Pratik Gandhi, Divyendu's advice for aspiring actors: Don't look in mirror and...

On the second day of Sahitya Aaj Tak, actors Pratik Gandhi and Divvyendu emphasised the importance of skill over appearance for aspiring actors. They also talked about the struggle they faced when they first came to Mumbai in pursuit of acting.

In Short

• Pratik Gandhi and Divyenndu discussed their acting journeys in Mumbai
• The two actors had graced the Sahitya Aajtak stage to talk about their upcoming film, Agni
• Divvyendu also shared advice for aspiring actors entering the industry

On the second day of Sahitya Aaj Tak, actors Pratik Gandhi and Divyenndu shared insights into their challenging journeys upon moving to Mumbai to pursue careers in acting. Speaking candidly, they recounted the difficulties of starting out in the entertainment industry, offering advice to aspiring actors.

Addressing aspiring actors, Divyenndu emphasised the importance of preparation and experience. “If you can attend a film school, it’s a great opportunity. Theatre is equally important -- it’s a school in itself. Don’t just look in the mirror and think you can become an actor. If you truly feel it and enjoy it, only then should you pursue it. Mumbai is already crowded -- don’t add to the crowd,” he advised.

Pratik Gandhi, best known for his breakout role in Scam 1992, spoke about his initial years in Mumbai after moving from Surat in 2004. "I already had some experience with local theatre and an engineering degree," he said, adding that he aimed, and even worked in both fields for 16 years.

Despite the hardships, he said how he avoided using the term “struggle.” “The moment you use the word ‘struggle,’ you start feeling sorry for yourself. I preferred to see it as gathering experiences about life and things that helped me become a better actor,” explained the Do Aur Do Pyaar actor.

Divyenndu, who gained fame for his role in Mirzapur, reflected on his comparatively shorter struggle period, crediting his education at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.

He noted that FTII not only gave him technical knowledge of filmmaking but also helped him build a network in Mumbai. “I used to assist friends on shoots and did small tasks for an editor friend, which earned me some money,” he shared.

Pratik and Divvyendu will next be seen in Agni, directed by Rahul Dholakia. The film will release on Prime Video on December 6.