Priyanshu Painyuli is a dynamic Indian actor known for his remarkable versatility and compelling screen presence. He first garnered widespread attention for his role in the critically acclaimed film ‘Bhavesh Joshi Superhero,’ where his performance as a determined and idealistic young man showcased his talent and depth as an actor.
However, Priyanshu’s breakthrough role came with the hit web series ‘Mirzapur,’ where he portrayed Robin, a character marked by his mysterious and strategic demeanor. His nuanced performance in the series was widely praised, adding significant intrigue and complexity to the show’s narrative.
Beyond ‘Mirzapur,’ Priyanshu has displayed his acting prowess across various genres and platforms, from films to digital series. His role in the film ‘Extraction’ further highlighted his ability to engage international audiences, proving his global appeal.
Known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to seamlessly adapt to diverse roles, Priyanshu Painyuli discussed about Robin’s gruesome and shocking death in Season 3 of Mirzapur. During an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Priyanshu also talked about collaborating with Vishal Bhardwaj for Charlie Chopra.
Here are the excerpts:
Priyanshu, many fans were shocked by Robin’s departure from “Mirzapur” in the third season. How did you feel about this decision for your character, and what does it mean for you personally and professionally?
Personally, when Guru first told me that this was going to happen, I remember being in disbelief. I asked him to repeat it because I couldn’t believe it. As an actor, you naturally want to stay in such a beautiful world and with such a compelling character. So, my initial reaction was one of shock and selfishness. I was like, “Really? Is this really going to happen?” and he just laughed.
However, over time, I began to understand that these changes were for the betterment of the story, the script, and the overall narrative. Everything has a reason, and it’s important to grasp that. I was as shocked as everyone else, and I know people are reacting strongly to it. Even knowing what was going to happen, the way it was presented—so unexpected and hard-hitting—still took me by surprise. The editing, the sound, and the tension all built up to make that episode very impactful.
Even for those of us who shot the scene, watching it brought a tear to our eyes and made our hearts heavy. Many people told me they needed some time to move on to the next episode. Filmmakers often play with our emotions, and Guru mentioned that this would be a big shock or surprise for the audience. I agreed, saying they were really playing with people’s emotions this time.
But that’s how you evolve in storytelling. There were many theories about Robin after season two, and I think it’s gutsy for the creators of Mirzapur to take a different direction, not just with my character, but with many others. The conflict and drama have intensified. We are seeing very different sides of characters like Golu, Guddu, and even Robin. One of my favorite comments from fans is that Mirzapur finally feels like a family to them.
When you first learned about Robin’s fate, how did you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to portray such a dramatic and impactful end?
In this season, there were many things we wanted to achieve, but one thing we were very sure about was Robin’s identity. I remember discussing with Guru that we should play Robin’s character very subtly. We didn’t want Robin to be defined by just one thing—there’s much more to him. This season, we’re seeing his character take on a very different dimension where he’s trying to become a better person. He wants to do good for the family, mainly because of his love for Dimpy and her family.
One of the key lines that Robin says is, “You do things for love and you change for the people you love,” and this is exactly what Robin is doing. I had to adjust my performance to make Robin believable in his new path. In season two, there was a lot of ambiguity about whether Robin was truthful or just making things up. This time, we wanted to make it clear that he is genuine in his intentions. We wanted the audience to believe that Robin can be this person, that he is not lying. When we shot the scenes, the environment and our close relationships with each other made a big difference. Ali and I are great friends, and we were very comfortable working together. Guru, as a director, creates a very comfortable atmosphere, even during dark and intense scenes. This helped us stay in the zone and enjoy the process, despite the scene being one of the darkest moments in Mirzapur.
Overall, what Guru wanted to achieve with this season, he has achieved. We didn’t fully realize it while shooting, but seeing the reactions from people—how they cried and were deeply affected—was interesting and validating.
Robin is considered one of the most interesting characters you’ve played. Can you elaborate on what made Robin so special and complex for you as an actor?
