Pratik Gandhi, widely recognized for his compelling and nuanced performance in Scam 1992, has significantly broadened his artistic range, proving his versatility beyond intense, dramatic roles. The actor, who won widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Harshad Mehta in the financial thriller, has steadily broken free from the confines of typecasting, exploring new genres and challenging industry perceptions about his capabilities. In a recent interview, Gandhi opened up about his journey in the entertainment industry, his transition into comedy, and the struggles he faced in convincing filmmakers that he could do more than just serious roles.
During an exclusive conversation with India Today Digital, Gandhi recalled how, in the early years of his career—particularly in Gujarati cinema—he was predominantly offered serious and dramatic roles. “This used to happen a lot earlier, especially when I started with Gujarati films. It was always the intense, dramatic roles that came my way. I did a couple of films, and in 2016, Wrong Side Raju, a drama and thriller, even won a National Award,” he said. While these performances established him as a powerhouse performer, they also led to a pattern where he was seen only in a particular light.
Despite achieving critical acclaim in drama, Gandhi often encountered skepticism when it came to exploring comedy. “Many people came to me with comedy scripts but would say, ‘We don’t see you in this role.’ They would assure me that we’d work on something else later,” he revealed, highlighting the industry’s hesitation to envision him beyond his established image. Filmmakers and audiences alike associated him with serious and intense characters, making it difficult for him to break into lighter, more entertaining roles.
However, the tide began to turn with his role in Madgaon Express, which not only expanded his audience reach but also marked his entry into large-scale commercial cinema. “The film helped me reach out to a bigger audience, and it was a large-scale film,” he stated, emphasizing how it allowed him to challenge preconceived notions about his capabilities. It was through Madgaon Express that Gandhi was able to introduce his comedic side to a mainstream audience, something he had always wanted to do.
Gandhi’s adaptability across genres has since become more apparent, allowing him to take on diverse roles that highlight different aspects of his talent. Discussing his latest comedy venture, Dhoom Dhaam, he shared, “I really enjoy this genre. Dhoom Dhaam has all the elements of a comedy of errors. It’s a complete situational comedy, and the audience really connects with the bizarre situations.” He further explained that while comedy may seem effortless on screen, it requires great timing, rhythm, and an understanding of the audience’s reactions.
Despite his association with intense performances, Gandhi was determined to showcase his comedic flair. “After Scam 1992, everyone thought I’d only be suited for serious roles,” he admitted. “No one expected me to do comedy, but with Madgaon Express, I surprised everyone.” He recalled how people would often assume that he had a brooding, intellectual persona off-screen as well, whereas in reality, he enjoyed humor and lighter moments just as much as anyone else.
Reflecting on the opportunities that came his way post-Scam 1992, Gandhi expressed gratitude for the diverse roles he has been offered. “After Scam, I felt really blessed because the kinds of characters and stories I was offered were all from different genres. It was exactly what I was waiting for as an actor.” He acknowledged that many actors struggle with breaking free from their initial success, and he considers himself fortunate to have had the chance to work on varied projects.
While he remains best known for his dramatic roles, Gandhi has always had a deep appreciation for comedy. “Drama is my favorite genre, but comedy is right up there too. I’ve done comedy on stage, and now I’m happy to explore it in films,” he said. He elaborated on how theater had given him a strong foundation in performing comedic roles, as stage acting requires real-time reactions from the audience, helping him refine his timing and expressions.
Looking ahead, Pratik Gandhi is set to star in Dhoom Dhaam alongside Yami Gautam, further solidifying his place as a multifaceted actor capable of excelling across genres. With each new project, he continues to defy expectations and push the boundaries of his craft, proving that great actors are not confined by genre but rather thrive in versatility. Fans eagerly await his next move, confident that he will continue to surprise them with his range and talent.
