OTT has disrupted our industry in a good way: Pratik Gandhi

Pratik Gandhi, who was appreciated for his performance in his latest release Dhoom Dhaam, says that he loves comedies. Pratik, who also starred in the romcom Do Aur Do Pyaar last year, says, “Dhoom Dhaam was a mad comic caper and comedy is among my favourite genres. I loved playing a character that is very different from the quintessential hero you get to see in Hindi cinema. He has his vulnerabilities and the film was a today’s take on humour. Working with a solid, experienced co-actor (Yami Gautam) and sensible director (Rishab Seth) made the process very easy. I love Yami’s filmography and admire how she has created her own space in the industry by playing very different characters. She is a very secure and capable actor, who has a collaborative approach towards work.”
Talking about his upcoming web series, he adds, “Gandhi (Hansal Mehta’s upcoming web series) has to be the most gratifying thing in my life. While Bhamini (his wife) and I have done plays together, it’s the first time we will be seen together on screen (they play lead roles), which was always our dream. It’s been an experience of a lifetime to do this project together.”

While he enjoys doing comedies, Pratik says that it is “the most challenging genre to crack.” He adds, “Comedy requires a lot of effort and discipline not just from actors, but also writers, directors and editors. When you are portraying any other emotion, you have a certain range to work with. But comedy doesn’t give you that much of a free space and it has to land in a particular way, which is called comic timing. Whether you are delivering a punch or reacting to help a punch land, it happens in a microsecond. And if the audience feels that you are trying too hard to make them laugh, it doesn’t work at all. So, for actors, it’s important to know where to stop. I have always believed that less is more when it comes to comedy.”

Pratik, who became a household name thanks to the series Scam 1992-The Harshad Mehta Storyand has done films that were released on OTT platforms, says that the OTT boom has been a blessing for everyone. He shares, “OTT has given a different level of comfort to the audience by offering them great choices and it has disrupted the entertainment industry in a good way. While there are films that are best viewed in theatres, there are other movies that people prefer watching with their closed circle. Fabulous new stories are being explored and the medium has helped to groom new artistes and allowed them to grow. I am also one of them and I feel grateful for that.”

Pratik, who had to go shirtless for a scene in his latest film, says he had to work very hard to get the required physique. He shares, “I have always been inclined towards fitness and working out regularly. However, for that typical heroic physique as per Hindi cinema’s definition, I had to put in a lot of effort. The ripped body audiences got to see on screen was achieved in a very unhealthy way. I had to stop eating certain things completely. For three days, my water and salt intake were almost zero. It was tough, but I am glad about the result.”