Actor and content creator Gaurav Gera has received widespread appreciation for his performance in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, but the actor says the film’s success has not changed his outlook towards fame, ambition or the way he approaches his career.In a recent conversation with Guest, Gera talked about the overwhelming response to the film, the increase in screenings, the controversy surrounding the film that some sections of the internet have described as “propaganda,” and why he deliberately kept a low profile before the film’s release.
Gaurav Gera talks about staying away from the limelight after Dhurandhar
Despite the attention that has followed Dhurandhar, Gera said he has no plans to suddenly become a regular presence at public events or reality shows.“Internet pe jo chhap raha hai woh chhap raha hai. Aisa kuch mera nahi hai ki ab main har events mein khada hoon ya har reality show mein aaun. Ambition record karein,” he said.Explaining his philosophy, he added that he had already gone through that stage of seeking fame.“Main kar chuka hoon. I have been doing this for 15-20 years. Project Agar aapke mann mein ichchha hai ki har mein rehna hai, event har mein jaana hai, photo roz chhapni chahiye, toh karo.
Main kar chukka hoon. Ab nahi man hi toh nahi karunga.”
“Dhurandhar ke baad offers badhe hain”
When asked if Dhurandhar’s success has translated into more opportunities, Gera asserted that offers have increased.“Ek aayi thi jo filhaal, role wise agree nahi ki. Baaki ek kuch hai, beginning end of year hoga toh we will do it.”However, he stressed that he only accepts roles that really suit him.“Bahut baar mujhe lagta hai ki yeh role kisi aur actor ko zyada achhasuit karega.
“Main Zabardisti Saleh Nahi Bithta.”
Why did he reduce his presence on social media before the movie?
One of the biggest revelations from the conversation was Jira’s admission that he intentionally distanced himself from social media content before Durandar.The actor said he was concerned that his hugely popular comic characters like Chutki, Shopkeeper and Billy Maasi might make the audience look at his role differently.“Mujhe laga meri image itni casual hai ki kahin mera role halke mein na le lein.
Mujhe pata tha ki is a movie role mein mera kitna heavy hai.”He revealed that director Aditya Dhar only asked him to make an effort to maintain the look of the character.“Unhone sirf itna bola tha ki daadhi hai, public person, social events pe photo chhap sakti hai. Toh topi pehen lena, chashma laga lena, try kar lena.”This eventually led to Jira reducing his public appearances.“Maine bahar jaana bhi kam kar dya. Main chahta tha ki meri image thodi wash out ho jaaye taaki jab scene aaye toh logon ko videos yaad na aayein.”
When overexposed: “Kam dikhna bhi achha hota hai”
Gera admitted that he personally prefers not to be overexposed.“Mujhe pasand hain characters. Chutki hai, shopkeeper hai, Aadu hai, Billi Maasi hai. Main apne zyada views online nahi deta.”He added that if he were an animator, he would probably create animated characters instead of putting himself in front of the camera.“Thoda sa mujhe lagta hai ki kam dikhna bhi achha hota hai.”
Concerning the “propaganda film” allegations.
The actor also addressed discussions on social media where some critics described Dhurandhar as a propaganda film.Interestingly, Jira said no one has confronted him directly about this.“Nahi. Not even one person.”He said, in response to the question a little late, that the audience often categorizes films according to their own views.“Jo Mujhe Pasand Nahi Hoga Main Usko Propaganda Bolunga. Every film has a take. Yeh kisi ka take hai.”He stressed that the overwhelming response he received was positive.“Most of them 99 percent like the movie hi mila hai ke liye.”
“Just a character ke saath poor sympathize thi.”
Gera revealed that while reading the script he already knew that his character would become an emotional anchor in the story.“Mujhe pe bhi pata tha ki yeh Ranveer ka ek Connection hai jo uska Past jaanta hai text level.”He also revealed that the emotional intensity of the scene developed during filming.“Pehla take itna emotionally heavy nahi tha. Test bhi itna heavy nahi tha.”According to him, it was Aditya Dhar’s decision to push the emotional quotient further.“Aditya dhar ka call tha ki we have to make it heavier.”He said the final effect came during editing.“The background music of the aur bura scene has been combined with the magic of karke jo to create hua, woh unko aata hai hai.”
“Ahankar ko check mein rakhna zaroori hai”
Despite the praise he received, Gera said the success did not inflate his ego.It reflected the period when the audience often called it a “legend” due to the emotional narration in its digital content.“Mujhe lagne laga tha ki videos mein greatness wali Feel aa rahi hai. Record likhte ‘You are a legend’.”This made him consciously retreat.“Mujhe laga shayad maine isko zyada seriously lo lia. Maine sosha, I don’t want to be like that. I have to kill him.”He believes that success can easily lead to arrogance if one is not careful.“Greatness ahankaar laati hai. Mujhe laga mujhe apni character ko check mein rakhna chahiye.”When asked if Dhurandhar’s success brought any ego, he replied: “Nahi.”“It feels like one of the jobs I did that was well-received. More people saw it because it has a bigger reach. It’s a great, well-made product.”Summing up his philosophy, Gera added, “Aaj rocking ho, kal nahi ho. Maine itne ups and downs dekhe hain ki farq nahipada.”
Looking forward
While films remain a priority, Gera said he is also interested in exploring web projects and international opportunities.“Mujhe web achha lagta hai. I would like to do some web roles, OTT pe kaam karna hai, films for sure. Aur main Hollywood bhi karna chahunga. I would like to do international stuff as well.”However, for now, the actor seems content to let Dhurandhar speak for himself – without chasing the limelight that often follows success.
