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Gunjan Utreja, who was last seen as an investigator in Aamna Saamna, has been finalized as the new lead in Drashti Dhami-starrer show Madhubala.
He will play a superstar, Abhay Kapoor, in the popular serial. Soon after he was confirmed for the role, he spoke to CT about comparisons with Vivian Dsena aka R.K and wanting to host reality shows in the future.
Tell us about your character... Abhay Kapoor is this flamboyant superstar. He's arrogant and extrovert by nature, but there are other shades to him too. Madhubala is shown to be a die-hard fan of Abhay. I've already shot the promo and will start shooting it from today.
Why did you shy away from daily soaps after starting out with Chajje Chajje Ka Pyaar? The show didn't turn out as expected and was over in three months, so I couldn't explore my capabilities. In a way, Madhubala is my first daily soap. Soon after CCKP, I got Aamna Samna, which ended last July.
Then, I wanted to focus on a lot of things, but I had to take some time off as I had fractured my foot. I also put on a lot of weight during that time, but in the last three months, I lost 10 kgs. I got many offers during this period, but those were cliched roles. I was very particular about what I wanted to do. In this industry, it's easy to say yes, but extremely difficult to say no. Finally, I bagged Madhubala.
So how were you shortlisted for this role? I got a call from the casting agency this month. I had to audition for it five times because the makers wanted to ensure that the actor had a strong personality and could be paired with Drashti.
Vivian Dsena made quite an impact as the previous lead in Madhubala, so people are bound to draw comparisons and have certain expectations. Are you ready for it all? Ever since I portrayed an investigator in Zindagi Ki Haqeeqat Se Aamna Saamna, people have been supportive and appreciated my work. With Abhay Kapoor I bring something unique in the show. Vivian did a great job as RK and I'm aware that there will be comparisons. But our characters are totally different, so comparisons will be unnecessary and demeaning to both of us as actors.
What can we expect from you? I'm a reserved person by nature, unlike Abhay Kapoor. So there lies the challenge. I know I'll do justice to the role as I was born to entertain.
There are rumours that the show will go off air in March. Does this bother you? It's an interesting rumour, but it doesn't seem logical to me. We are already in February. If the show had to wrap up in March, why will the makers put in their time, energy and money in changing the star cast?
You have been hosting events and shows for almost a decade now. Would you rather act or anchor shows? For me any and every platform is a medium to entertain people. But since I love anchoring, I'd love to host TV reality shows someday.
He will play a superstar, Abhay Kapoor, in the popular serial. Soon after he was confirmed for the role, he spoke to CT about comparisons with Vivian Dsena aka R.K and wanting to host reality shows in the future.
Tell us about your character... Abhay Kapoor is this flamboyant superstar. He's arrogant and extrovert by nature, but there are other shades to him too. Madhubala is shown to be a die-hard fan of Abhay. I've already shot the promo and will start shooting it from today.
Why did you shy away from daily soaps after starting out with Chajje Chajje Ka Pyaar? The show didn't turn out as expected and was over in three months, so I couldn't explore my capabilities. In a way, Madhubala is my first daily soap. Soon after CCKP, I got Aamna Samna, which ended last July.
Then, I wanted to focus on a lot of things, but I had to take some time off as I had fractured my foot. I also put on a lot of weight during that time, but in the last three months, I lost 10 kgs. I got many offers during this period, but those were cliched roles. I was very particular about what I wanted to do. In this industry, it's easy to say yes, but extremely difficult to say no. Finally, I bagged Madhubala.
So how were you shortlisted for this role? I got a call from the casting agency this month. I had to audition for it five times because the makers wanted to ensure that the actor had a strong personality and could be paired with Drashti.
Vivian Dsena made quite an impact as the previous lead in Madhubala, so people are bound to draw comparisons and have certain expectations. Are you ready for it all? Ever since I portrayed an investigator in Zindagi Ki Haqeeqat Se Aamna Saamna, people have been supportive and appreciated my work. With Abhay Kapoor I bring something unique in the show. Vivian did a great job as RK and I'm aware that there will be comparisons. But our characters are totally different, so comparisons will be unnecessary and demeaning to both of us as actors.
What can we expect from you? I'm a reserved person by nature, unlike Abhay Kapoor. So there lies the challenge. I know I'll do justice to the role as I was born to entertain.
There are rumours that the show will go off air in March. Does this bother you? It's an interesting rumour, but it doesn't seem logical to me. We are already in February. If the show had to wrap up in March, why will the makers put in their time, energy and money in changing the star cast?
You have been hosting events and shows for almost a decade now. Would you rather act or anchor shows? For me any and every platform is a medium to entertain people. But since I love anchoring, I'd love to host TV reality shows someday.
🥱 which padmini gave to RK once.
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