From putting on 9 kgs to doing a fatal tank stunt -Gaurav Chopraa opens up on prep for 'Gadar 2'

Gaurav Chopraa has always been versatile from the get-go. As he has himself said in many interviews, he made a conscious decision to take up roles that challenge his inner potential post the COVID-19 pandemic. Well, his dedication, compiled with his decision-making ability, has delivered him great roles in a spree in the form of Bachchan Paandey, Rana Naidu and Gadar 2. Not just that, the man was also bestowed with two special award honours for Rana Naidu for his role of Prince and well, and ever since that, his manifestation regarding Gadar 2 seems to have turned true for real. 

Given the scale of the cult movie, the cast and the story, Gaurav was always confident that Gadar 2 would be an earth-shattering blockbuster in cinemas, and that's exactly what the scenario turned out to be. His role as Colonel Devendra Rawat earned him accolades and appreciation from the industry, audience and even the army. However, while all that shines and is visible is known to the outside world, not many are perhaps aware of the hard work he put in to contribute his bit in this 500 crore blockbuster movie. From putting on 9kg weight, training and living with real-life army officers to pulling off a sensational stunt with a real tank without any safety support and security, he's literally put his blood and sweat into this project. As he embraces the success and positivity that comes his way, the actor shares,

"Well, it feels like a reward from God. I have always believed that the higher the risk, the higher the reward. After COVID-19, I consciously decided to step out of my comfort zone and only be a part of projects selectively that challenge my potential as an actor like never before. I believe when the intentions are right, God also supports you, and that's how I zeroed up on projects that could showcase me in an unexpected light, like Bachchhan Paandey, Rana Naidu and Gadar 2, one after the other. I was very confident mentally after Rana Naidu, especially because I was bestowed with two special award honours for my character of Prince. However, at the same time, I was also certain in my mind that I can't afford to be complacent, and hence, I always need to be on top of my game each and every day to push myself beyond regular limits."

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He further added, "I put on 9kg weight before every schedule to look like an army man from 1970; There was a lot of intense training involved for my character of a respected army officer. I actually lived and trained with them to understand the small and minute details of their lifestyle. From their life to their thoughts, their conversations and their food, what they do in their training to how they fight and how they eat, I observed all. It was such a beautiful learning experience for me. Their presence around me filled me with positivity, and 'josh' was certainly a big source of motivation behind pulling off that tank stunt. In the climax, Col. Rawat makes an entry standing on a tank ! Anil ji wanted a heroic entry when I came to save the situation and sort out the villain. I was supposed to be in the tank, but spontaneously, he asked me if I could stand on it and enter as it would look larger than life .. Being already in the army man protector zone, I said yes immediately without realizing it moved very differently from other vehicles. The tank bends forward during movement and gets very bumpy. Since there was nothing to place your foot strongly or hold onto something, it was actually very dangerous. However, we did the shot 2 to 3 times, and I made it safely!

Now in hindsight, I realise that if I were just to lose my balance, there were chances of a very serious or fatal injury. It could have been fatal had I fallen off the tank. However, since I was in that zone mentally. I didn't even think then..."

He concluded by saying, "I am glad it worked, and people everywhere have taken note of this. The actor in me is enjoying this phase of versatility the most. It feels wonderful to be a part of a movie that has earned more than 500 crores at the box office. Such movies will always be remembered in history. Many actors get to be a part of great movies. However, to be a part of history is special. Grateful to my audience for giving me so much love and appreciation. This motivates me to do even better and work harder on my upcoming projects. Fingers crossed."

Chopraa has been on a roll lately with back-to-back appearances in several projects, and we cannot wait to see what he works on next. 

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