Actor Pratik Gandhi discusses his role as diplomat-spy master Vishnu Shankar in Netflix’s Saare Jahan Se Accha, working in Hansal Mehta's Gandhi, and more
Pratik Gandhi in Saare Jahan Se Accha
Seasoned actor Pratik Gandhi returns to the OTT space for yet another impactful role with Netflix’s Saare Jahan Se Accha. He steps into the shoes of Vishnu Shankar, who he asserts is not a spy after being enlightened by a former intelligence officer. The actor sets the record straight in an exclusive interaction with mid-day, citing that he plays a spy master. He explains that his character is a diplomat, whose job profile involves gathering information, deciphering it, processing it, and drawing conclusions.
Pratik Gandhi on 20 years in showbiz
Pratik, who has showcased his versatility with projects like Scam 1992, Madgaon Express, and Do Aur Do Pyaar, marks two decades in the industry. He says his biggest takeaway is to have patience and stick around.
While an actor’s worth in today’s times is measured based on clout and the tag of being massy, Pratik avers that the criteria should be the range that one can portray. “It is a make-believe world that we create for the audience, whether it's on stage or in films, or OTT. So, if for like the first 30-40 seconds you don't see the actor and you just see the character, that's where the actor can win. If one can do this, they’re worthy enough to be there in the audience's heart,” he avers.
On playing the titular role in Gandhi web series
Pratik, who has essayed the role of Mahatma Gandhi numerous times for the theatre medium, will portray it for the first time, courtesy of the web series Gandhi, directed by Hansal Mehta. It is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The actor is confident that it will touch the hearts of many. “We have never met Mohan. Our whole intention was to meet Mohan and make him meet the audience. He was never born Mahatma. He was a common man like all of us.”
He further mentions bringing a new flavour to the show. Ask him how, and he elaborates, “Most of the generations don't know this part of his life. Whatever he's done in South Africa is hardly known to anybody. So, there are a lot of deeper nuances. We are not seeing him as superhuman or the father of the nation. We are just talking about his journey.”
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