TOI: Fights keep our love going strong-GC

Gurmeet Choudhary looks cool in his blue checkered shirt, jeans and shades. With some good shows in his kitty ' 'Ramayan', ' Geet Hui Sabse Parayi' and currently portraying the restrained performance of Yash in 'Punar Vivaah', Gurmeet has managed to be in the spotlight! After winning Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 5, he proved that he can dance as well. Gurmeet was in Ahmedabad on a promotional trip and we got chatting with him on his connect with Gujarat, his link-ups and his future plans. Excerpts from the chat:

Gujarat has been special for you, isn't it? You lived in Vadodara for a year and half when you were shooting forRamayan.
It feels great to be back. Debina and I have very fond memories of our stay at Vadodara. I feel the people are warm and nice. I love my bond with the state.

You are one of television's most grounded superstars. How do you stay so down to earth despite the trappings of stardom?
I have to thank my mom and dad for it ' it's their upbringing that has shaped my personality. I am a middle class guy from a small town who has seen a lot while growing up. That's why I don't believe in changing myself. I want to stay humble and rooted to reality.

As an outsider, was it tough to step into showbiz?
My dad always told me 'don't believe in destiny or luck, to achieve your goal, you must work hard'. And I've been following his advice. There's a lot of competition in glambiz, so, one has to take risks, and be tough to keep oneself going. I've had my share of struggle, but managed to sailthrough with my hard-work.

You seem to love dancing ever since Jhalak ... happened.
True. When I watched the first season of Jhalak..., I always wanted to participate and win the show at some point, and I'm glad that my wish came true. Now, dance is a part of my life ' my co-star Zahida Parveen (who plays his mother in Punar Vivaah) says 'Gurmeet, you find music even in the nail that is being hit on the sets'.

First you were romantically linked up with Drashti Dhami, then we heard Kratika Sengar was upset with you because she had to adjust her schedules according to your Jhalak..dates? Is all well now?
Let's say I'm used to the rumours now and they are a necessary baggage if one has to be in showbiz. But, just the way Sachin Tendulkar simply focuses on his cricket rather than critical comments, I too believe in putting my best foot forward as an actor.

What's next on your mind?
In the future, I definitely want to act in films ' but, I'm not in a Rush thinking that chalo ek show successful ho gaya, ab film karenge. I will wait for the right opportunity ' good script, good role and a great director. And may be I might even direct a film and do some work in cinematography as well.

What's the secret to your happy marriage?
Our fights. We fight a lot, shout at each other, do our share of crying, talk about every right and wrong things and that keeps our love for each other going strong. You know many of our Friendssee us fighting and say 'kitna ladte hain yeh dono', but that is the true bonding between us.

And do you have good friends in the industry?
I bond well with most of people I come across. But, I still hang out with the friends who've been there with me since my struggling days. I think that is also one of the reasons I have not changed at all over the years.