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Tag: Pratik Gandhi

  • Stories from the heartland go global

    Stories from the heartland go global

    MUMBAI: Stories that stay rooted, yet take flight, that’s the new India calling. At FICCI Frames 2025, a star-studded panel on “Local Roots, Global Reach: Indian Storytelling from the Heartland” turned into a masterclass on why stories told with heart are now travelling the farthest.

    Moderated by broadcast journalist Anuradha Sengupta, the session featured The Viral Fever president Vijay Koshy, actors Neena Gupta, Pratik Gandhi, Faisal Malik, and Vineet Kumar Singh, voices that have lived and shaped India’s storytelling renaissance.

    “Anything that comes from the heart will touch the heart,” said Neena Gupta, drawing applause as she spoke of how authenticity, not algorithms, drives real connection.

    Pratik Gandhi reflected on his own journey after Scam 1992, “Stories can come from anywhere, but emotions are universal,” he added, noting how success opened creative doors rather than data dashboards.

    Vijay Koshy traced this evolution from Youtube freedom to OTT patronage. “We learnt the hard way in the digital world. Platforms are the new patrons, much like kings once funded artists,” he said, recalling how Panchayat, a show rejected by many, went on to become a cultural phenomenon precisely because “nothing was happening” in it.

    For Vineet Kumar Singh, heartland tales are India’s timeless truth. “Whether it’s Mother India or Panchayat, every story that mirrors real life finds its way to people’s hearts,” he said, reflecting on how viewers discover themselves in the stories of small towns and forgotten bylanes.

    Neena Gupta, ever candid, summed it up, “I think we should always try to go to the resources you have,” underlining how creators can draw on their own experiences and surroundings to tell authentic stories.

    The discussion also delved into the shifting sands of streaming. Sengupta reminded the panel that subscription models are giving way to ad-led formats. Koshy, however, remained optimistic. “We are not afraid. Authenticity will always survive,” he said with quiet conviction.

    As the session wrapped, Vineet shared a moving anecdote about Supermen of Malegaon, a small-town film that won hearts globally. “When it ended at the Toronto International Film Festival, the applause didn’t stop. That’s the power of stories from our soil,” he smiled.

    From villages to viral screens, India’s storytellers seem to have found their sweet spot: telling tales that are homegrown, heartfelt, and now, truly world-bound.

  • Applause Entertainment’s & Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi to world premiere at TIFF 2025

    Applause Entertainment’s & Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi to world premiere at TIFF 2025

    MUMBAI: In a landmark moment for Indian storytelling, Gandhi, the sweeping international series by Applause Entertainment and filmmaker Hansal Mehta, is set to make its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Selected as part of TIFF’s prestigious primetime programme, it is the first Indian series ever to feature in the festival’s showcase of auteur-driven episodic storytelling.

    Starring Pratik Gandhi in the titular role, Gandhi is adapted from historian Ramachandra Guha’s definitive biographies and charts the early, lesser-known years of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The first season, titled An Untold Story of Becoming (1888–1915), traces his formative years from a curious teen in colonial India to a struggling law student in London and a young barrister in South Africa—long before the Mahatma was born.

    Sameer Nair“To have Gandhi selected for TIFF’s Primetime showcase is both an honour and a moment of immense pride; not just for Applause, but for Indian storytelling. Taking you up close and personal to the young Mohan way before he became the man history knows, this series is the culmination of deep research, creative development, and unwavering belief in the human story we wanted to tell,” said Applause Entertainment managing director Sameer Nair.  “TIFF will be the first time our Gandhi will be seen by audiences. To begin that journey on a global platform of such import, is the perfect start and we can’t wait for the world to discover him.”

    For Hansal Mehta, the director and showrunner, TIFF holds special significance. “Gandhi has been the most creatively challenging and soul-stirring journey of my career. It’s not just a story from our past—it’s a meditation on conscience, a portrait of a man in constant conflict with himself and his times,” explained Mehta. ”TIFF has previously been home to some of my most precious pieces of work, and to have perhaps the most ambitious story of my career premiering there is doubly special—particularly in TIFF’s 50th year. To share this journey at a festival that has embraced me over the years is both humbling and surreal. I hope it opens the door for more Indian series to find their place on the world stage.”

