lawyer-turned actor Pranav Sachdeva is rewriting the norms of acting with grit and determination. By Ramya Palisetty
When he was five years old, Pranav Sachdeva went for pre-school admissions. When the teacher asked him about his ambitions in life, he opened his scrapbook and pointed to Shah Rukh Khan’s poster in Darr. It is ironic how the universe works in mysterious ways as 20 years later, he portrayed the role of Ram in Agar Tum Saath Ho which has been compared to the two-faced character of Shah Rukh in Darr.
A fresher actor, he is a force to be reckoned with. Starring in various television shows like Agar Tum Saath Ho and Airlines, he is venturing into web series with Vikram Bhatt’s Hadh, a gripping boardroom drama which portrays a trail of emotions like revenge, betrayal, murder and passion. The plot revolves around three sons of a wealthy business tycoon,in a race to prove their worth as the rightful heir.
Known for portraying eccentric characters bordering on psychotic, he adds layers to each role to build a persona. Playing unusual roles gives an edge and increases the viewership. In a world corrupted by ruthless and evil individuals, the audience is curious to see shows where the protagonist is cunning, selfish, possessive with moral traits like charisma and benevolence. “Odd roles provides depth and the underlying anticipation keeps the audience glued to their seats,” said he.
He will be playing the role of a schizophrenic in his upcoming television show. A method actor, he has talked to psychologists, psychiatrists and watched various documentaries available on the internet. “Impersonating a schizophrenic is challenging because each individual suffering from the disorder has different symptoms and experiences. Portraying it on screen could summon a debate about the wrongful depiction of the disorder.”
He began his career as a child actor in Intehaan on Doordarshan. A popular artist in the Delhi theatre circuit, he has directed and acted in various plays. Said Pranav,“I do productions and directions but it is paramount for me to star as the lead actor. My first love has always been acting.”
The transformation from theatre to films is not easy. The actor feels that theatre is a stage where you get feedback instantaneously. “When the audience laughs at your jokes or is sniffling during an emotional scene, you know that the character portrayed has bonded with the viewers and the play has captured their intrigue. You are on a journey from the beginning to end”, said he. But during films, you never know the reactions unless the TRPs are generated. “Films are usually shot with no sequence. Sometimes, on the first day of the shoot, you have the climax scene lined up.”
The life of an actor is arduous and demanding physically as well as mentally. Though glamour, fame and satisfaction of doing content-driven roles do outweigh the cons but at times, it does get too much. Always under the spotlight, they are scrutinised and critiqued for their appearances, choice of roles and personal engagements. “You have to keep up your appearances all day long from makeup to your physique. After the shoot each day, you need to go to the gym to stay in shape. A proper diet has to be maintained”, said he.
like every actor, Pranav had to struggle to prove his mettle. He took up roles to pursue his passion and to keep himself afloat. Said he, “There have been low points but all those efforts has led me to where I am today. luckily, each and every rock bottom has been followed by soaring highs. I am ambitious and would want to work in Bollywood one day but for now, I am content at this juncture of my life.”
Born and brought up in Delhi, he is an alumni of Modern Barakhamba School and Hansraj College. He owns lCM entertainment, a Delhi-based entertainment company which has produced various celebrity stage productions. As a Delhi boy, he loves the cold winters, the street food and the city, surrounded with people of various cultures and traditions giving individuals a sense of belongingness. “Delhi somehow makes you feel at home. I keep travelling to Mumbai for work but I always come back home to meet my family and friends. During holidays, I let myself go and eat all the delicacies to my heart’s desire”, said Pranav. His father was insistent about the actor becoming a lawyer a few years ago but is awaiting the day he would see his son on the silver screen. It is henceforth true that every great dream begins with a dreamer.