As Prime Video India's landmark buddy drama Four More Shots Please! concludes its six-year journey with its fourth and final season, the cast engaged in a candid and insightful conversation. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, actors Sayani Gupta, Kirti Kulhari, Maanvi Gagroo, Bani J, Prateik Smita Patil, and Dino Morea opened up about the emotional finale, moments they questioned their on-screen personas, and shared sharp perspectives on the widely discussed 'male loneliness epidemic'.
Navigating Complex Characters and On-Screen Dynamics
The interview, conducted in Mumbai and published on December 31, 2025, delved deep into the actors' connections with their roles. Sayani Gupta, who plays the fiery journalist Damini, addressed the tumultuous Ross-and-Rachel-esque relationship with Prateik's character, Jeh. She revealed that audiences often took the pairing personally, with some fans even scolding her for Damini's treatment of 'the best boy in the world.'
Prateik Smita Patil offered a humorous personal insight, noting that watching Jeh's unwavering patience with his wife, actress Priya Banerjee, often earned him a pointed look. "She's like, 'Dude! What is wrong with you?'" he shared. The actors agreed that Jeh, crafted by an all-women writers' room, represented a collective fantasy—a man of immense patience and understanding that, as Sayani bluntly put it, "I don't think Jeh really exists."
When Actors Judged Their Own Roles
A fascinating segment of the discussion revolved around instances where the actors themselves judged their characters' choices. Kirti Kulhari (Anjana) admitted to feeling bored with her character's inability to let go of her ex-husband in Season 3, though she understood the emotional realism. Maanvi Gagroo (Siddhi) initially questioned her character's 'sexy-cam' track in Season 1 and later, her avoidance of professional grief counseling in Season 3.
Bani J, who plays the fitness-focused Umang, had a more pragmatic critique. "The thing I couldn't understand is why would she drink every day and then hit the gym next morning?" she laughed, calling it a creative license of filmmaking that she eventually accepted.
The 'Male Loneliness Epidemic': A Frank Cast Take
The conversation took a pointed turn towards the viral online discourse on the male loneliness epidemic. The cast, primarily the female actors, presented nuanced yet firm views on the phenomenon.
Bani J attributed it to women's growing financial independence and self-assurance. "We stand on our feet and become our own person faster. That's why men are feeling lonelier today because they have to listen to us more now. And they're still choosing not to," she stated.
Maanvi Gagroo was more direct, arguing that men have brought the situation upon themselves. "I'm sorry but women are no longer going to mother you. And if that's a problem, then maybe you should look in the mirror," she said. She also humorously questioned the epidemic's validity by pointing to the overwhelming male engagement in their social media comments and DMs.
Sayani Gupta provided a broader cultural context, noting that men have been lonely for generations due to stifled communication, as seen in father-son relationships. She emphasized that the discussion is now finally tabled, linking increased male emotional expression to potential reductions in societal violence.
Prateik on Legacy and a Changing Industry
The interview concluded with a poignant question to Prateik Smita Patil about the evolution of the empowered woman's image from the era of his late mother, the iconic actress Smita Patil, to shows like Four More Shots Please!.
Prateik reflected that while the core narrative of women seeking strength remains, the environment has shifted. "You cannot call the industry a man's world anymore. It still isn't there, but women can call the shots," he asserted. He credited his mother and her contemporaries for paving the way, a sentiment echoed by Sayani Gupta who said, "She walked so that we could run."
Prateik defined the show's essence as unapologetic women's empowerment: "Women are trying to be themselves, and f*ck you if you have a problem with that." He expressed optimism for a future where women are ruling, declaring it inevitable.
The final season of Four More Shots Please! marks the end of an era for Prime Video, wrapping up a series that boldly centered female friendship, ambition, and autonomy in modern India.
