Actor Advait Pratap, widely recognized for his performances in television shows such as Udaariyaan and Naagin 6, is currently portraying the character of Balram in the theatrical production Mere Krishn. The play stars Sourabh Raj Jain as Lord Krishna and Pooja Sharma as Radha. For Advait, taking on a mythological role transcends mere acting; it is an emotional and spiritual duty.
The Weight of Mythological Roles
“Playing a mythological character feels special because these roles carry emotions, values, and stories that people have cherished for generations,” Advait shares. “It is more than a performance—it is a responsibility and a blessing. You are honouring timeless beliefs while bringing authenticity and devotion to characters that audiences already hold close to their hearts.”
The actor emphasizes that portraying such iconic figures demands complete sincerity. “As an actor, you do not just act—you live a story that people have believed in for years. Every gesture, dialogue, and expression must respect that faith,” he explains. “It is about embodying a legacy, not just portraying it.”
Previous Mythological and Historical Roles
Advait has previously taken on several mythological and historical characters, including Bali and Sugriva in Ramayan, Dhananand in Chandra Nandini, Baldivaan in Chhatrasal, and Todarmal in Jodha Akbar. He notes that these roles have always resonated deeply with him. “Mythological characters have always been very close to me as an actor,” he says.
Theatre vs. Screen: A Different Challenge
Discussing the differences between stage and screen performances, Advait admits that theatre is far more demanding physically and emotionally. “Mythological roles are harder in theatre because the stage demands unbroken stamina, a powerful voice, and full-body transformation—without cuts, CGI, or retakes,” he explains. “Heavy costumes, live audience scrutiny, and sustaining that divine energy for hours truly test your limits.”
He adds that while screen performances allow for technical support, theatre leaves no room for error. “On screen, cameras allow subtlety and VFX can create miracles, but on stage there is no safety net,” Advait concludes.
