- Thursday, June 19, 2025
From reality TV fame to indie music, Pragathi Guruprasad is embracing reinvention. The Indian-American singer and NHIE actress opens up about her journey from playback singing to composing, acting, and finding joy through creative expression.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Pragathi Guruprasad, who first captured hearts as the runner-up in Super Singer Junior season 3 back in 2012, has spent over a decade redefining her artistic identity.
Now, the Indian-American musician is embracing new creative avenues, making her debut as a composer with the indie song “Adada” and stepping into acting. “I want to constantly reinvent myself as a creator. I would love to explore other forms of creativity. You don’t have to be boxed into just being a singer,” she says.
Breaking into Acting: “Maitreyi & Mindy Made Me Feel Comfortable”
Pragathi’s first acting role came with the hit series Never Have I Ever (NHIE), a milestone she cherishes both personally and for its cultural significance.
“Most of the roles I’ve auditioned for in Hollywood are for South Asian Indian characters. I don’t think Hollywood is quite there yet where an Indian looking girl can fare well in a general audition call. That’s still reserved for white people, but we’re slowly getting there,” she observes.
Reflecting on her NHIE experience, she shares, “Never Have I Ever was my first acting gig, and I hold it close to my heart. The show was monumental for Indian Americans like me, as we felt represented. Working with Mindy Kaling was a dream come true. Maitreyi (Ramakrishnan) is a good friend of mine. During my first scene, I was nervous because it was my first time in front of the camera, and I didn’t want to mess up. But Maitreyi and Mindy made me feel comfortable.”
The Power of Reality TV: “My Biggest Stepping Stone”
Pragathi credits reality TV for launching her career at a time when social media didn’t offer the same opportunities for exposure.
“The first platform where you get to showcase your talent is important, and that was reality TV for me. It was my biggest stepping stone. Everyone kept asking me, ‘What’s next?’ The pressure got to me, and nothing felt enough. There was a period when I wasn’t happy while singing. It took a process of healing to realise that happiness comes from within, and that happiness came with Adada.”
Redefining Success: “You Were Only Considered a Singer if You Were a Playback Singer”
Pragathi is passionate about the evolving landscape of Indian music, where independent artists and collaborations are gaining ground.
“It’s important for more musicians to come up and for more collaborations to happen. Earlier, two or three female singers were singing for all the heroines. Now, there’s more space for diversity. These days, when you find a song interesting, you tend to find out who the singers are. The process of discovery leads listeners to more music,” she explains.
She adds, “For years, you were only considered a singer if you were a playback singer, but that’s not the case anymore. There’s a musical search now, and that process is important to have an industry beyond film music.”
The Challenge of Composing: “It’s Hard When You Sing Your Own Compositions”
Transitioning from singer to composer, Pragathi admits, comes with its own set of challenges. “It’s quite hard when you sing your own compositions. I recorded Adada a hundred times. It’s funny because the final version of Adada is the first version we recorded.”
Future Aspirations: “I Want to Collaborate with Dhibu Ninan Thomas & Sean Roldan”
Looking ahead, Pragathi is eager to collaborate with musicians who inspire her. “Dhibu Ninan Thomas and Sean Roldan are at the top of my list. There is a soul in their music that connects with me. Sean is a good friend, but I haven’t had the chance to work with him yet, and friendly collaborations are always great,” she shares.
From reality TV to indie music and acting, Pragathi Guruprasad continues to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be a creator in today’s world. Her journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, resilience, and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment.
