‘Yeh bhi theek nahi hai,’  Robin gone too soon!

In the labyrinthine chaos of Mirzapur, where every corner hides a new twist, Priyanshu Painyuli’s portrayal of Robin stands out as a role of complexity and charm. Robin, with his quiet resolve and nuanced depth, has woven himself into the very fabric of the series. His character, both enigmatic and endearing, transcends the ordinary, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where loyalty and love are constantly tested. With each episode, Priyanshu breathes life into Robin, making him not just a character but a memorable journey through the shadows of Mirzapur. His portrayal brings a delightful blend of sophistication and vulnerability.
When asked if he knew about Robin’s fate, Priyanshu Painyuli shared that he was aware of his character’s death, emphasising that it wasn’t a shock to him. “Yes, yes, of course, I knew he was going to be killed. It would have been a big shocker for me if I didn’t know. They don’t usually keep a big surprise or shock from me. I would have been like, ‘Kill Robin like that,’ or ‘Kill him like this.’ I knew it and had loads of discussions with the director and Guru,” he explained.
Besides, Priyanshu described how the news of Robin’s death was delivered during a Zoom call with the show’s creators. He recalled, “Guru told me what was going to happen this season. Of course, it was a shock and a surprise for me—like, why did you have to kill him? Why Robin? But overall, it made sense. The structural changes this season were very interesting and brave. The creators took the show to another level, which people were not expecting.”
He reflected on the audience’s reaction, noting the mixed feelings and attachment people had towards Robin. “A lot of people came to me and said, Yeh theek nahi hai. It was nice to see that people were so deeply attached to that character, probably so much that they didn’t want him to die,” he said. Painyuli added that despite Robin not being a central figure in the power struggle, his character’s intriguing and mysterious nature left a significant impact.
He found Robin to be one of the finest characters written in the OTT space. He highlighted the character’s complexity and ambiguity, stating, “The first time I read about his character, I realised this guy is one of the finest characters written across web series. You don’t know the background of the character, his intentions, his past, or what he’s looking forward to.” He praised Guru, the show’s creator, for allowing him the freedom to explore and interpret Robin’s character. “Guru is such a sweetheart; he’s so amazing that you cannot stop exploring your character on that day. He’d say, ‘You decide,’ and that gave me the freedom to play Robin differently in every scene. Sometimes he’s truthful; sometimes he’s not. He knows how to talk, and that’s his weapon—his words and his understanding of other people’s weaknesses,” he shared.
He also elaborated on Robin’s unique traits, including his colourful wardrobe and enigmatic presence. He mentioned that Guru left much of Robin’s character development up to him, allowing him to shape the role with his creativity. “Robin definitely knew how to talk and that was his weapon. Knowing the other person’s weakness becomes your strength. In Mirzapur, most of the characters are after money, but Robin had a different angle,” he noted.
Throwback on the impact of playing Robin, Priyanshu expressed a deep connection with the character. He shared, “Personally, it’s been like finding a family. Even though I knew Ali Fazal and Shweta Tripathi from theater, it felt like we had all grown together through this journey.” In addition, he praised Gurmeet Singh, the director, for his genuine and consistent nature, both on and off set.
Soul Mates fame also humorously recounted the joke between him and Gurmeet: “The joke between us was that he killed me there but gave me another show, Paan Parda Zarda, where I’m leading. Working with Gurmeet spoils you as a person because of the relationship and environment he creates on set.”
He fondly recalled the camaraderie and shared memories on set, highlighting the consistent crew and the emotional connections formed. “The wonderful character of Robin and the emotional death scene were memorable. That night was also my birthday and we celebrated with a cake cutting, making it a bittersweet moment,” he reminisced.
In discussing his process for getting into character, he emphasised the importance of understanding the director’s vision while adding his personal touch. “I try to see what world the director is trying to bring and then add my personal touch. It’s about conveying the character’s essence, not just following the script,” he explained.
He shared how the transformation into Robin involved embracing the character’s vibrant style, including colorful printed shirts and unique hairstyles. He noted that these elements helped him embody Robin, stating, “Half of my characters are built when you put me into a get-up I’ve never been in. The colourful printed shirts, big glasses and haircut all contributed to Robin’s identity.”
He was additionally touched by the audience’s response to Robin’s character and death. He shared heartfelt messages and comments from fans, expressing gratitude for their support. “People were sending me messages, saying it was unnecessary and unjust to Robin. Comments like, Ek hi toh family man tha Mirzapur mein, usko bhi maar diya, were heartwarming,” he said.
He also acknowledged the impact of Robin’s catchphrase, Yeh bhi theek hai, which became popular among fans. “People started making T-shirts with the phrase and it became a part of the meme culture. It’s interesting how such small elements can leave a lasting impression,” he noted.
Shehar Lakhot fame, concluded by reflecting on the character’s depth and the broader message of the show. “Robin wasn’t fighting for power; he was looking for love and family. That was his journey. In Mirzapur’s world, plotting, killing and power struggles are common, but Robin’s story reminded us that there is more to life than being powerful. Family and love matter more,” he expressed.
Looking ahead, The Pippa fame hinted at his excitement for future projects, including Paan Parda Zarda, where he is working with Gurmeet Singh again. He shared his enthusiasm for continuing to explore diverse roles and characters, eager to push the boundaries of his craft.