Actor-comedian Gaurav Gera She is currently enjoying the love that comes after the success of Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge. But the journey to this point was not easy. In a recent interview, Gaurav spoke about his struggles, career opportunities, financial hardships and the lessons that have kept him grounded.Reflecting on his early years, Gaurav revealed that no one in his family had any connection with the film industry.“Mere yahan koi filmon mein nahi tha. No one in my family was in films,” he told Jist, adding that his interest in the performing arts started during his school days through annual plays and costume competitions.However, academics took priority in his school. “Arts and crafts mein is pure A-plus, but the main studies is 72%, 80%, 82% student. Mujhe lagta tha jis cheez mein main achha hoon, usko encourage hi nahi kar rahe,” he recalled.
From fashion design to theater
Believing that his artistic skills could be translated into a career, Gera initially turned to fashion design.“Meri sketching achhi thi. Maine College of Arts mein apply kiya tha, but hua nahi. Phir fashion mein gaya aur Pearl Academy of Fashion batu ki,” she shared.But the course did not ignite his passion.“Mujhe laga ye woh nahi hai jo main karna chahta hoon. Maine papa se bol diya, ‘Paise bacha lo, bada mehenga course hai. Main nahi karunga.’ Papa ne kaha, ‘Finish. Aadhe saal job kar lena, phir jo mann mein aaye karna.’ Precisely aadha saal work kiya aur phir theater saru kar liya.”Gera said he remains grateful that his parents never forced their intentions on him.“Mere papa IIT-BHU se ingeniero hain, bhai software engineer hai, but mujh par kuch thopa nahi gaya. Iske liye main thankful hoon.”
“I had only Rs 84 in my account”
Opening up about the financial struggles she faced after moving to Mumbai, Gera shared a memory that still sticks with her.“Mere account mein Rs 84 the. Main HDFC Bank ke saamne se guzarta tha aur bank ko dekh kar kehta tha, ‘Mera khayal rakhna”. Main aate-jaate bank ko mattha tek ke jaata tha,” he laughed.The actor explained that although his father helped him whenever he could, money was limited.“Papa salaried person. Unke letters abhi bhi mere paas hain jahan likha hota tha, ‘Rs 2,000 bhej raha hoon, isse zyada nahi hai’.”Despite the challenges, he never considered himself deprived.“Us waqt lagta tha takleef nahi hai. Paise nahi hain auto ke, toh paidal aa jayenge. Main thoda khuddar type tha. Main dene wala banna chahta tha, lene wala nahi.”
A letter that still inspires
Gera also spoke about a letter he wrote home shortly after arriving in Mumbai.“Letter mein likha tha ki abhi paise ke front par kuch materialize nahi hua hai, but please have faith in me. The future is bright. I need to study more.”Looking back, he feels proud of the maturity reflected in those words.“Mujhe us letra ki tone bahut achhi lagti hai. Na usmein ghamand tha, na yeh tha ki mujhe sab aata hai. Agar aaj mujhe waisa bachcha mile, toh main usko help hi karunga.”
Success and keeping the ego in check
While Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge have broadened their reach, Gera says success hasn’t changed her.“Kuch saalon pehle mujhe lagne laga tha ki log mujhe ‘legend’ bol rahe hain aur shayad maine usko thoda serio le liya tha. Phir mujhe laga, ‘No, I have to break. I have to die’”.The actor admitted that he consciously worked to keep his ego in check.“Greatness wali feeling ahankaar laati hai. Main us zone ka nahi hona chahta tha. Isliye main apne aap ko check mein rakhta hoon.”Asked if his immense appreciation for Dhurandhar has led to arrogance, he replied, “Ab nahi aata. Shayad 10 saal pehle aa jaata. Ab lagta hai ye bas ek kaam hai jo maine kiya aur logon ne pasand kiya. It’s one of the jobs I’ve done.”Gera believes that the entertainment industry teaches humility.“Aaj aap rocking ho, kal nahi ho. Maine itne ups and downs dekhe hain ki ab farq nahi padta.”
