Actor Ray Parihar, who plays Pratham in the popular Zee TV show Jamai No.1 produced by Studio LSD, recently opened up about the journey of his character and the many layers he has explored through the role.
Says Ray, “Pratham started as a very sharp, slightly arrogant, and highly ambitious character. He believed he knew it all and often came across as brash. But deep down, he is vulnerable — someone who craves validation and love but hides it behind a tough exterior.”
Throughout the show, Pratham’s relationship with Manjiri ( played by Aarti Bhagat) has been central to his transformation. What began as constant clashes and mutual irritation eventually blossomed into love, much to the delight of fans. “Initially, Pratham was pretty antagonistic towards Manjiri. They were always at odds. But as they interacted more, he realized there was more to her than he first thought. His journey from indifference to irritation, to admiration, and finally to love has been beautifully written,” Ray explains.
Portraying Pratham’s emotional evolution wasn’t easy. Ray emphasizes the importance of subtlety. “It was a gradual and very real transition. I had to show softer looks, longer pauses, less aggression — without making it seem like a different character altogether,” he says. “The biggest challenge was ensuring the audience could feel Pratham’s emotional shifts naturally.”
Speaking about the complexities of his role, Ray adds, “Switching between arrogance, vulnerability, and love is tough but exciting. I tap into Pratham’s core fears — his fear of rejection, his pride, his buried insecurities — to ensure each emotion feels authentic.”
Reflecting on Pratham’s journey so far, Ray says, “Pratham has had one of the most dynamic arcs in the show. He has grown immensely from the brash, self-centred man we met to someone who genuinely cares, especially for Manjiri. His love story has humanized him. He is still flawed, still battling his inner demons, but he’s a man in love now — and that has changed everything.”
