Pratik Gandhi: ‘Prepped for eight years in three languages’

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Four months into 2024, Pratik Gandhi sits comfortably with two much-loved films, Madgaon Express and Do Aur Do Pyaar, behind him. But what lies ahead makes the actor happier - the web series, Gandhi. Based on historian Ramachandra Guha's books Gandhi Before India and Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World, Hansal Mehta's show dissects the man behind the world-renowned leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi. Pratik, who recently kicked off its London schedule, says, "I get nervous when I do a series; even on my 200th show, I'm nervous. On Gandhi, I try not to think of the magnitude or expectations. I only think of my excitement. I try to bring the rigour that will pull me through for 120 days. It's a plus that Hansal sir and everyone in the crew also has that rigour."

Hansal Mehta

It's fascinating how some roles become an integral part of an actor's life. Since 2015, Pratik has been playing the Mahatma in a play titled Mohan No Masalo. As he brings the character alive again, this time on screen, the actor views it as something far bigger than a coincidence. "I was destined to do this. I have been prepping for this for nearly eight years in three languages [Gujarati, Hindi and English]. This character has been a spiritual performance [for me]."

Pratik Gandhi

The actor, who broke out with Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020), has been seen in two back-to-back theatrical offerings recently. Does going back to a series worry him since theatrical releases are perceived to be the way forward? "I never think of OTT and big screen as different. I look for a story. Madgaon Express' success is empowering; [it tells us that] people come to screens for stories. As actors, all we can do is portray a character memorably and give our all. I want my stories to surprise people. I have a range of emotions to display in Gandhi. The Hindi film audience has never seen me play such a character, and I hope that shock value will land."

We can't end our chat without asking him whether Madgaon Express will have a sequel, as rumours suggest. "Kunal [Kemmu, director] left that Las Vegas reference in the end. So, he may have something in mind."