Exclusive chat with famous model and Tell

date of this interview is July 20th 2007 so it's not that old😉

enjoy

Gautam Rode, who is known in the modeling circuit wanted to become a broker but, destiny had something else in the store for this talented actor. He has also featured in a Coke commercial with Aamir Khan as well. Presently, playing the main lead in 'Lucky' on Star Plus, Gautam speaks about his initial days, his destination and his inspiration.

Gautam, you are born and brought up in Delhi, so how did you land in Mumbai?
I did my schooling and graduation in Delhi. I started modeling when I was in Delhi itself. I started doing shows in Delhi since my college days; I did my first campaign when I was in my second year. My first ad was for 'Close Up' which became famous and then, I started getting offers from Mumbai for commercials. I could not accept them then, as I wanted to finish my graduation. So I did two-three commercials for 'Center Fresh' and 'Benadryl' in Delhi. Later on I shifted to Mumbai to do more commercials.

So for Gautam, modeling was the destination and not acting, is it a true statement?
My father was a broker and I thought I will finish my graduation and become a broker as well. I wanted to come to Mumbai so that I am seen on TV. When you are young, you want to be seen on TV. People should recognize you, girls should follow you and that sure gives you a buzz. That's the reason I wanted to get into modeling, never thought of acting. I came to Mumbai for only 6 months, thought of doing commercials and then, going back to Delhi. I had planned to join my dad's business but, that didn't work out for me. I thought that I will stay in Mumbai for some time more and explore my options.

How did you change your mind and divert it towards acting?
Commercials can be very risky because you could get even three offers in a month and at times you won't even get one in three months.You can't survive on that. I was thinking what else I can do in terms of this field. I started acting which I never thought I could do. From commercials, I started doing one hour episodes like 'Rishtey' and 'Thrilers' which telecasted on Zee TV.

You have tried your luck in a film called 'Anarth'. Why didn't you continue working in films? Yeah right, I did a film called 'Anarth' which didn't work. Suneil Shetty and Sanjay Dutt were playing the lead in that one but, it didn't work for me. Then, I started doing commercials and videos again. I did Abhijit Sawant's video called, "Tera Bina" which became a huge hit. It received the best album award at MTV Asia Awards held in Singapore. I also did a Coke commercial with Aamir Khan 2-3 years ago where he plays a Nepali guy. I did that and it became famous. I got lots of film offers but, nothing was worthwhile to be honest. I also did a film called 'You, Bonzi and Me' co-produced by Universal which didn't work because there was no publicity for it. Films are a different scenario. If it works, it pays you a lot but, if they don't then, you don't get anything out of it. I wanted to survive at that times so I started with 'Baa Bahu Aur Baby' on TV. I also played a role in 'Betiyaan Apni Paraya Dhaan' on Star Plus. Now, I am shooting for 'Lucky' playing Lucky Rana.

It is said that men cook really well. What about you?
I can't cook. My mom is not happy about the fact but, my maid is not a good cook either so I end up eating outside most of the times.

Re-locating your self would have been difficult since you are from Delhi, so what kept you going?
When I started, it was kind of difficult because I lied to my parents that I was staying at my friend's place. I didn't have money. My parents were worried for me because I didn't have a filmy background. They wanted me to continue modeling. So, 'yes' initially it was a bit difficult.

So in that case, who is your inspiration?
I think I inspire myself to be here. I have seen good and bad times. I have kept inspiring myself. I just believed in myself and at the end of the day I started getting into the groove. I started enjoying it; now I love what I do. I just want to continue what I am doing.

Which are your upcoming projects?
Let's see what comes my way. I am planning to do one or two more serials because 'Paraya Dhaan' is going off air next month. I am getting more offers but, can't disclose them right now.

Your take on the famous fives!!

Bollywood
It's difficult for people like us with no filmy background. I would not say people from filmy background can make it easily into films but, they have a plus point. They get a chance easily and then, they need to prove themselves. If you're destined and hard-working then, you will reach there one day.

