September 27, 2025

Navratri feels extra special for actor Pratik Gandhi this year! After shining at three famous film festivals abroad, he’s back in Mumbai full of joy. Pratik, along with his actress-wife Bhamini Oza Gandhi, made waves with their films this season. His projects screened at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), India Film Festival of Alberta (IFFA) 2025, and Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF). What a proud moment! "It happened for the first time in my career that three of my projects were screened at prestigious festivals, and I could attend all of them," Pratik beams. The actor feels a special bond with festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri. His debut Gujarati film 'Bey Yaar' (2014) also released around Ganesh Chaturthi, a lucky sign for him. Talking about garba fun, he says Mumbai’s recent rains spoiled some events but hopes to dance with friends for a day or two. "You need a group of friends to enjoy garba to the fullest," he explains. If public events fail, he will gather pals at home to twirl and clap away. His favourite garba song from films is "Gori Radha Ne Kalo Kaan" from 'Wrong Side Raju'. He also loves tunes from 'Hellaro', especially "Vaagyo Re Dhol", and grew up enjoying Falguni Pathak’s classic beats. Imagine cassettes spinning back then! He is a big fan of singers Bhoomi Trivedi and Aditya Gadhvi too. Pratik admires the positive energy that fills the air during Navratri. His daughter Miraya enjoys garba too, even if she’s still learning the steps. The last time he danced well was three years ago at venues featuring Parthiv Gohil and Bhoomi Trivedi. For comfort, he prefers easy outfits like kurta-pyjama or a loose dhoti. One unforgettable memory is Navratri 2016 in Vadodara. While promoting 'Wrong Side Raju', Pratik visited United Way of Baroda and witnessed an incredible 50,000 people dancing garba in perfectly synchronized huge circles. "I have never seen anything like that till date. I was mesmerised," he shares. His trip to TIFF was a dream come true. Being the first Indian series to premiere at TIFF’s Primetime programme was huge. Meeting cinephiles and receiving a standing ovation made the event surreal. "It gave me a lot of confidence," Pratik says, calling it a deeply enriching experience. Though happily settled in Mumbai since marrying Bhamini in 2008, Pratik misses his hometown Surat deeply during Navratri. "We had a group of 25 friends and would hit multiple garba venues every night, playing till 2am," he reminisces. Surat’s street garbas and evening aartis at his housing society were all part of his cherished childhood. Visiting famous temples with his mother each year added to those beautiful memories. This Navratri, Pratik Gandhi shines with festival cheer and proud film feats. From Mumbai’s silver screen to garba grounds, he keeps dancing to the rhythm of joy and tradition!

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Tags: Pratik gandhi, Navratri, Garba, Toronto international film festival, Gujarati films, Festivals,