Behind Closed Doors with Prahaan Padhiar

Movie Marker Magazine went behind closed doors with Mumbai-born actor Prahaan Padhiar to talk about acting, life in London before Los Angeles and his role in Joking Apart

Welcome to Movie Marker! I understand you were born in Mumbai. What got you into acting and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

I’ve always loved performing and seeing the reactions it evokes from others. In a way, I’ve always known that the performing arts, especially acting, would be my path in life. The moment I first stepped onto the stage at age four, I realized just how exhilarating this profession could be. Yet, it was only after two years of full-time training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts that I genuinely fell in love with acting, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craft. Around this time, I stopped seeing myself merely as an aspiring actor and embraced myself fully as an actor.

What kind of training did you receive before moving to LA?

Before moving to Los Angeles, I attended summer programs in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where I studied Shakespeare, voice and speech, scene study, and more. Additionally, I earned a minor in Theatre from Northeastern University, deepening my knowledge of theatre history and honing my acting technique through courses in improv, viewpoints, acting for camera, among others.

What other performing arts are you trained in, besides acting?

Besides acting I’ve also had training in Dance forms such as, Bollywood, The Charlston, The Waltz, and The Quadruple.

Tell us about the project “Joking Apart”.

The story of Joking Apart revolves around Richard and Anthea, a seemingly perfect, cheerful couple whose happiness unwittingly exposes the insecurities and flaws of their friends. Spanning twelve years, the play humorously and poignantly explores themes of envy, resentment, and the complexities hidden beneath social facades, as the supporting characters repeatedly confront their own inadequacies in contrast to Richard and Anthea’s effortless success and contentment.

What role do you portray?

I play Brian, who is a shy, sensitive, and somewhat insecure character. He struggles with relationships and often feels overshadowed by those around him, particularly Richard and Anthea, whose seemingly perfect lives make him feel inadequate. Brian secretly harbors romantic feelings for Anthea, which are never returned, creating humorous yet touching moments throughout the play. His awkward attempts at romance and his quiet longing emphasize themes of loneliness, envy, and the difficulties people face when comparing themselves to their friends.

Can you share any tea from working on set?

The project included several scenes in which characters played tennis against each other, which, as you might expect, presented quite a challenge to stage effectively. Initially, while the cast was still finding their rhythm, we experienced many amusing mishaps involving tennis balls flying all over. Sometimes they’d bounce into unintended places—or people! These moments became an ongoing joke during rehearsals, turning the frequent challenges into enjoyable, memorable experiences.

What are you working on next?

I am working on a new film, and several theatre productions this year, but stay tuned for more details on those!

How can people follow your journey?

My work can be found on IMDb and I share moments of my life on Instagram.