Our film is bigger than our relationship: Patralekha

Bollywood newbie Patralekha finds it frivolous when ­people start ­questioning her about her ­relationship with her co-star and boyfriend Rajkummar Rao, with whom she’s sharing screen space in her debut film.

Bollywood newbie

Rajkummar-Rao-and-Patralekha-at-the-screening-of-their-movie-Citylights-Photo-Prodip-Guha

Patralekha

finds it frivolous when ­people start ­questioning her about her ­relationship with her co-star and boyfriend Rajkummar Rao, with whom she’s sharing screen space in her debut film.

"Our film is bigger than our ­relationship... I mean, it doesn’t really ­matter... it’s not like we wanted to hide it because that would have been ­foolish, as everybody knew about it already. But ­honestly, there’s nothing new to talk about it... it’s there and it’s the truth of our lives,” says the Shillong girl, adding, “Also, I’m not the one to go around talking about it as a tool to ­promote my film."

In pics:

Rajkummar Rao, Patralekha in Citylights

The 24-year-old, however, doesn’t mind raving about Rao’s acting skills. "It’s an absolute delight to work with him. The best thing about debuting with a great co-star is that he enhances your ­performance as well... and in spite of being one of the best actors of our times, he doesn’t come on the sets with any kind of baggage... he is extremely humble," says Patralekha, who has also lived in Assam and in Bangalore, Karnataka, before moving to Mumbai.

"I was completing my higher studies in Mumbai... my dad being a chartered accountant wanted me to be a CA, too, but I always had a passion for showbiz. After doing a few commercials, I happened to audition and get selected by

Hansal Mehta

for this film," she says.

So, considering Mehta has recently won the National Award for Shahid, is she expecting some awards for this film too?

"Why not? Everybody loves being appreciated," she says.