Mitra Gadhvi is an Indian actor, writer and lyricist from Gujarat. He is known for his roles in films such as “Chhello Divas”, “Bas Ek Chance”, “Shu Thayu?”, “Hun Iqbal” and “3 Ekka”. His career as a theatre artist spanned more than a decade. His 2020 short film “Anita” became the first ever Gujarati movie to be screened at Venice Film Festival.

After back-to-back successful movies, Mitra is not settling for anything less than excellence. His recent work, “Lagan Special” was released on 9th February 2024. It is a Gujarati comedy-drama, directed by Rahul Bhole and Vinit Kanojia, and written by Suraj Baraliya. Mitra is featured along with his Chello Divas co-star Malhar Thakar.

Mitra’s Gujarati film “Hun Iqbal,” was also successful. In the film, Mitra played – Iqbal, a flamboyant and mysterious thief, who pulls up an unbelievable – never seen before heist. The movie is directed by Pallav Parikh and features Mitra Gadhvi, Sonali Lele Desai, Devaki Rajendran and Nirav Vaidya as lead characters. “Hu Iqbal” had received 9 nominations at the Transmedia Gujarati Screen and Stage Awards.

During his college and graduation period, he participated in 6 youth fests, out of which in 3, he went to the zonal and state levels, and in 2, to the national level.

Currently, Mitra is working on, “Bhram – A Dementia Murder Mystery,” directed by Pallav Parikh, who is the Co-Founder of CityShor Ahmedabad. In an interview with The Social Digest, Mitra shares his insights about his journey as an actor in this ever-evolving film industry.

The Social Digest: How did you start your journey as an actor?

I started my journey by learning theatre when I was 7 or 8. I was in Navsari, there was a group called ‘Surgen’ for children, every weekend they used to keep their classes in which they taught acting. I started participating in activities like monologues and one-acts. In the end of the year a performance was held. Then I moved to Vadodara and then Vidyanagar for my further education. During my graduation and masters I participated in 6 youth fests. Then I moved to Mumbai to work in films. 

The Social Digest: As you said you were involved in one acts and monologues, what was your inspiration for the same?   

In childhood, I used to watch plays with my dad and I found them fascinating, and then I decided to pursue theatre. Mom and Dad have supported me in various other activities- not only acting, but also computer, karate, and dance.  

The Social Digest: Which is the most prominent film in your career?

If I talk popularity-wise, it would be ‘Chhello Divas’. But the film I found most challenging as an actor would be the short film I did- ‘Anita’. It also went to the Venice Film Festival and I enjoyed working on it the most. The shoot for my next film “Bhram” is still in process. It is going to get over and will soon be presented on the big screen.

The Social Digest: Other than films what are the things that you do ?

I like to write. I had also written and directed a play when I was 24 years old. I also used to read a lot. I make sure to watch a film everyday. I enjoy playing all kinds of sports. I love to travel- I always go on a trip after my projects are wrapped up. 

The Social Digest: As an actor what was the hardest or toughest task you have come across?

I think for an actor the tough part is not to work, but to find and get to do the work that you wish to do. As an actor you would want to explore new roles but it gets hard if you are ‘type casted’ in the same role again.

The Social Digest: How was the theater life before you entered cinema?

Theatre life is the best life I would say; unfortunately I don’t get enough time to do more theater. People who can do theater are very fortunate. Theater needs dedication and also it takes a lot of time. Everything I have learned about acting and discipline is because of theater. Theatre allows us to interact with live audience, we can actually see how the audience reacts to our scenes. It also helps us to do our part of work in a better way. I wish to continue doing theater if I get a chance, of course it is the base for acting.

The Social Digest: Where do you see yourself in future?

I don’t think about the future, I used to do it when I started my career, but now I only live in the present and give my best in whatever I’m doing. I hope to be a kinder and better person ahead.

This interview was conduted by Mishti Gadhavi from The Social Digest on 10/04/2024 and edited by Apurv Nayak.  If you have any interview recommendations or have a story that you want to share with our readers, write us at editor@thesocialdigest.com