Pratik Gandhi: Experimentation, Not Formulas, Key to Actor Longevity

Actor Pratik Gandhi believes that the key to a lasting career in entertainment lies in constant experimentation rather than repeating successful formulas. Speaking at the Ideabaaz Startup Fest 2026 in New Delhi, Gandhi said that while box office numbers are a measure of success, they are not the only one. He argued that a film's success cannot be defined solely by these figures, as the creative process thrives on the absence of a fixed formula.

Gandhi, who has worked across theatre, films, and OTT platforms, noted that changing audience viewing habits make it necessary to look beyond theatrical collections. "Not all subjects need theatre," he said, pointing out that some stories are better enjoyed on television or mobile screens. Each subject, he added, has a different audience and should be enjoyed differently.

For the actor, versatility is the biggest asset for longevity. "The same audience who's clapping for you for a couple of things that you did similarly, the same audience will reject you immediately the moment they see you repeating yourself," he warned. When asked if actors today need to be more willing to take risks, Gandhi was direct: "Absolutely, that's the only way to survive."

Gandhi's own career reflects this approach, from his breakthrough role as Harshad Mehta in 'Scam 1992' to his work in 'Phule' and various other projects. He said he follows his instinct when choosing scripts, gravitating toward stories that are compelling and characters that demand a lot from him.

One of his most significant challenges was portraying Mahatma Gandhi in Hansal Mehta's series 'Gandhi'. Gandhi said his biggest task was to approach the character not as the larger-than-life historical figure, but as a person full of failures. "I don't judge my character. I don't sympathize with the character, I just empathize," he explained, adding that the internal conflicts behind Gandhi's decisions remain open to interpretation. He believes Gandhi's ideas are "more relevant now than ever before."

Gandhi also discussed his upcoming projects. He described his role in 'Mess' as complex and layered, praising director Rajesh A Krishnan for creating an interesting world. He is also set to appear in Tigmanshu Dhulia's 'Ghamasaan', where he plays a cop inspired by real-life stories. Interestingly, despite sharing the film with Arshad Warsi, Gandhi revealed the two actors do not share screen time. The film, also starring Ishita Dutta, is scheduled for release on ZEE5 on September 11.