He is surely shining bright right now, thanks to his extremely solid outing in Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story. But for filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who directed the web series, what actor Pratik Gandhi stands for isn’t just “sublime talent but also unbelievable grit, determination and hard-work”.

The Aligarh director, who “discovered Pratik from (the) theatre (world)”, feels the actor has an incredible personal story as well. “He worked in a company, and somehow, managed to buy an apartment for his family in Kandivali. But the best thing is he never let go off his passion — theatre despite all the challenges. So, he worked during the day and did theatre in the evening/night. His dedication is amazing,” says Mehta, adding that he “is, any way, all for theatre, and theatre actors”.

Now, it goes without saying that Gandhi, who was seen in the much-appreciated Gujarati film, Wrong Side Raju, besides doing small parts in Hindi movies such as Loveyatri and Mitron (both 2018), is the toast of the town.

“He is getting offers left, right and centre. But I feel, he should choose his next projects once all the excitement settles down. Abhi toh all kinds of things are being offered to him,” says Mehta, adding that he is “extremely happy for Pratik since he deserves it all”. “Pratik also turns the entire notion on its head that outsiders don’t get a chance (in the film industry). At least, it will never happen when I am concerned,” says the writer-director, adding that he “would love to work again” with the actor.