Tejasswi Prakash, an acclaimed Indian television actress, has captivated audiences with her compelling performances and resilience. Beyond her on-screen success, she has faced personal challenges, including body shaming and bullying during her formative years. In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Tejasswi Prakash candidly shared these experiences, highlighting how they shaped her path in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on June 10, 1992, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tejasswi Prakash Wayangankar hails from a musically inclined Marathi family. Her father, Prakash Wayangankar, is an engineer based in Dubai, and her younger brother, Pratik Wayangankar, is also an engineer. The family later relocated to Mumbai, India, where Tejasswi Prakash pursued her education. She graduated with a degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Mumbai University. During her college years, Tejasswi Prakash also trained in Indian classical music for four years, reflecting her diverse artistic interests.
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Experiences with Body Shaming
Tejasswi Prakash has consistently been on the slender side, which often made her the subject of unsolicited remarks about her physique. She recounted that people frequently commented on her weight, saying things like, “You’re so thin” or “You’re healthy now.” She found it perplexing that such comments were considered acceptable. Her unique combination of a thin frame and a chubby face led to nicknames like “football face.” Despite these remarks, Tejasswi Prakash chose not to internalize the negativity. Instead, she focused on self-improvement by increasing her protein intake and practicing face yoga, demonstrating her proactive approach to personal well-being.
Bullying During College Years
In college, Tejasswi Prakash faced bullying that targeted her appearance. She recalled an incident during a college fest when she volunteered to clean the stage. Someone took a photo of her doing so and posted it online with a caption suggesting that cleaning was her forte. This public humiliation deeply affected her, leading her to run home and cry throughout the night. However, this incident ignited a determination within her to prove herself.
Turning Point: Embracing Opportunities
Following the incident, Tejasswi Prakash learned about a beauty pageant being hosted at her college. Despite lacking prior modeling experience, she decided to participate. Her decision paid off when she was declared the winner, leading to magazine cover shoots and recognition from casting agents. This newfound attention opened doors to audition opportunities in television. Upon returning to college, the same individuals who had once bullied her were now eager to take pictures with her, marking a significant shift in her social dynamics.
Career Milestones
Tejasswi Prakash’s acting career commenced in 2012 with Life OK’s thriller “2612,” where she portrayed Rashmi Bhargava. In 2013, she played Dhara Vaishnav in Colors TV’s soap opera “Sanskaar – Dharohar Apnon Ki” opposite Jay Soni. Her breakthrough role came between 2015 and 2016 when she portrayed Ragini Maheshwari in Colors TV’s popular drama “Swaragini – Jodein Rishton Ke Sur,” earning her nominations for Indian Telly Awards and Golden Petal Awards.
In 2017, Tejasswi took on the role of Diya Singh in Sony TV’s “Pehredaar Piya Ki.” Despite the show’s controversial premise, she continued to showcase her versatility by portraying Uruvi in Star Plus’s mythological drama “Karn Sangini” opposite Aashim Gulati in 2018. The following year, she appeared as Mishti Khanna in the second season of Voot’s romantic drama “Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka” alongside Kunal Jaisingh and Aneri Vajani.
Reality Show Participation and Further Success
In 2020, Tejasswi Prakash made her reality TV debut by participating in Colors TV’s stunt-based show “Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 10.” Despite being one of the strongest contenders, she had to quit the show midway due to a severe eye injury, concluding her journey in 6th place. Her resilience was further demonstrated in 2021 when she participated in Colors TV’s reality show “Bigg Boss 15.” After surviving 17 weeks inside the house, she emerged as the winner, solidifying her status in the entertainment industry.
Following her “Bigg Boss 15” victory, Tejasswi Prakash was cast as the protagonist Pratha Gujral in Ekta Kapoor’s popular supernatural franchise “Naagin 6”. Her portrayal extended to a triple role, including Pratha Gujral, Prathna Gujral, and Pragati Iyer Shukla, contributing to the season’s success as the longest-running installment of the franchise.
In November 2022, Tejasswi Prakash made her Marathi film debut alongside Abhinay Berde in the romantic drama “Mann Kasturi Re,” directed by Sanket Mane. Her performance garnered a nomination for Best Actress Debut at the Filmfare Marathi Awards 2022, marking another milestone in her diverse career.
Tejasswi Prakash’s journey from facing body shaming and bullying to becoming a celebrated actress exemplifies resilience and determination. Her experiences underscore the importance of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Tejasswi Prakash’s story serves as an inspiration, highlighting how challenges can be transformed into stepping stones toward success.
