In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with actor-producer Prahaan Padhiar to talk about his latest film Wash My Sin…
Hi Prahaan Padhiar, welcome to Flickering Myth! Congrats on the movie ‘Wash My Sin’. Can you tell us about it?
Thank you! Wash My Sin is a drama-thriller. The story is about Ria (Pearly Mitnasala) and Giulia (Maria Sole Quintili) who navigate the shadows of their past in a poignant confrontation with guilt, redemption, and the bonds linking them. Ria, crafted by Pearly’s own script, comes face to face with a secret that threatens to unravel her fragile peace. As buried truths surface, the two women must reckon with what it takes to truly cleanse one’s soul and whether forgiveness can ever fully absolve.
What was your role in the production?
For this project, I served as the producer. I was responsible for shepherding the film from concept to completion. I spearheaded our financing efforts—crafting pitch materials, negotiating with investors, and managing the budget to keep us on track without compromising creative quality. Once the funds were in place, I assembled a talented cast and crew, drawing on my industry network to secure the right director of photography, production designer, and supporting artists who could bring our story to life. Throughout pre-production and shooting, I served as the primary liaison between writer Pearly Mitnasala and every department: translating her narrative vision into detailed shooting schedules, design briefs, and casting notices, and then tracking progress to ensure we stayed true to her intentions. By fostering open communication, troubleshooting logistical challenges in real time, and maintaining a collaborative atmosphere on set, I helped create the conditions for the creative team to focus on performance and storytelling—ultimately delivering a tightly realized production that stayed faithful to Pearly’s original concept.
How did you get involved?
I was asked to come on as producer by the writer Pearly Mitnasala. We had previously worked on the project Conversation Therapy together, which has gained some serious traction with eight wins and three nominations and had a great working relationship.
Congratulations on keeping with your winning streak! Tell us what Wash My Sin has scooped up.
It has done pretty well, so far! Last year, we won at the Couch Film Festival, Athvikvaruni International Film Festival, Kollywood International Film Festival, Navy International Film Festival, Nitiin International Film Festival and Thilsri International Film Festival.
It was also nominated for “Best Drama” at the Couch Film Festival and at AltFF Alternative Film Festival.
How did you find producing the project?
It was great, but working on a tight budget is a true rollercoaster—every step comes with its highs and lows. To be more specific.
The Lows:
• You feel the pinch of every expense, from props to crew meals, and that “just one more cost” moment never fails to sting.
• Juggling gear checks, call sheets, and last-minute location changes means you’re constantly on high alert—one missed cue or delayed truck can throw your whole day off.
• Racing against the clock in cramped time slots forces on-the-fly fixes that test your nerves and patience.
The Highs:
• That same pressure ignites creative problem-solving—finding an elegant shot or clever workaround feels like a small victory.
• When schedules click into place and everyone rallies despite the odds, there’s a surge of camaraderie and energy on set.
• Finally, seeing the finished film land with audiences—hearing that first cheer or positive review—is a rush that makes every tight deadline and budget hurdle absolutely worth it.
Can you share any fun facts from the set?
Our shoot quickly turned into a live comedy show. In the middle of dramatic takes, unsuspecting pedestrians strolled into frame like they were part of the scene—earning instant fame in our blooper reel. One afternoon, a curious dog wandered onto set, sniffed our props, and casually photobombed a key shot before trotting off like nothing happened. Those spontaneous cameos had us in stitches and reminded us that sometimes the best on-camera magic is totally unplanned.
As an Indian-born actor and producer navigating Hollywood, how do your roots and heritage influence your work and the roles you choose?
As an Indian-born actor navigating Hollywood, my roots and heritage deeply inform my artistic perspective and influence the roles I choose. Coming from a country renowned for its vibrant cinematic culture and rich artistic history, I grew up surrounded by creative voices from diverse walks of life, which fostered in me a profound passion and respect for acting. My heritage enriches my performances by enabling me to authentically draw upon personal experiences, traditions, and cultural nuances—such as when I portrayed Norman Chaudry, a Pakistani 7/11 store owner. In selecting roles, I am naturally drawn to characters and projects that genuinely reflect my identity, offer meaningful representation, and challenge stereotypes by broadening narratives around Indian and South Asian culture.
Going forward, who would you like to collaborate with in future?
My list is long, but ok! I would like to collaborate with Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan, Emma Stone, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Samuel L. Jackson, Anurag Kashyap, and Amy Adams among others.
How can people find and follow your journey?
Thank you so much! I am mostly on Instagram.
Our thanks to Prahaan Padhiar for taking the time for this interview, and to Liz Rodriguez from EMR Media for helping us with the interview.