There are roles that are all too familiar for an actor, and then there are those that take them on a path of discovery. While stepping into the role of Mihir Virani for Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 came naturally to Amar Upadhyay, being part of Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi led him to a novel character. The actor reveals that he plays Dr Pranjivan Mehta in the Pratik Gandhi-led web series that examines the man behind the Mahatma. “All I can say is the audience will see me in a different look and performance,” says Upadhyay.
Pratik Gandhi (L) plays the Mahatma in Hansal Mehta’s (R) series
Little is known about Pranjivan, who was among the Mahatma’s closest friends. A Doctor of Medicine (MD) and lawyer by education, and a jeweller by profession, he met Gandhi when the latter arrived in London in 1888 to study law. That encounter at Victoria Hotel marked the start of a deep friendship, and later Pranjivan provided financial and moral support to the leader’s movements in South Africa and India, including the Satyagraha movement. Some historical accounts suggest that he was the first to refer to Gandhi as Mahatma in 1909, when he used the term in a letter addressed to Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Gandhi’s book Hind Swaraj is said to be based on the exchanges between Pranjivan and him.
Upadhyay is thrilled to portray a man who deeply influenced the leader. Interestingly, the actor had auditioned for another part. “But Hansal sir felt I should play Dr Pranjivan Mehta. Many are unaware of Dr Mehta, but after the show releases, people will know his role in Gandhiji’s life. It was a challenge to put myself in that era. But when I got into the attire, I slipped into that persona automatically. Plus, Hansal sir was always there to tell us if we went overboard.”
For the actor, who was briefly seen in Scoop (2023), reuniting with Hansal is always a joy. He notes that the filmmaker has unusual trust in his artistes. “He can gauge whether an actor can manage on his own or needs help. Sometimes, when he knows that two actors are capable of taking the scene [in a particular direction], he may change their style. He can calmly handle any situation. In the worst of situations, he will say, ‘No problem, ho jayega’.” Upadhyay is equally impressed by his co-actor Pratik. “He is a simple and down-to-earth actor who is very involved in his craft,” he shares.
Dr Pranjivan Mehta
Who was Dr Mehta?
Pranjivan Mehta was an MD who first met Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, then 19, when the latter had arrived in London in 1888. The two became friends. Over the years, he provided financial and moral support to Gandhi’s movements in South Africa and India. He is credited as the first to refer to Gandhi as Mahatma. Historical accounts suggest that in 1909, he used the term in a letter addressed to Gopal Krishna Gokhale.