The digital streaming landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the careers of its stars. The upcoming SonyLIV original series 13th: Some Lessons Aren’t Taught in Classrooms hasn’t received much attention on social media or a major marketing push from SonyLIV, but it looks promising, largely because of its leading duo, Gagan Dev Riar and Paresh Pahuja.
Gagan Dev Riar became a sensation after his spectacular and near-flawless portrayal of Abdul Karim Telgi in Scam 2003: The Telgi Story. True, many believe Scam 2003 didn’t quite match up to its critically acclaimed predecessor Scam 1992, led by Pratik Gandhi. But there’s no denying that Riar’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass in acting.
Riar fully inhabited the character, from mannerisms to voice, earning widespread critical acclaim and cementing his place as a household name.
Which is why 13th presents a crucial moment for him. This time, he plays MT Sir, a mathematics teacher and mentor to a brilliant student, Ritesh, portrayed by Paresh Pahuja. MT Sir, inspired by real-life educator Mohit Tyagi, is a stark departure from the morally complex, cunning Telgi.
This new role, a humble yet ambitious mentor, allows Riar to demonstrate his versatility and prove that his talent goes beyond playing morally grey, larger-than-life characters.
Will 13th help Gagan Dev Riar step out of the shadow of Scam 2003 and its legacy? We’ll find out after its premiere on October 1.
Much will depend on the depth and nuance of Riar’s performance. If he can bring MT Sir to life with distinct personality traits and strike an emotional chord with audiences, it could cement his status as one of streaming’s most versatile actors and unlock a wider range of opportunities.
Equally exciting is Paresh Pahuja’s presence in 13th. Known for his roles in Tiger Zinda Hai, Kadak Singh, and as Mahi in Bandish Bandits, Pahuja has largely been a confident, dependable supporting actor. This series, however, marks his first chance to headline a story.
In 13th, Pahuja plays Ritesh, a venture capitalist who abandons corporate life to help his mentor, MT Sir, build an ambitious ed-tech startup. His role is inspired by the real-life journey of Competishun, a leading education startup. As the protagonist, the weight of the narrative rests on Pahuja’s ability to carry its emotional core and build a convincing on-screen partnership with Riar.
Pahuja’s performance will reveal whether he can transition from a reliable supporting actor to a bankable leading man in India’s streaming ecosystem.
Ultimately, the heart of 13th lies in the chemistry between Gagan Dev Riar and Paresh Pahuja. For Riar, it’s an opportunity to redefine his legacy. For Pahuja, it’s the first chapter of his journey as a leading man.
Let’s see how it unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates.