Faisal Malik, known widely as Prahlad Cha from the hit series ‘Panchayat’, has once again captured hearts in the show’s fourth season. His portrayal of the grounded villager resonates deeply with viewers. It might surprise many that this talented actor never set out to be a star. In fact, his path to fame was a twisty one, filled with unexpected detours and even a few failed ventures.
For years, Malik navigated Mumbai, trying to find his place. He worked as an assistant and even a line producer. He had no idea acting would be his ticket to recognition. His journey into acting started back in 2012 with the film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur 2’. Today, thanks to ‘Panchayat’, he’s a household name. He recently shared his unusual story with Nitin Yadav from Amar Ujala.
From Student to Screen
Malik admits that in school, he preferred anything over studying. Years later, he moved to Mumbai to live with his older brother. He thought acting might be a good fit. He even joined an acting school and a gym, but those attempts fizzled out quickly, proving to be short-lived experiments.
Mumbai has a way of teaching you tough lessons. Malik realized he had to work hard. As living costs rose, he nearly gave up on acting altogether. He then considered mass communication, thinking it included filmmaking. This decision led him down a new road. He learned more about the craft, working for a few channels and even producing films. All these experiences eventually led him back to acting.
A Lawyer Who Couldn’t Sell Cars
Before his acting days, Malik tried his hand at various jobs. While in Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj, he worked in car finance. He laughs, recalling that he couldn’t even sell a single car. Later, an uncle opened a public call office (PCO), and Malik took a three-hour shift there.
Becoming a lawyer was also on the table. His family encouraged him to take the law school entrance exam for a five-year course. He passed, but with so many lawyers in his family, he simply gave up on the idea. He jokes that he knew they would always bail him out if he got into trouble.
An Accidental Debut
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His first acting break was a complete accident during the production of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’. He was part of the production team. When an actor didn’t show up, Malik stepped in and just acted out the scene himself.
He remembers shooting a scene with veteran actor Pankaj Tripathi in a real slaughterhouse. The smell was so overwhelming that his main goal was to finish the scene quickly and escape. He had no idea at the time that his character would have five or six more scenes. When the film came out, people remembered his small but impactful role. Even after ‘Wasseypur’, he didn’t actively pursue acting. He credits ‘Panchayat’ for truly changing his life.
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The ‘Panchayat’ Calling
One day, the creators of ‘Panchayat’, Deepak Mishra and Chandan, approached him. They told him they wanted to cast him in the show. Malik initially refused, explaining he was busy with other work. However, they believed in him completely. He gives them all the credit for his success.
He was a fan of Jitendra Kumar, who plays Sachiv Ji, even before ‘Panchayat’. He once stopped Kumar to tell him how much he admired his work, especially his “Munna Jazzbaati” character. Now, they are very close friends.
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Working with seasoned actors like Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav is a blessing, he says. They are the true strength of ‘Panchayat’. Their energy and experience teach the younger cast members so much. He notes that they stand there even when they only have one line in someone else’s scene. He feels deeply grateful for their presence on the show.
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Staying Grounded
Rumors suggest Prahlad Cha might run for MLA in the next season of ‘Panchayat’. Malik, however, says that writer Chandan keeps things unpredictable. The script isn’t out yet, so anything is possible.
Despite his growing fame, Faisal Malik remains very down-to-earth. He explains that his large group of family and friends keeps him humble. If he ever tries to get ahead of himself, they have the power to put him back in his place. His parents instilled in him the importance of speaking respectfully to others. His siblings, friends, and wife all ensure he stays grounded.