TOI: Am the most romantic guy on TV- Gaurav

For a management guy, it wouldn't have been that difficult to chalk out a strategy that has the mantra of 'higher the risk, higher the returns'.

Taking a quantum leap in leaving a job as a marketing manager for a role in television is not something that many do in life. But Gaurav Khanna did exactly that and has not looked back since then. Like some of his telly counterparts, Gaurav also has earned the sobriquet of a hunk. The actor is happy to accept the tag and credits all to the kind of shows he has done so far. "Luckily, the kind of roles that I have done came with a tinge of passion and romance was inherent in those characters. I think I am the most romantic guy on TV. Romance and I are inseparable," says Gaurav who was in town to promote his recently launched show Byah Hamari Bahoo Ka.
With an impressive body of work that includes shows like Love Ne Miladi Jodi, Jeevan Saathi, Kumkum, Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam et al, the actor is gunning for more greasepaint on the small screen. He admits, walking that extra mile for a role is what motivates him in life. "I lost four kilos to suit my latest role as Krish that required me to look young," he says adding, "Unless I make some extra effort to absorb myself in the character, the viewer will feel only the reflection of Gaurav Khanna in that particular character. I crave for making a difference in each appearance I make in a show."
If a character is about layers, then nuances interest Gaurav. "There are so many nuances in the role that I'm playing which requires utmost attention. One off the track moment — and the sync factor loses it charm," says the actor.
On his careergraph, the actor says, "I was a marketing manager and someone spotted me in a gym and modeling happened. When I got to do my first show, I didn't even tell my folks that I'm dreaming to make it to the showbiz. I used to visit the sets and shoot after office. It was only after three months that I left my marketing job to get fully involved in TV."
Different strokes interest Gaurav as he talks about his love for painting. "I do oil on canvas and enjoy the process involved. I wanted to become a painter and rate myself better than an average guy. But I would like to say that I don't understand modern art. The way modern art is gaining eyeballs is amazing, though," says the actor.
The actor, confesses that though he plays a romantic guy in shows, he's yet to chance upon love in life. "My work is my muse and my love," he says adding, "My relationship status still has the single tag attached which is due to my inherent nature — a recluse in terms of pouring my heart out to someone I love. Most often it happens that I wait to see if the girl I like begins the conversation and carries it forward. The end result — singlehood. I am trying to bring in a change in my shy nature. Contrary to my onscreen avatar, I am an introvert."
At the same time the glam world of Bollywood doesn't lure him as he says, "My USP lies in the small screen, which I don't intend to trade with Bollywood. I am very happy to see Yami (Gautam), my ex-colleague and co-star making inroads. But I'd wait till I get a competent role than to take up role of any kind."
While Gaurav feels ladyluck always smiles on him in Ahmedabad. "Ahmedabad has proved lucky for me. Every time I come for a promotional tour to the city, I get good response from the audience," he says.