Who Exactly Is Pratibha Ranta? Actress of “Laapata Ladies” And “Heeramandi”, TV Introduction, And Link To Preity Zinta

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand narrative, “Heeramandi”, has captivated audiences with its vivid portrayal of the lives of courtesans amidst the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence. Amidst an ensemble cast featuring luminaries like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Richa Chadha, it’s Pratibha Ranta’s portrayal of ‘Shama’, the daughter of Waheeda, that has once again illuminated the screens.

Previously, she graced Kiran Rao’s film “Laapataa Ladies”, essaying the role of a lost bride on a train journey, further cementing her status as a talent to watch out for.

Pratibha Ranta’s journey from the serene hills of Shimla to the bustling streets of Mumbai is one of determination and passion for acting.

Born on December 17, 2000, Pratibha Ranta was born in a small village near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. She completed her schooling at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Shimla.

In an interview with PTI, Pratibha once mentioned her unique connection with Preity Zinta and said that she studied in the same school where Preity Zinta also studied.

While everyone in the school used to call her Preity Zinta and teased her, she decided to become an actress and superstar like her. However, people used to say to her that everyone’s fate is not same as Preity’s.

“For the longest, we only had Preity Zinta who made it to the industry from there and my family would often say, ‘Sabki kismat Preity Zinta jaisi nahi hoti.’”

Raised in a matriarchal family in the village of Rodo, Pratibha’s upbringing instilled in her a deep bond with her grandmother, shaping her values and aspirations.

Following her schooling, she ventured to Mumbai to pursue her passion for filmmaking at Mumbai University. It was during this time that Pratibha’s charisma caught the attention of many, leading her to clinch the title of Miss Mumbai in 2018, a milestone that opened doors to the world of television.

Her television debut in “Qurbaan Hua” garnered widespread acclaim, quickly establishing her as a household name. Within a mere six months, Pratibha’s talent earned her the spotlight, a source of immense pride for her family and hometown. Despite the challenges of being away from her loved ones, Pratibha remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence, driven by her unwavering dedication to her craft. She said,

“From where I come from, TV culture is stronger than films, because one has to travel really far to catch it on the big screen. So my TV debut became a big news. ‘Ranta ji beti TV pe aa rahi hai‘ was the sentiment and my family got major validation, which I needed back then. When you love away from your family, there are low days. When you are rejected after an audition, you come back to your empty house and crash. Eventually you have to sacrifice, and my sacrifice was family time. But I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it big if I didn’t do that.”

Transitioning from television to the silver screen, Pratibha ventured into auditions for films, guided by her admiration for Aamir Khan. Her audition for “Laapataa Ladies” proved to be a pivotal moment, as she secured the role of ‘Jaya’, marking her foray into the realm of cinema. Subsequently, she seamlessly transitioned into her role as ‘Shama’ in “Heeramandi”, a testament to her versatility and talent.

As Pratibha Ranta continues to chart her course in the industry, her trajectory is undeniably promising. With just two films under her belt, she has left an indelible mark, showcasing her potential to shine brightly in the cinematic world.