You've hit the mother-load with your three-film-deal with the Bhatts. How did it happen?
I'd attended an award ceremony in South Africa, where I won the Best Actor (TV) award. The whole industry was present there. Mohit Suri had presented the trophy to me, so after coming back, I'd messaged him to express my desire to work with him. When Mohit went to Mr. Mukesh Bhatt with the idea of launching me, he was surprised to find out that Mukesh sir's wife watched my shows and had already suggested the idea to him! So it worked out fine.
But you must have been offered films before...
I have heard at least 50 people say, "Gurmeet, launch hona tohVishesh ke saath hona." So when the offer came to me, there was no second-thought!
Did you always want to be an actor?
Well, I was called Shashi Kapoor when I was a kid! Everyone in my family referred to me as Shashi Kapoor and they still do. I might not have the Kapoor blood in my veins but I surely have the name! I've wanted to be an actor since as early as I can remember.
Any advice from the Bhatts that has stuck with you?
Mukesh sir said one thing to me - Always stay grounded. I'm a shy, disciplined boy from a small-town army family. He asked me to stay the way I am. Being grounded opens up possibilities for learning new things...
Are they a strict banner when it comes to letting you work outside?
Mukesh sir has allowed me to go out and work with other banners, on the condition that I take up good, respectable work, because I'm linked to their brand now.
Were you okay with the sensuality that comes with Vishesh's films?
Anything that fits in the story and has context, goes! Zabardasti nahi hona chahiye (it shouldn't be forced). I kept dodging onscreen sensuality on TV, thinking I'll leave something for films!
So you won't mind becoming the next serial-kisser?
(Laughs)... well, they haven't asked me yet!
Will you be hesitant to take up a TV show now?
I cannot do a daily soap because of time-constraints. But there isn't much of a difference between TV and Film these days. Actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor are turning to TV. Directors like Anurag Kashyap are making TV shows.
A lot of TV stars are debuting in films. What sets you apart?
I'm a black-belt champ, I'm a great dancer, and I can act as well. To add to that, I like taking risks and I'm always up for a challenge! I give my 500%.
Were you afraid of being considered a lesser actor, coming
from TV?
I started TV with Ramayana, and playing Ram was the best thing an actor could ask for. The character has great emotional range, there's so much drama. It was a channel-running show back in the day, and I was able to pull that off. I have grown as an actor because of Ramayana. I always wanted to do films; I used to keep thinking how something I did on TV would help me with films.
Something that movies have but TV doesn't...
Satisfaction! The pressure to deliver in the TV industry is too high! You might want to express better, or take a scene again, but you just don't have the time. I have shot for an episode till 12pm and seen it air the same day at 9pm! In films, you get the script in advance, everything happens by a schedule and you have breathing space.
Something that TV has and movies don't...
Well I wouldn't call it a disadvantage as such, but TV keeps you on your toes! Sometimes while shooting for the film, I have time between shots and I just don't know what to do with myself! I have so much nervous-energy that I start listening to the director explaining shots to the technical people, I help out here and there...
Do you think reality shows overexpose actors?
No, in fact, I became famous as Gurmeet Choudhary because of reality TV. People don't call me by my characters' names anymore. Plus, your talent gets worldwide-exposure because of reality shows.
Karan Johar always launches Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa-alumni...
(Laughs)... Who wouldn't want to get launched by Karan Johar? Of course I had thought that I would get noticed by him when I was on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa! Karan knows where, how and when to use talent. We're definitely in touch even today, and I hope that I'll get the chance to work with him someday!
Will being married prove as a disadvantage in the beginning
of your career?
SRK, Aamir, Hrithik, all of them are superstars, and they started out as married actors! I think the reason they became superstars was because they had wives to keep them grounded, like mine does. Debina isn't an insecure wife. I'm lucky that she's also an actress and knows how things work. Similarly, I know I have a wife to come back home to, and I know I have to work in this industry. If you have a wife in the industry, you'll be focused and honest to your work.
Any actor whose footsteps you want to follow?
That will be SRK! I have always wanted to do a Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge type of film, and be a romantic hero like him. He has the same story as mine - he was a humble TV actor; he was married while starting out... Look where he's reached today!
All the best Guru for khamoshiyan
Udne Ki Aasha
Kumkum Bhagya
