Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani actress Monika Khanna on her homework for her role; says ‘All the preparation I had done turned out to be of no use’

Not all roles come to life the way an actor envisions them. Sometimes, characters surprise performers, pushing them in unexpected directions and teaching them something new in the process.

For actress Monika Khanna, who is currently seen as Ramkudi in Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani, that’s exactly what happened. Known for her powerful screen presence, Monika admitted that her initial approach to the role had to be completely reimagined.Talking about her preparation, she shared, “When I was offered this character, I did my homework. I was told she was abandoned, had been to jail, and had also spent time in a mental asylum.

Naturally, I approached the role with intensity and drama. But everything turned upside down. All the preparation I had done turned out to be of no use. Raghuveer Sir made it clear that he didn’t want any of that, nothing loud or over-the-top.

At first, I was confused and unsure of how to move forward with the character. Gradually, I began to understand what he was looking for.”Explaining the director’s vision, Monika said, “He wanted something raw and natural, something real.

Not everyone who has gone through trauma turns into a loud, menacing figure like an Amrish Puri-style villain. Some people carry their pain quietly, even with a touch of dark humor. They might come back for revenge, but their methods are subtly soaked in silence, like slow poison. On the surface, they may seem harmless, but inside, they eat away at everything, like termites.

And that’s exactly what this character is.”Reflecting on how this shift in approach became an unexpected lesson, she added, “In the end, none of my original preparation was used, but that turned out to be a learning experience in itself. Sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, you discover something even more powerful. That’s what I’m learning right now.”Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani follows the journey of Ghevar, a spirited young girl from a small village in Rajasthan. Raised by her elder brother and sister-in-law after losing her parents, Ghevar’s life takes a dramatic turn when a newborn child enters their world, binding together two very different destinies. With promises, sacrifices, and hidden truths at its core, the show explores resilience, relationships, and a woman’s determination to protect what she loves.