Pratik Gandhi began his working life as an engineer and then quietly built a reputation as one of India’s most respected stage actors
Over two decades he moved from Gujarati theatre to films and then to a national breakout on streaming television.
His portrayal of Harshad Mehta in Scam 1992 made him a household name and opened the door to mainstream Hindi cinema and larger pan-India recognition.
This article traces his life, stage roots, screen career, awards, style, and public image.
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Table of Contents
Pratik Gandhi’s Biography
Early life and education
Pratik Gandhi was born in Surat, Gujarat. He grew up in a family of teachers and took an early interest in performance and literature while schooling in Surat.
Gandhi studied engineering and earned a degree in production or industrial engineering from North Maharashtra University. He worked as an engineer for a short time before choosing to follow his passion for theatre and acting. 1
Why the engineering background matters: many Indian actors have practical degrees before joining the arts.
For Gandhi the engineering education gave him structure and discipline, but it did not stop him from training and performing on stage. His path is an example of a gradual shift from a stable career into full-time creative work.
Theatre: The Bedrock of His Craft
Pratik Gandhi’s acting foundation comes from Gujarati theatre. He spent years performing in plays across Gujarat and Mumbai.
Theatre taught him stage presence, timing, voice control, and the confidence to carry complex characters live.
Critics and audiences noticed his skill well before he made big-screen waves. Many of his early accolades and reputation grew from standout stage roles rather than film stardom.2
Theatre also shaped his approach to research and preparation. Gandhi is known to spend long hours researching a role and rehearsing small details that bring authenticity to his characters.
That discipline is visible in roles that demand a strong behavioural pivot, like Harshad Mehta.
Early Screen Career: Gujarati Cinema and Small Wins
Pratik Gandhi’s early screen appearances were mostly in Gujarati cinema and independent projects.
Some milestones:
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Feature debut: He made an early international appearance in the Indo-UK co-produced film Yours Emotionally (2006).
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Gujarati cinema breakthrough: Gandhi featured in Bey Yaar (2014) and then in Wrong Side Raju (2016), which brought him strong critical notice.
Wrong Side Raju became an important film in his career. The movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati at the 64th National Film Awards, which helped draw attention to Gandhi and the revived Gujarati film industry.
Other Gujarati films where Gandhi delivered notable performances include Love Ni Bhavai, Ventilator, and Tamburo. These films helped him refine on-camera acting while remaining committed to theatre.
Celebrating “Gandhi Jayanti” tomorrow at NCPA with “Mohandas Karmachand Gandhi” .
Perfoming – “ Mohandas ka Masala” a play in Hindi @NCPAMumbai pic.twitter.com/sOAkNUEMKD— Pratik Gandhi (@pratikg80) October 1, 2025
The Breakout: Scam 1992 The Harshad Mehta Story
The role that changed everything was Harshad Mehta in Scam 1992, directed by Hansal Mehta and released on SonyLIV in 2020.
Gandhi’s layered performance as the ambitious stockbroker captured both the public imagination and industry praise.
Critics highlighted his ability to humanize a controversial figure while maintaining the character’s contradictions and drive. Reviews called the show one of the best web series of 2020 and specifically praised Gandhi’s work.
What made the performance stand out:
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Transformation: Gandhi adopted the physicality, speech pattern, and nervous energy that made Harshad Mehta feel real without becoming a caricature.
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Nuance: He balanced charisma and moral ambiguity so viewers could understand Mehta’s rise and downfall.
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Discipline: Gandhi’s theatre training was visible in his control over long monologues and emotionally charged scenes.
Awards and recognition for Scam 1992: the series and Gandhi collected multiple awards.
Gandhi won Best Actor in drama series categories at several OTT award events including Filmfare OTT and Indian Television Academy recognition for his performance. The show also swept many technical and creative awards.
Transition to Hindi films and pan-India projects
After Scam 1992, Pratik Gandhi began getting more opportunities in Hindi cinema and national streaming projects.
Notable projects and moves:
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He appeared in Hindi films and pan-India titles, including Madgaon Express and Do Aur Do Pyaar in 2024. These roles showed his range beyond dramatic biopics into lighter or varied tones.
