Mitra Gadhvi, known for headlining films like Bhram, Mithada Maheman, Naankhatai, and The Great Gujarati Matrimony, continues to expand his repertoire with the OTT series Kajodu. In a recent chat, the actor opens up about portraying emotional vulnerability, avoiding labels, the evolution of Gujarati cinema, and why honesty remains central to his craft.
‘I was sold on the story before the character’
The first thing that got me interested was the script. It is an unusual story. We rarely come across narratives like this, particularly in the web space. When director Vishal Vada Vala narrated the story to me, I was blown away. Interestingly, I did not even care what character I would be playing. I was already sold on the story we were about to tell. But then, when he narrated the entire script, I was keener on doing the part because it is one of the most challenging characters I have played. The character (of Bhavesh, a man who outwardly seems composed and self-assured but is burdened by years of loneliness, agrees to an unconventional 'no-questions-asked' marriage arrangement in the hope of building a better future) stayed with me even after we finished shooting — for almost a month. Looking back now, I sometimes wonder how I even played the role because you cannot look performative; you have to get into the skin of the character.
‘I have stopped judging myself on screen’
One of the biggest lessons I learnt was to stop judging myself on screen. Over the years, through workshops, failures, readings, and experience, I realised that honesty is everything. I do not judge my characters, whether they are dark, grey, good, or flawed. I stand by them. I do not separate myself from them. That honesty eventually reaches the audience.
‘Whether people call me underrated or overrated, I keep performing’
As an artiste, being labelled is not something I can control. Since the pandemic, I have quietly focused on doing honest work. With projects like Gujarati Matrimony, Fakt Purusho Maate, Mithada Maheman and Naankhatai — I have been putting myself out there. Whether people call me overrated or underrated, I accept it. When audiences comment that they enjoy my work or that they trust a project because I am in it, that means a lot to me. Slowly and steadily, I am building my audience. And that is enough.
‘A second job only comes if you are a good performer’
I have seen some exceptional performances on social media. There are talented creators, actors, and storytellers emerging from these platforms. In my opinion, you may receive one opportunity because of your following, but the second opportunity will only come if you are genuinely good at your craft. It does not matter whether you come from theatre, Instagram, a film family, or elsewhere. Audiences eventually respond only to good performances.
Gujarati Cinema’s Evolution
Mitra adds, 'This is probably the best time for D-Town, because we have evolved over the last 10 years. After we hit Rs 100 crore, people from across India have eyes on us. Producers from Bollywood are coming in now; we have seen remakes happen. With every other film, we find new talent — new voices, writers, and directors.'