Saas-Bahu serials
They work man!! I will give you the TRP's, they are happening. You can't say negative or positive about them. People like them and so we have to continue to act in them.

TV actors getting into movies
It's difficult for them. People won't spend money to watch their movies if they are over-exposed on TV.

Celebrities getting involved with endorsements
It's good because they earn money. Companies are spending money on the film stars since people buy these products.

Bollywood versus TV
You can't compare both. TV is our bread and butter. TV is churning everyday. You work for more than 12-13 hours. It's tougher than movies. For a TV show, you do 7-8 scenes a day and for a movie you may do only one scene and that too may not be the entire scene. That's the kind of difference.

Party Time!!!

When is your Birthday and how do you celebrate it?
On August 14th, I celebrate with my friends. I am not a party animal.

Last time you went on a holiday….
Time ho gaya yaar (It's been a while), I don't remember. TV never leaves you; something or the other is always there. I went to Delhi to meet my sister for two days.

Last time you lost your senses….
I lose my senses because of the hectic schedules revolving around my shoots.

Last time you partied hard….
Not a party animal.

Last time you gave a big treat to your friends…
I gave a treat to my friends on my birthday.

Last but not the least…
Keep watching my shows and let me know if I am going wrong anywhere because there is always a scope of improvement.

(sorry guys I've been busy didn't get time to come to lucky forum will try to come today later in the day😳 with love, from Kim)

Wow thats a really recent article!! thanks alot kim!!
hahaha he's not good at cooking 😛 me too!! lol.. the only thing i can do is like boil water 😆
yay im glad he's signing up more shows!!! i agree that the saas-bahu type serials are working, but i still hope he doesn't take them up :( i mean the stories are always so cliche and the focus is on the girl 🤢 🤢

Originally posted by: srkfan89

Wow thats a really recent article!! thanks alot kim!!
hahaha he's not good at cooking 😛 me too!! lol.. the only thing i can do is like boil water 😆
yay im glad he's signing up more shows!!! i agree that the saas-bahu type serials are working, but i still hope he doesn't take them up :( i mean the stories are always so cliche and the focus is on the girl 🤢 🤢

true I agree saas bahu serials only focus on girls, just like he did praya dhan, we hardly could see him😆

and yeah, me too, not good at cooking, but I can cook by reading from the book, I know how to bake cake, cookies, and chicken puffs all by reading book😉 I can't even memories the recepie, everytime I made anything I needed the book😆

I only know to special dishes no regular dishes... mostly desert or puffs, patties, for tea parties mostly😃

so if he wants to come for a tea at my home😉

yeahhh thats the one thing I didn't like about PD.. but still at least it had a solid story line.. All of Ekta's "K.." shows have like marriages and divorces at the drop of a hat.. 😡
Haha that great! Mostly i dont even try cooking, if i did maybe i wouldnt be so bad at it 😛 Yeah invite both of us over for tea one day :P :P
oh yeah i also liked his ending message that he wants to keep improving himself .. great! 👍🏼

Originally posted by: srkfan89

yeahhh thats the one thing I didn't like about PD.. but still at least it had a solid story line.. All of Ekta's "K.." shows have like marriages and divorces at the drop of a hat.. 😡 [/quote]

😆 yeah, nowadays ekta is like busy adding ugly faces to her shows, don't know what's wrong with her,

before atleast if the show started getting boring she used to add a cute guy or bring back the old cute guy, and give him a great plot, but now her new guys are getting uglier day by day😡
[quote=srkfan89]Haha that great! Mostly i dont even try cooking, if i did maybe i wouldnt be so bad at it 😛 Yeah invite both of us over for tea one day :P :P
oh yeah i also liked his ending message that he wants to keep improving himself .. great! 👍🏼

sure you are most welcome🤗

I honestly want you to come but you and Lucky live to far😒

still you guys are invited you can come any time😃

I'm sure you'll be a good cook too, in ratatouillie(movie) it said, "anyone can cook"😆 so why can't we😉

I say if you follow the books instruction you can cook like a professional chef😉😆