosting Itikili Mitikili and several programmes for Prayas and Doordarshan, such as Kishalaya, a programme for kids,” Pushpamali says.
Acting is another area in which Prachurjya has shown her skills. She is currently starring in Ama Ghara Laxmi, a serial being aired on Tarang. She has made a guest appearance on Badhu, a serial on Sarthak, and acted in Prayashita telecast on Doordarshan. Her performance as a negative character named Aiswariya has come in for praise from audiences and co-stars alike. Her role in Badhu was also noted.
Prachurjya ventured into Odia filmdom with movies such as Prema na aau kichhi, Anubhab-the lover boy and Bhaijan. In Prema na aau Kichhi, she appears as the sister of the heroine and in Anubhab-the lover boy, she is the hero’s sister. Besides films and serials, she has featured in documentaries such as Zee Kalinga’s Ebe nuhen ta kebe nuhen in which she spoke about learning martial arts for self defence. She has also acted in the documentary The Miscall directed by Odia actress Anubha Panda.
“My daughter loves fashion shows and fancy dress competitions. She has been praised for her work for programmes such as Itikili Mitikili and children’s festivals organised in Bhubaneswar. For one event, she was invited by Sony TV to walk the ramp. She has also participated in Nanhipari, an event organised by KIIT University and Raja Queen, a television reality show for girls,” Pushpamali says.
Prachurjya is also a star in school. “I like to take part in events organised in school, particularly debates and speech competitions. I participated in an event organised by the World Health Organisation in Hyderabad,” she says. The youngster says that she finds Google is her best friend when she faces trouble in learning something new.
Prachurjya received an award for all-round performance from state minister Prasanna Patsani. She actively takes part in sports. “I love to play volleyball. But studies come first as I want to fulfill my parents’ dream to see me as a doctor,” Prachurjya says. The Class VIII student of DPS Kalinga, Bhubaneswar, aims to study cardiology in future.
Bratati Baral, OP