At the launch of Ideabaaz, actor Pratik Gandhi talks about his role as host and brand ambassador, bringing his passion for innovation and problem-solving to India’s startup landscape. In conversation with IMPACT Magazine, he shares how his background in engineering and theatre connects with the vision of Ideabaaz: a platform where innovators from all over India, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, can pitch ideas, gain mentorship, and access funding. Gandhi emphasises that his role is to empower participants, helping founders communicate their ideas to investors while fostering a supportive environment. He finds inspiration in the variety of ideas presented, from everyday solutions to cutting-edge innovations, and values interactions with investors and knowledge partners like IIT Madras. For him, Ideabaaz is more than a show, it’s a movement that encourages risk-taking, nurtures talent, and shapes India’s future entrepreneurs, inspiring participants and audiences alike to dream big and take action.
Here are the edited excerpts
Q] Pratik, moving from acting to hosting a show is a very different genre. How are you feeling right now?
I’m absolutely thrilled and happy to be hosting this show. I’ve hosted live shows and birthday parties in the past when I was trying to create a space for myself in Mumbai, I come from Surat and I enjoyed interacting with live audiences because of my theatre background.
But why Ideabaaz? I’m an engineer at heart, and I pursued engineering because I wanted to. What excites me most is seeing India carve its own path in innovation, research, and deep tech solutions. Startups and ideas are emerging from every corner of India. When I learned how Ideabaaz functions: creating an ecosystem where founders and innovators can pitch ideas, gain investments, mentorship, and guidance, I felt this was perfect. I’ll be the link between founders, innovators, and investors, which connects deeply with my engineering passion. At the same time, as an actor, I love interacting with the audience, so this role beautifully combines both sides of me.
Q] What excites you the most about this show, the audience interaction, the participants, or the ideas you’ll be hearing?
Honestly, all of it. The ideas are incredible, you’ll realize it when you watch each episode and every pitch on Ideabaaz. These are brilliant solutions to everyday problems, created by a few exceptional minds, the ‘Ideabaazes’. I really enjoy seeing how the investors and titans analyze each idea, dissect it, and explore how to convert it into a viable business. It’s also been enriching to have IIT Madras as a knowledge partner. Interacting with professors and industry stalwarts as they evaluate pitches and discuss investment strategies adds immense learning.
What excites me most is the message the show communicates to the country: don’t be afraid to take risks. Those who dare to take risks can create new paths for themselves, their communities, and the nation. That’s what drew me to this project the most.
Q] You have a very strong on-screen presence. Do you think there’s a chance you might overshadow the participants or entrepreneurs?
Not at all. I see my role as a facilitator. I’m there to empower each Ideabaaz, to support them, and to help present their ideas clearly to the investors. I view myself as an enabler, an extension of their team, helping them reach their full potential.
Q] Why do you think you were chosen as a brand ambassador? Do you think it's related to the character of Harshad Mehta?
Well, I’m not sure, I think only the core team of Ideabaaz would know the exact reason. But when they approached me, they mentioned that their surveys showed they wanted a more relatable face for the show. Ideabaaz is about India, the common people, and the ideas they bring. I guess that’s why I got this opportunity to be a part of it.
Q] If you were to present an idea for your own startup, what would it be like,an imaginary startup?
Oh! There are so many ideas! After hosting the first season, I now have a whole bunch of concepts running through my mind.