    Hansal MehtaThe Gandhi premiere will see key cast and crew in attendance, including Sameer Nair, Hansal Mehta, Pratik Gandhi, Tom Felton, Kabir Bedi and Siddharth Khaitan. The series boasts a powerhouse creative team with music by A.R. Rahman and writing by Vaibhav Vishal, Karan Vyas, Felix von Stumm, Hema Gopinathan, Sehaj Kaur Maini and Yashna Malhotra. Script development was supported by Siddhartha Basu and Ramachandra Guha, with casting by Mukesh Chhabra (India) and Shakyra Dowling (International).

    TIFF’s primetime section has previously hosted series by the likes of Alfonso Cuarón, Shawn Levy and Steven Knight. With Gandhi entering this rarefied space, Indian long-form storytelling may have finally arrived on the world stage.

  • “I am completely monogamous, and abhor the concept of open relationship”: Vidya Balan in IMDb’s ‘Ask Each Other Anything’

    “I am completely monogamous, and abhor the concept of open relationship”: Vidya Balan in IMDb’s ‘Ask Each Other Anything’

    Mumbai: On the release of Do Aur Do Pyaar, starring Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi, the actors appeared in the IMDb original series ‘Ask Each Other Anything.’ This romantic comedy explores the intricacies of the relationship between a husband and a wife. They engaged in discussions about intriguing aspects of their personal lives, shared their experiences on set, and reflected on what they learned from each other throughout the journey of Do Aur Do Pyaar.

    When asked about her reaction upon discovering she would be working with Pratik, Vidya responded, “I had watched ‘Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story’ already, so when Tanuj, Atul, and Swati (the producers of the movie) came home, we were discussing various characters, and for the role of Ani, they said ‘we’ve thought about Pratik Gandhi, the guy from Scam 1992.’ I was like, ‘Wow!’ He was fabulous.’ It didn’t feel like you were acting in the series even for a minute. If I didn’t know how Harshad Mehta looked, I would have thought it was you. So, I was very excited.”

    As the film revolves around relationships, Pratik asked Vidya about her perspective on open relationships. Vidya said, “I don’t understand the idea of an open relationship. I think you can be open with each other about everything, but when you talk about open relationships and open marriage, you are talking about being okay with your partner being with someone else, sharing your partner with someone else. I am not okay with that. I am completely monogamous, and I believe in monogamy. I abhor this concept of open relationship. If it works for you, great, but I cannot fathom how it works for someone.”

    While the conversation was brewing, Vidya asked Pratik to suggest three films everyone must watch. Pratik said, “I feel I get connected to the strongest emotions the most, and I find myself a very common audience. So, I feel The Pursuit of Happyness and Sadma are films that have layers of emotions and are conveyed simply in the most human possible way. One more is Hera Pheri because of their comic timing, which landed every time I watched, and I have watched it multiple times.”

    Additionally, given Pratik’s theatre background, Vidya asked him about the one thing he would like to take from theatre and apply to cinema. Pratik responded, “I think what I have seen and what I have done is the discipline and duty toward the story. You have to actually leave yourself and cut your ego and become selfless to tell the story in the most honest possible way. This is what helped me, because as an actor, we constantly deal with egos onset and offset, everywhere, and also sometimes while performing. So, certain humility towards the process and being true to the storytelling is important. Also, theatre makes you human because one show will work wonders and the other show might not, so you don’t lose your heart quickly. So what I have learned from theatre is that all the claps are for the characters and all the criticism is for me as an actor. So if this is what we experience in cinema, then a lot of things will change”, he added.

