The popular Amazon Prime series, Panchayat, has won hearts throughout the country for its portrayal of the grassroots levels of India, with comedic twists. The show is carried not just by one main lead, but through every character, whether in big or small roles. One such character is ‘Prahlad Cha’, played by Faisal Malik. With his acting, the actor has become a fan favourite, making the audience cry and laugh with him. However, before receiving this love from viewers, Faisal once had to face immense struggle while starting out his acting career in Mumbai.
Faisal Malik left Prayagraj at the age of 22 and settled in Mumbai
Faisal Malik was born in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. But at the age of 22, he left his home and made his way towards the city of dreams and Bollywood’s epicentre, Mumbai. Without any connections in the city, those early days were spent in hardship, Faisal had stated in an interview with Rediff in 2022. The actor said that after arriving in Mumbai, he realised how different it was. But despite the struggles, Faisal praised the city touted as Mayanagri, and said that Mumbai is the best city in the world, as it shows people the reality. The actor said:
“Bombay duniya ka sabse achcha sheher hai, woh aapko reality dikhata hai”.
Faisal Malik lived on the streets during his struggling days
Faisal Malik stated that becoming an actor was very challenging, and one needed a steady financial background for support. Without a steady income, Faisal had no choice but to give up acting for a while. He found a job in the city instead. The first year was especially tough for Faisal, and although his family sent him some money, the Panchayat actor was too embarrassed to take it. As a result, he had to live on the streets. Faisal also revealed that he would pay Rs. 10 per night to be allowed to sleep in railway stations. However, the actor thinks that these experiences were necessary for him and his acting journey. Faisal Malik said:
“It was not easy. I lived on the streets, paid Rs 10 a night just to sleep in stations… But I don’t want to talk about my struggle. These experiences were necessary for my journey.”
Faisal Malik got his break in Gangs Of Wasseypur 2
Faisal Malik said to The Patriot that after his dreams of becoming an actor did not take off, he took up odd jobs to stay afloat. However, he was still passionate about the film industry and wanted to do something for it. So, in 2011 Faisal opened his own prodcution company. Then he went on to wear many hats as an assistant director, line producer, reality show producer, promo producer and more for many shows. In the sets of Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs Of Wasseypur 2, he was working in the prodcution team as well. But when an actor cast for the role of ‘Inspector Gopal Singh’ quit unexpectedly, Faisal was roped in immidiately. Talking about the film, he stated:
“I was part of the production team for the film Gangs of Wasseypur. The actor originally cast as police inspector Gopal Singh suddenly quit the film for unknown reasons, and I was unexpectedly offered the role. It was quite a shock for me.It was an honour to be part of this film.”
Faisal Malik talked about life after Panchayat
Faisal Malik’s character of ‘Prahlad Cha’ in Panchayat has shown a notable charcater arc. Seen only in comic scenes in the first season, ‘Prahlad’s story became a huge plot for the latest seasons of the show. His charcater has also become more nuanced along woth Faisal’s performance on the show. In the interview with The Patriot, the actor revealed that Panchayat‘s immense success came as surprise to everyone. Faisal also revealed that being a part of the series changed his life and more opportunitites have come knocking on his door. He said about the role of ‘Prahlad’:
“The director and writer of the series, Deepak Mishra, approached me with the role. Initially, I was hesitant and unsure about taking it on, but his encouragement convinced me.”
What are your thoughts on Faisal Malik’s struggles in Mumbai while starting his career as an actor?
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