In a stunning display of talent, actor Mahir Pandhi has taken on the challenging dual roles of Bali and Sugriva in the captivating Sony SAB and Swastik Productions’ show, Veer Hanuman. With each character, Mahir has demonstrated his remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning between the fierce and powerful Bali and the noble and wise Sugriva. His commitment to exploring a wide range of genres has allowed him to shine in every performance, consistently delivering his utmost effort and embodying the essence of each role with authenticity and depth.
With every project, I am growing and learning more and more about my craft and myself. It helps me to explore more emotions, unleash the layers and understand what works and what does not.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Mahir talks about his present stint in Veer Hanuman.
Read here.
How is it to take up your first mythological stint with Veer Hanuman?
I don’t like to use the term mythology. I like to use a term which is more towards our culture. Mythology comes from the word myth, and these stories are not myths. These are stories that have been passed on for generations and have proof. I am getting the opportunity to do two roles in Veer Hanuman, and it is different. I usually like to run away from monotony and this show helps.
From playing the lover boy to the more mature roles to this stint, how has your journey moved on?
When you are young, the beard is not there. When I started, I used to play the clean-shaven lover boy. When I made the shift to TV, I had the opportunity to portray my beard and put on a Sardar look in Choti Sarrdaarni, who was again a lover boy, a very gentle and soft guy. Having said this, I enjoy exploring the grey shade more than that of the lover boy. As an artist, it is fun.
Which has been your best phase till now?
The best phase is yet to come, is what I would like to believe. With every project, I am growing and learning more and more about my craft and myself. It helps me to explore more emotions, unleash the layers and understand what works and what does not. We get to see ourselves on the screen. Since we are very critical as an audience, I also judge myself a lot, and that helps. So the best phase is yet to come.
Every time you set foot into a new role, what do you wish for?
I want to enjoy every experience. Your expectations with the role and show also evolve when you see it that way. Once we enjoy it, we want the audience to enjoy it also, and the show to do well. For me, I need to enjoy what I am doing first. That is when I will be able to convince the audience and connect with them.
Working with Swastik Productions is a dream come true for many actors. What is your take?
Swastik Productions is like a family. This is my second show with Swastik and Sony SAB, back to back. I got my second show when I was wrapping up my first with them.
Tell us about the mighty preparations you had to undergo to play Bali and Sugriva?
A lot of prep actually went into the show. I read a lot and did a lot of research. I am a sucker for history, so it was a beautiful process to know more about Bali and Sugreev. Realising that there is so much about them that we don’t know has been a discovery in itself. The new generation needs to know all of these hidden facts. I thoroughly enjoy learning more about our culture. Once you know that people don’t know much about this story, the motivation doubles up to tell the story. Apart from all this, the physicality transformation that I went from 86 to 104 kg to grow the body for my characters was great.
What are your expectations from this show?
I want people to love the show. I have set up my house in Umargaon now, so the show needs to last. With the IPL currently on, the response has been good. Word of mouth does the trick, and we wish for more of that.