  • ShemarooMe presents new web series ‘What The Fafda’

    ShemarooMe presents new web series ‘What The Fafda’

    Mumbai: Comedy lovers, rejoice! Get ready to unleash a wave of laughter with ShemarooMe’s latest original web series, ‘What The Fafda’ premiering on the 14 September 2023. This uproarious comedy promises to be your ultimate ticket to a world filled with hilarity and non-stop fun. ‘What The Fafda’ boasts an ensemble of over 40 artists that reads like a who’s who of the Gujarati entertainment industry, featuring the likes of Pratik Gandhi, Sanjay Goradia, Tiku Talsania, Shraddha Dangar, Niilam Panchal, Ishani Dave, Kushal Mistry, Jayesh More, Jhinal Belani, Manan Dave, Bhamini Oza, Prem Gadhvi, Parth Parmar, Dhruvin Kumar, Viraj Ghelani, and other incredible talents. From quirky characters to laugh-out-loud situations, ‘What the Fafda’ serves up a comedy platter that caters to every palate.

    Created under the banner of Bombay Story House and spearheaded by Rahul Patel, this situational anthology comedy series is on the brink of becoming your newest addiction. The series introduces an unprecedented format in Gujarati comedy, with each episode offering a humorous perspective on the lives of quirky professionals we often encounter in our daily lives, offering a unique glimpse into their world. Every episode promises to whip up hilarious situations, unveiling their eccentricities and delightfully unconventional working styles. Viewers can expect relatable yet riotous scenarios that will compel them to say ‘What The Fafda’ towards the end of each episode. And if that’s not enough to pique your interest, the series features a catchy title track that perfectly encapsulates the show’s essence and will get you grooving.

    Speaking about the excitement surrounding the show’s launch, veteran actor Tiku Talsania expressed his enthusiasm, “During the shoot, the set was filled with young and energetic crew members who knew exactly what they wanted, which is something I appreciate. Everyone has done a fantabulous job, and I am sure the audience will like it as it deviates from the usual ‘baa-bahu’ drama. In a world where comedy has evolved into various forms, including dark humour and biting sarcasm, ShemarooMe and ‘What the Fafda’ team have impressively revived the essence of family-friendly humour that the Gujarati industry is famous for. The viewers will not only enjoy the show but also resonate with its unique concept.”

    Actor Manan Dave shared his experience and said, “The audience can see me in two episodes of ‘What The Fafda’. In one of the episodes, I had the privilege of sharing the screen with Tiku sir, a veteran in the industry, and as a young, aspiring actor, I learned invaluable lessons from him. I would like to thank ShemarooMe for this ambitious project, which brings together 40-plus actors from the industry and beautifully blends the talents of both young and veteran Gujarati actors. The result has been nothing short of impressive; each episode carries a unique message that I believe will strike a chord with the audience. I hope the audience watches the series and shower their love on us.”

    So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare to laugh your heart out! ‘What The Fafda’ guarantees an unmatched comedy experience, with every episode designed to have you in splits from start to finish. Don’t miss out on this comedy extravaganza – it’s time to say goodbye to stress and hello to hilarity!

  • Applause Entertainment reunites with Hansal Mehta for biopic on Mahatma Gandhi

    Applause Entertainment reunites with Hansal Mehta for biopic on Mahatma Gandhi

    Mumbai: Applause Entertainment has once again teamed up with acclaimed director Hansal Mehta for a biopic series on the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi.  

    The series will be an adaptation of notable historian and author Ramachandra Guha’s two books ‘Gandhi before India’ and ‘Gandhi-The Years that Changed the World. Actor Pratik Gandhi will play the lead while Hansal will be enrolled as director of the project.

    Post success of Scam 1992, Hansal and Pratik are reuniting for Gandhi which will be set in the Indian Independence struggle era. Applause is looking forward to making Gandhi at an international standard for a global audience and will be filming it extensively across several Indian and foreign locations. Siddhartha Basu will join the project as the historical consultant, factual advisor, and creative consultant.  

    Applause Entertainment founder and CEO Sameer Nair said, “The story of Mahatma Gandhi is more than just the story of a great individual; it is also the story of the birth of a nation and many other dramatis personae, who along with Gandhi, gained freedom for India. We at Applause are honoured to have this opportunity to tell this important story of India and to bring alive the rich history of the Indian Freedom struggle in a deeply layered multi-season drama series. A story of this magnitude needs a filmmaker of equal stature and in Hansal we have found our perfect storyteller. Collaborating once again with Hansal and Pratik makes this all the more exciting.”