Approaching this character has been a fascinating journey. I’ve always said that he’s one of the most beautifully complex characters I’ve ever played or seen in Indian OTT. That’s why people are drawn to him. Since season two, I’ve loved how keeping him a mystery makes him more intriguing and keeps the audience curious. You don’t understand him at first; you don’t know where he comes from. As he speaks, he reveals that everything is a facade.
To embody this character, I decided to blend him like a chameleon—a colorful one, at that. Playing Robin has been a joy for me as an actor. I remember discussing this with Shweta since we had many scenes together involving various business deals, which brought our characters closer. Her character is the only one who hears Robin talking about his mother on three different occasions, each time in a different way, giving her unique insight into who he is. In season two, I deliberately chose not to read about where Golu or Guru’s characters were coming from. I only focused on my scenes, approaching them with fresh eyes each time because we weren’t trying to show a history or build a traditional character arc. One interesting thing Guru and I did was to add spontaneity to Robin’s lines and actions. For instance, whenever I asked Guru if Robin was being truthful in a scene, he told me it was my call to decide. This freedom allowed me to play each scene with varying degrees of sincerity, which added to the character’s enigmatic nature. One of my favorite scenes is when I come out of Dimpy’s washroom in season two and meet Guru’s character. Robin’s confidence and unflinching demeanor in that moment reveal a lot about his strength. He understands others’ weaknesses and uses his words as his weapon. He tells Golu that he doesn’t fear anything, knowing people’s weaknesses and using them to his advantage. There are many facets to Robin—his mannerisms, his speech, his appearance, and even his name, which he later reveals to have a connection to his mother. All these elements combined made playing Robin a deeply enjoyable experience, and I’m going to miss portraying him.
You’ve emphasized the need to evolve and present fresh narratives on OTT platforms. In your view, how has the OTT space changed the landscape of storytelling in recent years?
The whole game of storytelling and narrative building has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with the rise of OTT platforms. We’ve all noticed this shift. OTT has grown tremendously because it allows us to access a wide variety of content from around the world—Spain, Korea, Japan, and beyond. We are now accustomed to watching shows with subtitles, but it’s not just city dwellers who benefit from this.
For instance, my security guard watches Spanish shows dubbed in Hindi. I also met a hotel manager in a small town an hour away from Jaipur who watches content on his phone. He told me that watching OTT shows feels very personal and that he connects deeply with each character. This level of connection and realism is something unique to OTT. While I love watching movies on the big screen, OTT has allowed us to create more personal stories. We can make a show about a family of four, like “Gullak,” and explore their daily lives. We can produce something as grand as “Sacred Games” or “Mirzapur,” and still have the flexibility to diversify in any direction with OTT.
The ability to experiment with different kinds of content has been a highlight of recent years. However, I believe we must focus on quality over quantity. Just because there is a demand doesn’t mean we should produce content without regard for its quality. Let’s aim to create beautiful, well-crafted stories that are presented in unique ways. Quality should always be our priority.
Given your experience, how important do you think it is for actors to diversify their roles in order to adapt to the changing trends of the entertainment industry?
Yeah, absolutely. Today, we have all become global viewers. As artists, we should look at our work on a global scale. I’m grateful for opportunities like working on “Extraction” on Netflix. I never imagined I’d get the chance to work in another country. Last year, I was in Spain, in a small town, and a security guard at a café recognized me. Despite speaking broken Spanish, he managed to tell me that he knew I was an actor. He even showed me my photo on Google and asked for a picture. That happened because I was fortunate to be part of “Extraction,” which was watched by millions worldwide. Even at immigration points in various countries, including Arabic countries, officials have seen my passport and welcomed me warmly, recognizing me from my work. The range of roles you can take on today is vast. For example, I’ve worked on “Mirzapur” and then done something entirely different like “Pippa.”
I believe we should embrace this diversity and explore more opportunities. I’ve expressed my desire to learn more languages and perhaps do a South Indian film or a Malayalam film, as I’m a big fan. Maybe even learn Spanish and work on a project in Spain. Today’s viewers are open-minded and don’t stereotype actors based on their previous roles.
