Faisal Malik, known as ‘Prahlad cha’ from Panchayat’s web series, has earned accolades for performing in the show’s third season. Malik’s path in the industry has been defined by his unwavering dedication to his craft and his remarkable resilience, even in the face of setbacks, such as losing a project with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan due to his honesty.
The Encounter With Amitabh Bachchan
Malik’s encounter with Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan is a significant chapter in his journey. He and Anurag Kashyap had the privilege of meeting Bachchan for a show. Overwhelmed by the opportunity, Malik requested an autograph and engaged in a friendly conversation with the superstar. However, his honesty during a discussion about the project led to him losing the job, a moment that would shape his career and reinforce his commitment to truth.
“I was half excited because I was getting to meet Bachchan Sahab. As soon as I saw him, I thought to hell with the work and I presented my copy to him for an autograph. The food kept coming at Big B’s house. You wouldn’t be able to finish one dish before they present a new one. I told him I was from Allahabad and he talked to me. Then he asked if I would have til ke laddu (sesame laddus). I thought he wouldn’t be able to eat it because of his age. Sorry, I shouldn’t say this. But when the laddus arrived, he ate two before me. I thought he was lying about his age; he is still very much young.”
The Power Of Honesty
During the meeting, Bachchan asked Malik for his opinion on when they should shoot the project. Malik, a firm believer in the power of honesty, suggested they should wait for six months. This candid opinion, unfortunately, led the project team to ask him to leave.
Despite the setback, Malik remained steadfast in his truth, underscoring the profound impact of honesty in an industry often criticised for its superficiality.
“He remembered all 120 pages of the script. He didn’t even have to look at the script to point out the mistake. He asked me, ‘When do you think we should shoot this?’ I honestly responded, ‘Sir, we shouldn’t shoot this now. We should shoot this after six months.’ After we finished the meeting and stepped downstairs, I was told, ‘You don’t work on this project. You leave it,’ because I spoke the truth.”
Panchayat: A Platform For Talent
Panchayat, a comedy-drama show on Amazon Prime, has been a launching pad for Malik’s acting prowess. His portrayal of Prahlad has struck a chord with the audience, earning him widespread recognition and appreciation. The series, a production of The Viral Fever, also features the stellar performances of Jitendra Kumar, Raghuvir Yadav, and Neena Gupta in pivotal roles.