Actor Pratik Gandhi says he is looking forward to playing Mahatma Gandhi and Jyotirao Phule in separate projects and believes these important historical figures will allow him to go through a “tricky transformation journey”.
“Phule”, written and directed by Ananth Mahadevan, features Pratik Gandhi in the role of the social activist and reformer Mahatma Phule opposite Patralekhaa’s educationalist Savitribai Phule. Filming on the movie begins in April.
After he wraps up shooting on “Phule”, the actor will reunite with his “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story” director Hansal Mehta for a multi-season series on Mahatma Gandhi.
“Imagine how lucky one can get! The very thought of getting these opportunities gave me such joy. As actors, we are blessed as we can live multiple lives in this one life. All this gives me superlative joy that I am offered these characters and as an actor, I get to live this,” Pratik Gandhi told PTI in an interview.
Calling Phule a "tricky part", the actor said the upcoming movie is a new challenge for him.
"The language is different, the set is different and it is a period drama. So, the emotions that we feel right now, like the way the millennials react to certain situations, are very different. To set a correct context is a tricky thing. My major concentration as an actor is to create this world and these characters in a real and organic way,” he said.
The 42-year-old actor is excited to don separate looks for both projects.
“Physically, Phule has a strong appearance and it would complement his strong will. Phule has a turban, beard, and moustache look," he added.
Pratik Gandhi, who has essayed the role of a young Mahatma Gandhi in the 2015 Gujarati play "Mohan No Masalo (Mohan's Recipe)", said he will have to shed a few kilos for Mehta's series.
"It is about the young Mohandas Gandhi. I have to gain muscles and a little weight to play Jyotirao Phule and then for my role as Gandhiji, I will have to lose weight. So, it is a tricky transformation journey,” he said.
The actor said not many are aware of the contribution of these two social reformers but cinema plays a pivotal role in serving as a reminder.
“The least that I expect from the film is that people would remember these figures and understand that, in retrospect, everybody has the power to serve the nation and lead the social reforms for the betterment of the future.” Pratik Gandhi said he is fascinated with the ambitions that Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule had envisioned for the future generation of the country. January 3 was Savitribai Phule's 192nd birth anniversary.
Calling them great visionaries, the actor said, "They believed that if certain changes were not made the coming generations would suffer, they were among the first people to think about a progressive India." The actor said the makers are staying true to reality while presenting the story of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule.
“We are not changing anything story per se, whatever is their story it is already there in the public domain. The way people are reacting to random things (it) is beyond comprehension. You may never know what hurts whom, why, how, and when,” he said, when asked if he is being cautious while playing real-life characters.
(PTI)
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.