Prachi Tehlan’s Journey in Malayalam Cinema: From Mamangam to Future Aspirations

# Prachi Tehlan/Siraj Qasim 03 September 2023, 10:43 AM IST Prachi Tehlan, Prachi Tehlan in Mamangam | photo: facebook/prachithelan

“Sleeping in the morning isn’t a great movie.” He called Mamukka on the phone and congratulated him. I felt very happy when he asked about my details…” Prachi Tehlan started talking by telling the story of calling Mammootty to congratulate him on his state award when we met him one morning at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Kochi. However, that talk flowed in the lust of another big ‘award’ that was overflowing in the mind. “I want to act in Malayalam films again. It’s as gratifying as getting an award. My desire is to flow in this way again…” Prachi Tehlan, who made a nest in Malayalee’s mind as Unnimaiya in the movie Mamangam, now wants to return to Malayalam. Prachi Tehlan talks to ‘Mathrubhumi’ sharing experiences and hopes.

Mammootty and Mamankam

The features of Unnimaya in Mamangam are still vivid in Prachi’s mind. “Unnimayya in Mamangam is the character that changed my film career. The truth is, even though it’s been so long since I played that role, I still haven’t gotten over the hangover. A TV called Ikyavan in Mumbai. While acting in the serial, I was called for the audition of Mamangam. After the audition in Mumbai, 25 people were selected for the final round. Although she did the final audition in Kochi without any problems, she never thought that she would get a chance to play a character like Unnimaya in such a big film. Mammukka has also helped me a lot to become Unnimaya. There are many lessons he imparted when he started acting. Whenever the character of Unnimaya comes to my mind, I remember Mammukka” – in Prachi’s words, the memories of Mamangam are still there.

Isn’t everyone fine?

Even when she came back to Kerala, Prachi did not forget some Malayalam words she had learned in the past. Malayalam is a difficult language to learn. But now I know some words in your language. He knows how to call you “brother” and “chechi” and ask if you are well. Knows how to greet everyone in Malayalam. Although he does not know how to say some Malayalam words, he understands the meaning when others say them. While acting in Mamangam, I practiced as much as possible to speak Malayalam dialogues before each shot. The key is to match the lip movement perfectly with the acting. It is believed to have been done without much trouble. Mammukka also used to tell some jokes to listen to my Malayalam words.”- Prachi told the story of learning Malayalam

Is height an issue?

Prachi desperately wants to come back to Malayalam cinema and is making efforts to do so. However, Prachi is also sad that her height is an obstacle to reach Malayalam. “When it came to the final audition for Mamangam, I was the tallest in the group. Some were worried that the costume would be right for me, who is five feet 11 inches tall and has an athletic body. But the director of Mamangam said that he looked at my acting skills and movements. I was really surprised when the director called me the next day after the audition. However, later times have shown that there is little chance for a tall person like me to get different roles in Malayalam. I realized that whenever I made some efforts to come to Malayalam. “Many people cannot accept the concept of the heroine being taller than the hero,” Prachi asks.

Let girl dreams bloom

Prachi, who has brilliant achievements in the field of sports beyond the film title, wants to do something along the way. “I was lucky enough to lead the Indian netball team at the Commonwealth Games. I was interested in basketball during my school days. He started playing basketball at school and reached the national level. There are now more opportunities and conditions for girls to progress in the field of sports than before. At the same time, there are many girls in our society who are denied all that. We have devised some projects to bring such girls into sports. “Prachi Tehlan Foundation (PTF) sees the biggest project as the flowering of these girls’ dreams,” says Prachi.

Sadya and Parip Payasam

Prachi is also very happy to be able to celebrate Onam in Kerala this time. “Being able to spend Onam with the Malayalis was a great experience. This time I participated in some programs in Kochi for Onam. Your Sadya is always my favorite dish. Parip Payasam is a favorite item in Sadya. No matter how much I drink Parip Payasam, I can’t get enough. It was also an honor to be invited to the Kalasho organized by ‘Amma’, a group of Malayalam actors. All the experiences I got while participating in the show’s rehearsal camp in Kochi were very interesting. Earlier, I studied Mohiniyattam to act in Mamangam. Learned the basics of Mohiniyattam under Murali in Mumbai. Mohiniyattam had to be learned during the busy day. It was when I acted in Mamangam that I realized that the dance I learned was not enough.” -Prachi’s face is full of laughter when talking about Onam and dance.