Faisal Malik, best known for his poignant portrayal of Prahlad Chacha in the widely loved series *Panchayat*, recently opened up on the show *Small Towns, Big Stories* hosted by Pankaj Dubey, a platform agnostic storyteller. The interview provided a heartfelt glimpse into his journey as an actor, his challenges, and the deep connection he feels to his roots and fans in small towns.

Faisal believes that making people cry on-screen is far more challenging than making them laugh. For him, immersing fully into a character is crucial, often leading to moments of self-reflection. As he steps into each role, he questions himself, seeking authenticity that resonates with his audience. It’s this dedication that has made his performances so relatable, touching viewers at an emotional level.

The actor speaks about his hit series ‘Panchayat’ and how it has impacted audiences in small towns. He mentioned how deeply fans from small villages and cities connect with his work, often drawing inspiration from the characters he plays. This sense of responsibility fuels his passion, knowing that his roles can impact lives and inspire people, especially in smaller towns where cinema remains a key window to the world.

In the interview, Faisal spoke candidly about his work as a producer. He admitted it can often be a thankless and tiring job, but there’s immense satisfaction in bringing a project to life. It’s a space where hard work often goes unnoticed, but the result – seeing something he helped create connect with an audience – is a reward beyond measure.

Faisal’s father was initially shocked by his decision not to pursue further studies. Choosing the unconventional path of the arts came with its challenges. Yet, his decision was driven by an undeniable passion for film. Over the years, Faisal has worked across various roles in the film industry, from assistant director to editing, slowly carving out a career that satisfies his creative hunger.

While he has achieved a lot in the industry, there’s an underlying emotion of wishing certain people had been around to witness his success. It’s clear that, despite all his accomplishments, Faisal is grounded in his relationships and memories. The interview can be watched on:-

YouTube: Faisal Malik’s Rise from ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ to ‘Panchayat’ | Small Towns, Big Stories S1 E1