On the second day of Sahitya Aaj Tak, actors Pratik Gandhi and Divyendu shared details about their challenging journey of moving to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. Speaking candidly, he recounted the difficulties of starting out in the entertainment industry and offered advice to aspiring actors.

Addressing aspiring actors, Divyendu stressed the importance of preparation and experience. “If you can get into a film school, that’s a great opportunity. Theater is equally important – it is a school in itself. Don’t think you can become an actor just by looking in the mirror. If you really feel it and enjoy it, only then should you pursue it. Mumbai is already crowded – don’t add to the crowd,” he advised.

Pratik Gandhi, known for his breakout role in Scam 1992, talks about his early years in Mumbai after moving from Surat in 2004. “I already had some experience with local theater and an engineering degree,” he said, which was his goal, and also worked in both fields for 16 years.

Despite the difficulties, he said he avoids using the word “struggle”. “The moment you use the word ‘struggle’, you start feeling sorry for yourself. I preferred to look at it as gathering experiences about life and things that helped me become a better actor,” informed the Do Aur Do Pyaar actor.

Divyendu, who rose to fame for his role in Mirzapur, credited his education at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, reflecting on his comparatively short struggle period.

He said that FTII not only gave him the technical knowledge of film production but also helped him build a network in Mumbai. He shared, “I used to help friends on shoots and do odd jobs for an editor friend, which would earn me some money.”

Prateik and Divyendu will be next seen in Agni, directed by Rahul Dholakia. This film will be released on Prime Video on 6 December.