    Filmmaker Hansal Mehta said, “When you speak of a historic and iconic figure like Mahatma Gandhi, there is already a great deal of responsibility on you as a filmmaker. Our vision with the series is to make it as true-to-life as possible and supported by Ramachandra Guha’s work, we are confident and enthusiastic that we will bring audiences something to remember. With a common vision for this ambitious narrative, I am excited to kickstart a new journey, yet again with
    Sameer and the team at Applause.”

    Nair further added “The making of Gandhi will be an emotional experience, and when a series of this magnitude and importance is made, it needs people who truly believe in its import. With Hansal’s directorial vision, Pratik’s delicately nuanced performance and Siddhartha Basu joining the creative process, we are excited to bring Gandhi’s, and India’s journey, to a global audience.”

  • Applause Entertainment to make a series on Mahatma Gandhi

    Applause Entertainment to make a series on Mahatma Gandhi

    MUMBAI: Production house Applause Entertainment will make a series on Mahatma Gandhi. The company has bought the rights to two books by Ramachandra Guha. Actor Pratik Gandhi will play Mahatma Gandhi.

    Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair said, “Ramachandra Guha is a historian and storyteller par excellence, and we are honoured to adapt his classic books – Gandhi before India, and Gandhi – The Years That Changed the World – to screen. We couldn’t think of anyone better than the incredibly talented Pratik Gandhi to bring alive the Mahatma, and his philosophies of peace and love that shook the world. We believe that only a richly layered, multi season drama series will do real justice to Gandhi and to all the great personalities that embed the proud and illustrious history of India’s Freedom Struggle. This is a story of the birthing of modern India for a global audience.”

    Historian Ramachandra Guha said, ‘Gandhi’s work transformed the world, and his legacy still sparks the most intense debates. His life was an epic journey, played out across three great countries: India, England and South Africa. He fought nobly for freedom, for inter-faith harmony, and for the rights of the underprivileged. Along the way he made many friends and not a few enemies too. I am delighted that my books on Gandhi are now being adapted for this ambitious and exciting series being produced by Applause Entertainment. I am confident that it will bring the complex contours of Gandhi’s life and the moral essence of his teachings to viewers across the globe’.

    Pratik Gandhi said, “I deeply believe in Gandhian philosophy and his values that echo simplicity in its purest forms. Personally too, I strive to achieve and imbibe many of his qualities and teachings in my daily life. Moreover, playing the role of Mahatma is very close to my heart ever since my theater days, and now it is a huge honor to yet again essay the role of this legendary leader on screen. I believe it’s a huge responsibility to essay this role with dignity, grace and conviction, and I can’t wait to embark on this journey with Sameer Nair and his team at Applause.”

  • HDFC Life emphasises need for adequate life insurance in new campaign

    HDFC Life emphasises need for adequate life insurance in new campaign

    Mumbai: Life insurance provider HDFC Life has launched its latest campaign called #AdhuraNahiPuraInsurance to enable consumers understand the need for adequate life insurance.

    Often individuals purchase life cover that is inadequate and remain underinsured. This could be detrimental to the family’s well-being in case something was to happen to the breadwinner, said the company in a statement. “Through this campaign, HDFC Life aims to encourage individuals to calculate their ideal life cover with the help of the Human Life Value Calculator (HLV) available on the company’s website,” it added.

    The campaign comprises a series of three films featuring actor Pratik Gandhi where the protagonist is present in situations that depict the consequences of inadequate preparation. The cases are relatable, and the scenes are witty, showcasing how incomplete actions will land you in a pickle.

    “India has a large population that is either uninsured or underinsured, leading to a high protection gap. With an increase in the young working population there is a greater need for life insurance to secure the breadwinner in the family. Further, the pandemic has enhanced the need for a financial safety net,” said HDFC Life head of marketing, digital business, and e-commerce Vishal Subharwal.

    “Human Life Value calculation should ideally be the first step while purchasing life insurance. It ensures that the cover is adequate and fulfils the purpose of the policy. Through this campaign, we aim to create greater awareness of the need for adequate life insurance cover,” he added.