Aarti Patel: I had told Pratik Gandhi that he would be a pan-India star

A popular Gujarati actor, Aarti Patel, has also become a popular face on OTT, after her short stint in Vitthal Teedi. She is now a part of Kadak Meethi, which also released on Oho Gujarati recently.

Having worked with Pratik in Bey Yaar, which is way before the actor took up Scam 1992 and became a popular name all across India, Aarti already knew he was a star material and would go a long way. Here, she talks to OTTplay about Kadak Meethi, working with her daughter Aarohi and her experience working with Pratik again.

Excerpts from the interview:

How do you usually select scripts?

There aren’t many roles for my age group. All kinds of hero and heroine, whether in films or shows, are from the younger age group and get more focus. The kind of role I found, can only be possible on OTT. However, I always look for a role that excites me. If I read the script and find nothing new in it, then I will say no to it.

You have worked in web series previously. Tell me about your personal experience there.

You work on a web series in one go. We worked with a smaller crew because of COVID. Since you get to work on quality content, I like working on OTT.

You have worked with Pratik in two films, and now in Vitthal Teedi. Did you ever think he would become a Pan-India star?

Yes, I did believe in him. I even told him that he’s a great star and a very good performer and will be recognized in India. Before Bey Yaar, I had seen his plays. He was very choosy about them.

Tell me about your experience in Vitthal Teedi.

It was a gesture from Abhishek (Jain, director and Oho Gujarati owner). I keep on asking them about the second season too.

Having two back-to-back web shows releasing would be a special feeling, no?

Yes, definitely. It feels very good to be seen in different roles. I feel like Oho Gujarati is my own home. I would want to act in a lot of projects presented by them.

To what extent would you say your characters in Kadak Meethi are relatable in real life?

It’s very relatable in terms of concerns about my daughter. Me and Aarohi talk about random things, gossip a lot and stalk people on social media. I know all her friends, early-age crush, her happy and sad moments. The situation is very much relatable. I don’t believe in whatsapp forwards and have a scientific approach - about cross-checking with scientists and doctors.

What was the fresh element you brought to your character?

I got a chance to develop a fresh element for Mihir (a co-character on the show).

What do you think makes the show different from the usual family drama?

The concept is different, since it is a conversation between a mother and a daughter. Secondly, you have to make the character reachable to the audience. The feedback I have received for the show is such that everyone is asking about the supporting characters too.

Was there ever a moment when you forgot you were shooting and just went with the flow?

No, but some dialogues came naturally. The dialogue where I tell her about picking up the call in the first ring, because every mother believes a girl picks up the call in the first ring when talking to a guy. I constantly keep saying that quitting is easy but continuing is hard.

If you have to explain Kadak Meethi in 20 words or less, how would you?

Cha jevi kadak aani vaato jevi mitthi (As strong as tea, and sweet as a conversation).