Following his captivating portrayal of Digvijay in Vanshaj, Mahir Pandhi is poised to embark on a new venture, taking on mythological roles. He will portray the characters of Bali and Sugreev in the upcoming series Veer Hanuman.

In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Mahir discussed the importance of these roles in Veer Hanuman and the physical transformation he experienced. He also expressed his views on why he considers Thanos to be merely a "weaker Bali."

Mahir's debut in a mythological series

Mahir shared his thoughts on participating in a mythological show for the first time, stating, "I have always sought to avoid monotony. This journey is about exploration and expanding my artistic repertoire. It is consistently a learning experience—an opportunity for growth and, ideally, to make a lasting impression. We aim to present something extraordinary. While the themes may be familiar, we are delivering them in a manner that is fresh and innovative. It is a remarkable chance to be involved in something novel."

Regarding his physical transformation and the process of bulking up for the role, Mahir remarked, “Initially, it is enjoyable to undertake such a challenge. When we envision that era, we realize that individuals did not resemble modern bodybuilders or appear excessively muscular. They developed strength naturally, without the aid of gyms, as they were engaged in battles. They often went days without food, only to consume a substantial meal to regain their energy. Our goal has been to remain as true as possible to the authentic concept of strength from that time, particularly in the case of Bali and Sugreev, two formidable warrior brothers. Bali, being the mightiest, required me to embody that strength faithfully.”

Why Mahir thinks Thanos is weaker Bali

In a recent Instagram post, Mahir expressed his belief that Thanos represents a diminished version of Bali. When prompted for clarification, he elaborated, "History is constructed. If we examine ancient narratives—be it Greek mythology, Egyptian folklore, or other global traditions—we discover that similar concepts have permeated our cultures. Therefore, I do not consider Thanos to be a wholly original idea; it draws from Hindu mythology. This notion was present in Kishkindha long before Thanos was conceived. Bali was already engaged in battles during that era."

He continued, "In discussing the Vanars, I aim to narrate their story in a manner that resonates with contemporary audiences. The Vanars were often marginalized by society, contrasting with humans (Nars) and demons (Rakshasas), while the gods remained in safety. Thanos sought to eradicate half of existence to ensure that only the strongest would prevail, a philosophy that Bali also shared. However, it is important to note that Bali predates Thanos."

Mahir also reflected on his portrayal of Sugreev and Bali, stating, "In Bali, one can see an alter ego of Mahir, while Sugreev embodies aspects of my reality. I do not perceive this as a shift in mindset but rather as an exploration of my alter ego. The characters I have portrayed thus far follow a specific trajectory, yet with each role, I experience growth. This evolution presents new challenges. The essential task is to maintain equilibrium, as Bali and Sugreev are, after all, brothers. It is immensely enjoyable. I take great pleasure in character development—crafting backstories, particularly when there is no definitive historical account of Bali and Sugreev. For Bali's appearance, I was thoroughly engaged, conducting extensive research to draw inspiration for his look."

Bali's hairstyle is inspired by the Vikings series. However, Mahir believes that Vikings were inspired by Hindu culture, and Bali’s look simply reminds people of that again. He said, "For example, Vikings was inspired by our culture, so we decided to bring that essence back for Bali. Some elements you saw in Vikings originated from our era. We didn’t necessarily have godly hair and appearances, but there were distinct features that people had forgotten that came from our culture. Bali’s look, his tilak, his body language—everything serves as a reminder that we were the originators of this aesthetic, even if people have forgotten over time."

Mahir calls playing Bali and Sugreev a blessing

Mahir expressed that portraying the roles of Bali and Sugreev has not posed a challenge but rather has been a remarkable opportunity. He stated, "I believe not many have the chance to do this today. It is truly a joy to embody two characters in such a prominent show. I sincerely hope you all enjoy it, as it holds great significance for me. I am dedicating my heart, soul, and considerable effort to this project. It is essential that it becomes a memorable experience; otherwise, I will consider it a failure."

"Veer Hanuman" is a mythological television series that narrates the tale of Bal Hanuman. The cast includes Aan Tiwari, Sayli Salunkhe, and Arav Chaudhary in significant roles, among others. The show made its debut on SAB TV on March 11.

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