Gautam Rode: Big on the small screen

Gautam Rode (left) with Saraswatichandra co-star Jennifer Winget

by Asjad Nazir

Recently everything that actor Gautam Rode touches seems to be turning into gold.

Globally successful television serialSaraswatichandra, where he plays the lead role, is perhaps the most precious of his sparkling projects, closely followed by the last two series of popular dance reality TV series Nach Baliye, which he co-hosts with Karan Wahi.

Eastern Eye caught up with Gautam just before he started a London schedule for Saraswatichandra to talk about the successful serial, his future plans, settling down, acting challenges and why there is no rivalry between TV stars.

How would you describe your journey as an actor?

It's been a long journey, but I have done everything possible. The interesting phase is going on right now in my life. Earlier I used to do work, but it never got appreciated that much. Now whatever I am touching is working.

Have you been surprised by your recent success?

No, it's not about being a surprise. According to me, everything takes time. Sometimes it will come quicker to you, maybe in your first project, but sometimes it takes time, so you can't stop working hard. You can't just give up and say, boss, it is just not happening for me and I want to do something else.' I have always believed in myself, I have always known that I can definitely deliver, so keeping that in mind and using it as motivation, you carry on and do your stuff. That is what I did and now it's paying off.

Why do you think Saraswatichandra has been such a global success?

It's been made well and the characters have clicked with audiences - these are the two basic things and the third thing is destiny. But ultimately it's good presentation and performances.

How do you balance doing such a demanding TV serial with being a successful presenter? Are there really two of you?

(Jokes) Yes, Asjad, there are two of me. No, actually, that is just one side of me, so it's two sides of the same coin. You just have to keep your focus, remember your character and do everything with conviction. That is what I believe - you have to do everything with conviction if you want things to fall into place. That is what is going on right now.

But acting is your priority, right?

Acting is my passion, my love; that is the only thing I know. It is the only thing I live for.

Have you been surprised by the dominance of television - it has actually overtaken films?

Yes, the reach is much bigger because you are being watched every day on television. They relate to you because you are there in everyone's home daily. So that's a good thing because everybody appreciates your work and you get an instant feedback. You get feedback after every episode and that's one good thing.

Have you made plans for the future?

I'm an actor. Once an actor, always an actor. At the same time you have to think about other things as well, which I am doing. But I will be an actor all my life. There will be other things coming my way that I will be doing, definitely. As and when I finalise them, I will let you know about them.

When will you be settling down?

I don't know when, but my parents definitely want me to settle down. As of now I don't know when that day will come, it might come soon or it might come later.

What are your biggest passions away from work?

It's about workouts, watching films. My website has been launched, www.iamgautamrode.com, so my new thing is to interact with as many admirers as possible, get to know them and let them know me better. That is my newest passion.

How aware are you of your fan groups?

Team Gautam Rode is very active and they have become friends now. I know them personally. They are very sweet. That is the benefit of being an actor because you are loved all over and at the same time, you have to take it in a positive way. It shouldn't get into your head and you should respond in the right way and in the right manner. That is the only thing they want - they are not asking for much.

There doesn't seem to be any rivalry between TV stars. You all seem to all get on?

(Laughs) Honestly we don't have any time for any rivalry because we are shooting 24/7, every day in the month. We may meet up at a function like a birthday or an event, otherwise everyone is busy in their own life. It's hard to catch up with anyone except those really close to you.

Why do you love acting?

(Laughs) Like I said, it's really the only thing I know. There are other things, but this is the main one and at the core of my life. Playing a character excites me, challenging yourself to be someone different every day is great. In this role and character that I do, I try to do scenes differently. I try to add my own elements to it - sometimes doing comedy or action, romance, emotional scenes and sometimes being angry. So it's a mixture of all emotions which are in you and you just let them out. Challenging yourself like that is a big high for me.