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He continued to take selective regional films and web projects that offered interesting characters rather than quantity. This selective approach helped him avoid typecasting.
Industry observers say Gandhi’s post-Scam choices reflect a deliberate attempt to build a varied portfolio and avoid being defined by a single hit. That strategy mirrors how many theatre-trained actors prefer challenging roles over formulaic offers.
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Notable Works
Below is a concise filmography that highlights the most important screen projects in Pratik Gandhi’s career.
| Year | Title | Medium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Yours Emotionally | Feature film | Early international co-production. |
| 2014 | Bey Yaar | Gujarati film | Part of Gujarati cinema revival. |
| 2016 | Wrong Side Raju | Gujarati film | Won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati. |
| 2017 | Love Ni Bhavai, Ventilator, Tamburo | Gujarati films | Popular regional films that increased his profile. |
| 2020 | Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story | Web series (SonyLIV) | Breakout role, national recognition, multiple awards. |
| 2024 | Madgaon Express; Do Aur Do Pyaar | Hindi films | Continued Hindi film work post-Scam. |
Awards and Recognitions
Pratik Gandhi has received several awards and nominations across platforms.
Highlights include:
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National Film Award: Wrong Side Raju won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati, a major recognition for the film and everyone associated with it. While the award formally recognizes the film, Gandhi’s role in the project raised his profile.
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Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards: Gandhi received popular actor awards for Scam 1992 in OTT categories.3
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Filmfare OTT Awards: Scam 1992 and its cast won multiple awards. Gandhi won Best Actor in Drama Series categories at OTT-focused events and the show won several technical awards. 4
Beyond formal awards, Gandhi earned critical acclaim and popular admiration. Directors note his discipline and casting directors see him as a reliable lead for character-driven projects.
Personal Life
Pratik Gandhi keeps his private life low profile. Public records note he is married and has a child, but he rarely uses social media for personal disclosures.
He prefers to let his work speak for him and tends to avoid sensational PR. Sources describe him as warm and focused in interviews.
He is also known to support theatre and smaller film projects, often returning to stage work when the schedule permits. His commitment to regional cinema is cited as an important part of his artistic identity.
Public Image
After Scam 1992, Gandhi became a sought-after guest for talk shows and interviews.
He handled sudden fame with care, choosing thoughtful interviews about craft and process rather than celebrity culture. Media coverage highlights his humility and focus on performance.
His image is that of a serious actor who picks roles carefully. This has helped him transition into Hindi film work without losing credibility among critics and theatre lovers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where was Pratik Gandhi born?
A: He was born in Surat, Gujarat, India.
Q: What is Pratik Gandhi’s educational background?
A: He completed an engineering degree in production or industrial engineering from North Maharashtra University before moving full time into theatre and acting.
Q: How did Pratik Gandhi get famous?
A: He rose to national fame with his lead role as Harshad Mehta in Scam 1992 (SonyLIV, 2020). The series earned wide praise and several awards.
Q: Has he won any awards?
A: Gandhi has won popular actor awards for his OTT work and his films have been honored too. Wrong Side Raju won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati. Scam 1992 and Gandhi received multiple OTT awards including Filmfare OTT recognition.
Q: Does he work in Gujarati films only?
A: No. He started in Gujarati cinema and theatre, but after Scam 1992 he moved into Hindi films and national web projects while still supporting regional cinema.
Q: What should I watch first if I want to see his best work?
A: Most viewers recommend Scam 1992 to see his range. For regional film fans, Wrong Side Raju and Love Ni Bhavai are strong examples of his work in Gujarati cinema.
Q: Is he active on social media?
A: He maintains a modest public presence and rarely shares personal details. He uses interviews and professional announcements rather than social media for major updates.
What’s next for Pratik Gandhi
After Scam 1992 he has taken selective film roles. Recent coverage notes his participation in Hindi films released around 2024 and continued interest from streaming producers.
Articles in national outlets mention titles such as Madgaon Express and other projects that show him exploring different genres beyond the biopic.
For the latest on upcoming projects check his official handles and industry announcements.
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