Actor and content creator Gaurav Gera He has received wide appreciation for the work done in the year Aditya Dharstarring Dhurandhar Ranveer Singh in the lead role, but the actor says the film’s success hasn’t changed his view of fame, ambition or the way he pursues his career.In a recent interview with Jist, Gera reflected on the overwhelming response the film has received, the increase in bids, the controversy over some episodes being called “propaganda” online and why he consciously stayed out of the limelight before the film’s release.
Gaurav Gera for staying away from limelight after Dhurandhar
Despite the attention that followed Dhurandhar, Gera said she has no plans to suddenly become a constant 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 event mein khada hoon ya har reality show mein aaun. Ambitious log karein,” he said.Explaining his philosophy, he added that he has lived through that phase of chasing visibility.“Main kar chuka hoon. I did it 15-20 years ago. Agar aapke mann mein ichchha hai ki har project mein rehna hai, har event mein jaana hai, photo roz chhapni chahiye, toh karo. Main kar chuka hoon. Ab nahi mann hai toh nahi karunga.”
‘Dhurandhar ke baad offers badhe hain’
When asked if Dhurandhar’s success has led to more opportunities, Gera confirmed that offers have increased.“Ek aayi thi jo filhaal role-wise maine agree nahi ki. Baaki ek kuch hai, year-end pe start hoga toh we will do that.”However, he said that he only accepts roles that really suit him.“Bahut baar mujhe lagta hai ki yeh role kisi aur actor ko zyada achha suit karega. Because I want to be very fit.”
Why he reduced his social media presence before the film
One of the biggest revelations in the interview was Gera’s admission that he had deliberately stayed away from social media content before Dhurandhar.The actor said he was worried that his very popular comic characters like Chutki, Shopkeeper and Billi Maasi might make the audience see his role differently.“Mujhe laga meri image itni casual hai ki kahin mera role halke mein na le lein. Mujhe pata tha ki film mein mera role kitna heavy hai”.He stated that director Aditya Dhar only asked him to try his best to preserve the look of the character.“Unhone sirf itna bola tha ki daadhi hai, public person ho, social events pe photo chhap sakti hai. Toh topi pehen lena, chashma laga lena, try kar lena.”This eventually led Gera to curtail his public appearances.“Maine bahar jaana bhi kam kar diya. Main chahta tha ki meri image thodi wash out ho jaaye taaki jab scene aaye toh logon ko videos yaad na aayein.”
On overexposure: ‘Kam dikhna bhi achha hota hai’
Gera admitted that he personally prefers not to be overexposed.“Mujhe characters pasand hain. Chutki hai, Shopkeeper hai, Aadu hai, Billi Maasi hai. Main apne opinions zyada online nahi deta.”He added that if he were an animator, he would probably create animated characters instead of being in front of the camera.“Thoda sa mujhe lagta hai ki kam dikhna bhi achha hota hai.”
About the ‘propaganda film’ allegations
The actor also addressed social media debates where some critics described Dhurandhar as a propaganda film.Interestingly, Gera said no one confronted him directly about it.“Would. Not a single person.”Calling the question a bit late, he said viewers often label films based on their point of view.“Jo mujhe pasand nahi hoga main usko propaganda bolunga. Every film has taken it. Yeh kisi ka take hai.”He emphasized that the overwhelming response received has been positive.“Most 99 percent love hi mila hai film ke liye.”
“Pure character ke saath poori sympathy thi”
Gera revealed that while reading the script, she knew her character would become an emotional anchor in the story.“Mujhe script level pe bhi pata tha ki yeh Ranveer ka ek connection hai jo uska past jaanta hai.”He also reported that the emotional intensity of the scene evolved during filming.“Pehla take itna emotionally heavy nahi tha. Audition 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.”The ultimate impact, he said, came together in editing.“Background music aur poora scene together karke jo magic created hua, woh unko aata hi hai.”
‘Ahankaar ko check mein rakhna zaroori hai’
Despite the accolades, Gera says success has not inflated his ego.He reflected on a time when viewers often called him a “legend” because of the emotional stories of his digital content.“Mujhe lagne laga tha ki videos mein greatness wali feel aa rahi hai. Log like the ‘you are a legend'”.This consciously pushed him back.“Mujhe laga shayad maine isko zyada serio le liya. Maine socha, I don’t want to be that. I have to die.”He believes that success can easily lead to arrogance if one is not careful.“Greatness ahankaar laati hai. Mujhe laga mujhe apni personality ko check mein rakhna chahiye.”When asked if Dhurandhar’s success brought any ego, he replied, “I want to.”“I think it’s one of the works I’ve done that has been well-received. More people have seen it because its reach is bigger. Aur waise bhi is a great and well-made product.”Summing up his philosophy, Gera added, “Aaj rocking ho, kal nahi ho. Maine itne ups and downs dekhe hain ki farq nahi padta.”
Looking ahead
Although films remain a priority, Gera said he is equally interested in exploring web projects and international opportunities.“Mujhe web achha lagta hai. I would love to do some web roles, OTT pe kaam karna hai, films definitely. Aur main Hollywood bhi karna chahunga. I would also like to do international stuff.”For now, though, the actor seems content to let Dhurandhar speak for himself, not chasing the limelight that often follows success.
