We talked to the protagonist of the most tense episode of 2024 (and one of the best): 'Industry' makes its 'Uncut Gems'

Those who feel anxious watching The Bear and have not yet faced Industry, do not know what tension is and have not crossed paths with it on the street. This week's episode, the fourth of the (excellent) third season of the HBO series, is the best example of this. If you are not watching the series, continue reading at your own risk because from here on there are spoilers. 

In White Mischief, the idea of the Christmas spirit for Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, Rishi's work and personal life teeter on the brink of the precipice until hitting rock bottom with bets, accumulating debts, a marriage in crisis, and a Human Resources complaint for inappropriate behavior that threatens his future at Pierpoint.

Throughout two seasons, his character has often served as comic relief, with comments as witty as they are offensive (often heard in the background), of which he must now take responsibility.

Rishi has always been a charismatic character. He's the typical memorable supporting scene-stealer, but in this week's episode, he has been the protagonist, and in the midst of chaos, his addictive personality and a reckless tendency towards self-destruction and risk come to light.

This sort of Uncut Gems in the financial world demonstrates the security, confidence, and freedom that the creators of the series have in this third installment. It has also been a showcase for the talent of Sagar Radia, the actor who plays the character, and with whom EL ESPAÑOL had the opportunity to talk about this episode. 

'Industry' 3x04

In the season finale, Eric betrayed Rishi, but they returned to work together at the last moment, how would you define that relationship?

It's such a ruthless world that I think there's no time for feelings. Sometimes I think everything is faster and without much thought. Okay, we've made a decision, we're back, and we keep working. Whatever happened, happened, and we're going to leave it there because the priority is to stay here and make as much money as possible.

"There was a lot of emotional truth in the scene between Rishi and Diane in the kitchen"

What was the main challenge in filming that episode centered on your character?

I was very concerned about maintaining the tone, so before starting to film, I told Zoe (Wittock), the director of the episode: "It would be very helpful for me if you could guide me if I go off track regarding the emotional journey of this episode. Tell me if I'm doing too much or too little."

I needed to trust that they would keep me in check because I was going to be focused on ten different things, and I really needed someone to see me from the outside on that emotional journey.

"After season 1, I told a friend that I believed Rishi had all the traits of an addictive personality"

What was the most emotionally charged scene you filmed in this episode?

The scene where Rishi and Diane are arguing in the kitchen. It's a really emotionally charged scene because there is a lot at stake and a lot of history between the characters prior to that conversation.

In that scene, Diane says a phrase that I find very powerful. She says something like "It's easier to raise strong children than to mend broken men," and I remember feeling it deeply.

The way Brittany Ashworth delivered the line while we were shooting made it the kind of scene where you really don't have to act, just respond and react emotionally to what your co-star is doing. There was a lot of emotional truth in that sequence.

'Industry' 3x04

Were you surprised to discover Rishi's addiction when reading the scripts for this season?

I think Rishi's journey from season 1 to 3 is the same as the one I have experienced with the audience because I have been discovering who he is and what he's about in the same way you have.

I would say that in the first season he largely fulfills a functional role in that world. In the second season, we see a bit more of him outside the office, but it's in this third season when everything kicks off and we really see Rishi's world outside.

When I read the script, it was fascinating because at the end of the first season, I was talking to a friend of mine and he asked me to define my character and what storylines I imagined he could have in the future. I told him that I believed Rishi had all the traits of an addictive personality and that there was a vein to explore.

The surprising thing is that I never discussed that with Konrad and Mickey, it was just something I had talked about with a friend. So when they told me we were going to explore this theme in the third season, it was very reassuring to see that my instinct was right and that I was really on the right path regarding my character.

*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence