Nitin Ganatra recently shared a humorous episode from the set of Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” in which he portrayed Prince Pondicherry. The 58-year-old actor recounted how he “almost got fired” due to an incident involving Johnny Depp, who played Willy Wonka. Speaking at the premiere of his latest film, “Christmas Karma,” Ganatra recalled how Depp encouraged him to explore what he referred to as the “vanishing corridor,” leading to a mishap where Ganatra ended up leaving a trail of chocolate footprints on the carpet.
Ganatra explained, “There are always funny moments. Johnny Depp got me into trouble — he won’t even remember this. I was covered in chocolate, my shoes, everything covered in chocolate.” He followed Depp’s advice, only to find himself in a shrinking corridor that caused him to hit his head and frantically dash back, exclaiming, “You almost got me fired, Johnny…” He also noted that despite the trouble, working with Depp was enjoyable.
Although Ganatra was not invited to reprise his role for the 2023 prequel “Wonka,” directed by Paul King, he expressed understanding, stating it featured a different cast and direction. His disappointment lay in his experience with Tim Burton on the series “Wednesday,” where he was killed off and unable to return for the anticipated second season.
In his latest project, “Christmas Karma,” Ganatra takes on the role of a shopkeeper— a breakthrough for him, as he has typically shied away from such portrayals due to typecasting. Drawing from his own background, he shared that both he and director Gurinder Chadha have roots in the world of retail, which informs his character.
“Christmas Karma,” a contemporary musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” will be released in cinemas on November 14, 2025. Ganatra’s performance promises to bring a unique flair to this festive tale, showcasing his personal connections to the story.