Amidst the bustling sounds of the city and the perpetual motion of the film industry, we met with Pratik Gandhi—the actor whose recent trajectory in the cinematic world has been nothing short of meteoric. As he settles into the rhythm of an in-depth conversation about his latest film, “Do Aur Do Pyaar,” it’s evident that he carries the thrill of his ongoing success with humility and an insightful perspective on the evolving shape of Bollywood romantic leads.
The comedic landscape recently felt a jolt with the release of “Madgaon Express,” a film that continues to draw laughter in theaters deep into its run. When asked about this comedic strength, Gandhi expressed his admiration for the direction of Kunal Kemmu. “The entire success revolves around Kunal,” he remarked, acknowledging Kemmu’s adeptness at crafting intelligent humor and his deep understanding of the genre’s nuances.
Gandhi’s current project, “Do Aur Do Pyaar,” steers him into the realm of romantic comedy, a departure from his previous work. Directed by Shirsha Guha Thakurta, Gandhi and Vidya Balan portray a married couple grappling with the dimming embers of their relationship. The actor enthusiastically embraces the storytelling diversity of his six upcoming releases, each geared toward displaying his chameleonic abilities. He reflects on how “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story,” the show that soared his fame sky-high in 2020, served as the pivot for his relentless two-and-a-half-year shooting schedule. “Each project has been incredibly different,” he says, hinting at the depth and range he seeks in his roles. His character in “Do Aur Do Pyaar” is described as goofy and confrontation-averse—an exciting challenge for Gandhi.
The romantic comedy genre, Gandhi posits, thrives on the alchemy of good chemistry, which he found came naturally with co-stars Balan and Ileana D’Cruz. Drawing on the spontaneity of the craft, he states, “We have no fixed method to create chemistry. Our commitment to the storyline and the characters allowed us to weave that magic organically.” Their creative process involved extensive rehearsal sessions and a dedication to authenticity over formula.
In a contemplative moment, Gandhi touched upon the broader shift in Bollywood’s definition of the quintessential romantic hero—a shift he finds himself fortunate to witness and participate in. The traditional image once set by heartthrobs like Shah Rukh Khan has now morphed, he muses, to accommodate a more diverse array of characters that can resonate with audiences on an emotional level. “The hero is no longer just a statue of physique and charm. It’s now about how deeply an actor can make viewers connect with their character’s journey,” he explains.
In the bustling ebb and flow of the Hindi film industry, where fan expectations and cinematic trends are ever-changing, Pratik Gandhi comes across as an actor both rooted in his values and adaptable to the shifting landscapes. With films such as “Do Aur Do Pyaar,” Gandhi stays on course, ready to challenge and reshape what it means to be a lead in a romantic comedy—a testament to his versatility and the changing face of Bollywood romance. As we wrap up our conversation, it’s clear that Gandhi is not just a part of the changing tide but also one of the harbingers ushering in a new and inclusive era of Indian cinema.
