Veteran actor Shakti Anand is captivating audiences with his portrayal of a complex patriarch in the new television series 'Mahadev & Sons'. The show, set in the town of Hardoi, chronicles the compelling journey of Mahadev, who rises from being an orphaned servant in a wealthy household to becoming the respected head of his own family.
The Psychology of a Patriarch: Fear, Love, and Control
In a recent interview, Shakti Anand opened up about the nuances of playing Mahadev, a character far removed from conventional TV fathers. He explained that Mahadev's strict rules and authoritative demeanor stem from deep-seated emotional wounds, not inherent cruelty. "Mahadev has earned everything the hard way through labour, rejection, and patience," shared Anand.
The actor elaborated that even after achieving success, Mahadev works alongside his men, believing respect is earned through effort, not titles. A significant scar from his past is being born without a surname, a mark of identity he was denied. Furthermore, the very Bajpai family that once embraced him resents him after he marries his master's daughter. These experiences shape his worldview, leading him to forbid love marriages for his own children out of a fear of history repeating itself.
"He loves his children, but he is also afraid," Anand noted. "His rules come from that fear, not from cruelty. He is a caring husband, a proud father, but he can't loosen his grip. That contradiction makes him human."
What Sets 'Mahadev & Sons' Apart
Discussing what attracted him to the project, Shakti Anand highlighted the show's multi-generational appeal and moral complexity. "Unlike many family dramas that clearly divide characters into right and wrong, this one shows situations where everyone feels justified in their actions," he said.
He pointed out that the narrative powerfully underscores social and class differences. The story is built on the rivalry between two households, Mahadev's transformative journey from servant to businessman, and the weight given to family names and social status. This layered approach to storytelling provides a rich tapestry that goes beyond typical family drama tropes.
Drawing from Real Life to Portray Trauma
With a versatile career behind him, Shakti Anand revealed how he prepared for this emotionally demanding role. His primary method was observation of real life. "We all know men who've climbed up from nothing and carry that journey in everything they do," he stated.
For Mahadev, the humiliation of his early life never truly fades. "Even when he's successful, there's a part of him that's still that young man being looked down upon," Anand explained. His performance aims to capture this duality—the strength forged through struggle and the unhealed wound beneath the surface. The tension between who Mahadev was and who he has become is the core of his humanity.
Personal Reflections on Parenting
As a father to a 13-year-old daughter in real life, playing Mahadev prompted introspection for Anand. While he empathizes with his character's fears, he does not agree with his controlling methods. "Playing Mahadev did make me think about how love can sometimes turn into control without us even realising it," he confessed.
He shared his personal parenting philosophy, which contrasts with Mahadev's: "The hardest part of parenting is not protecting your children from every fall, but allowing them the freedom to make a few mistakes and learn from them." If Mahadev were a real person, Anand's advice would be simple: loosen the grip and trust your children to find their own path.
The actor, known for his dedication, was recently spotted immersing himself in the cultural atmosphere of the ghats in Banaras, perhaps seeking further inspiration for his profound role.
