#NewsBytesExclusive: Abhay Mahajan dishes about 'Pitchers 3,' 'Shantit Kranti 2'
Remember Abhay Mahajan aka Saurabh Mandal from TVF Pitchers? He's now gearing up for SonyLIV's Marathi web series Shantit Kranti's second season. Essaying Shreyas's character, Season 2 revolves around a bachelor's trip turned into a spiritual one. Speaking to NewsBytes, Mahajan revealed how he'd be shocked if something like this happened in his real life. Read excerpts from his exclusive interview.
How has Shreyas's character developed in Season 2?
In Season 1, Shreyas underwent a break-up; this time around, he's getting married. Before his marriage, he wants to go on a bachelor's trip with his friends. But because of the turn of events, the trip turns into a spiritual journey wherein they are joined by people in their late 50s and 60s. In both seasons, the series has explored Shreyas's romantic side.
Is S02 inspired a little by 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'?
I co-wrote the first season which does have a reference to Dil Chahta Hai. The trailer of Shantit Kranti 2 may have given a glimpse that it is inspired by Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, but when you see the series, you'll realize how different it is. Having said that, we have taken small and relatable inspiration from many things.
How has life changed for you since 'TVF Pitchers'?
Everything changed for me after I did TVF Pitchers. It was the first official LIT show from the time we started getting web series. It was released when there were no streaming platforms. The traffic it got was all organic. People started recognizing me after the series. That of course changed a lot for me. I'm grateful for what the show gave me.
'Shantit Kranti' 2: Does Season 1's success add pressure?
With Shantit Kranti, I was involved in it as a writer too. It took us four years to develop it, whereas Season 2 was done rather quickly. I know that we've done Shantit Kranti 2 better in many ways such as how it's been shot. Matching to Season 1's success is pressurizing, of course, but I think we've done a good job.
A memory of Season 2 that's etched in your heart?
I felt a lot of pressure as an actor in the first season since I was involved with the writing process. But this time, I was more relaxed. We went to so many pilgrimage places for shooting; I don't think I would've visited those places personally. We had a wonderful cast of senior actors. Seeing the world from their eyes was a great experience.
Give us an update on 'Pitchers 3'
I thought Season 2 would never come, but it did get released last year. They said that Season 2 would come out soon but it was released after seven years. We are mostly shooting Season 3 of the series next year. I unfortunately have no other information about the show at the moment. If I had, I would have shared.
Your upcoming projects other than 'Shantit Kranti 2'?
There is one show that I have already shot for which will be released on JioCinema. It is a Hindi remake of Netflix's series called Jane the Virgin; I'll be essaying the role of a cop. I'm also shooting for a Hindi movie, details of which I can't reveal at the moment. There are other projects too which are under development.
Apart from acting, what more is happening?
Apart from acting, there's also a lot of dancing happening for me right now. I'm really excited about this new trajectory of contemporary dancing in my life right now. There is a renowned choreographer in Bengaluru; I'm working with him right now. I'm also working on solo dance projects. Dance is basically a way for me to reconnect with theater.