Writers, producers, and creators should also be aware of this and be willing to explore more diverse storytelling. We need to experiment more and not stick to traditional storytelling methods or typecast actors. There’s so much potential to explore and expand.
How was your experience working with Vishal Bhardwaj for his web series ‘Charlie Chopra’?
Working with Vishalji and being part of a show with such an incredible cast, including Nasir sir’s family, Lara Dutta, and Ratna Pathakji, is an immense learning experience. Every minute on set is a learning opportunity. Being on a set where Tasadu Hussain is behind the camera, shooting in the mountains with Vishalji, is truly amazing. I’ve been waiting to work with him for years. Many people know we were supposed to work together on “Midnight’s Children,” but that project didn’t happen. I was initially set to work on it with Mamika, but it fell through. Another project from him also didn’t materialize. This time, I was determined to work on this show no matter what. It’s Vishalji’s first OTT show, and he’s adapting an Agatha Christie story with 13 talented actors—what better way to start? On set, Vishalji and I had many long chats. He would talk about my strengths and the kind of homework I do, giving me valuable suggestions on areas where I could improve. You don’t get this kind of mentorship often these days. Most people are just focused on getting the work done, but Vishalji was like a guide, advising me on how to enhance my skills for the future. I truly admire his family—Rekhaji, Vishalji, and their son, Aasman. They are all storytellers at heart, whether it’s through music or filmmaking. The soundtrack for “Charlie Chopra” was wonderful, and Vishalji is one of my favorite musicians. If I had to choose a few albums to listen to, his work would definitely be among them. These people are the holy grail of storytelling and music. Their songs are legendary and always stand out.
Fans often play a significant role in how characters and stories are received. How do fans’ opinions and feedback influence your acting choices, if at all?
No, I don’t let others’ opinions dictate my acting choices. However, I do observe their feedback to see if what I’m doing is impacting them in the right way. I pour my heart and soul into my work, and if I can connect with the audience and make them feel something, then I know I’m on the right path with my craft and approach to acting.
Last year was significant for me with various releases like “U-Turn” where I played a cop, “Pipa,” “Sheher Lakhot,” “Sita Ram,” and “Charlie Chopra.” I pay attention to the feedback I receive, reading and even replying to DMs. The pure love and appreciation from the audience help me see that my honesty in my work translates into my performances. When it comes to my choices as an actor, I follow my instincts. I choose projects based on what I want to do, and sometimes, opportunities come that I hadn’t anticipated. For instance, I never imagined getting a call to audition for “Extraction.” Sometimes, being clear about what I don’t want to do helps guide me, even if it doesn’t always result in the right decision. Ultimately, I’m continually striving to clear my headspace and build confidence in each step I take. My goal is to connect with the audience better through my work.
As someone who has successfully navigated both traditional and digital acting platforms, what advice would you give to aspiring actors looking to break into the industry?
It is definitely tough; it’s not easy. I keep reminding myself that we can’t just sit around waiting for opportunities to come to us. We have to keep trying and pushing forward—that’s our job. It’s important to know where you want to be in the future. If you have a clear vision of wanting to work in the industry for the long run, rather than just seeking temporary fame or virality, you’ll be more patient and committed.
Today, people can become viral and famous quickly, but that’s often short-lived—maybe two or three months, or even just one month. If you’re aiming for a long-term career, you have to play the slow game. Be patient and keep working on yourself. Continuously improve your skills and keep your equipment sharp. I often use the example of sportsmen: a cricketer keeps practicing in the nets even if he doesn’t get to play in the matches immediately. When the opportunity finally comes, he’s prepared to hit a six and help his team win. Similarly, we have to keep training ourselves. Any runner or athlete knows the importance of constant practice and preparation. We need to be patient and persistent. Learning these things takes time, and it’s not easy. However, there is a change happening in the industry today, and I’m hopeful that it will continue. We need to see more new writers, directors, and actors bringing fresh and diverse stories to the forefront.