Gaurav Geracurrently garnering praise for his role in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge Aalam, he is finally enjoying a long overdue phase of recognition. Among the tributes, the actress also opened up about a very personal chapter in her past and how she continues to shape her emotional boundaries today, especially when it comes to marriage.
“I don’t want to go back to that space”
In a recent interaction with Humans in Bombay, Gera spoke candidly about a past relationship that left a lasting impression on her, and explained why she has since chosen to stay guarded, including staying away from marriage. “There was a time when I was very much in love. After that, I never wanted to go back. I don’t want to make someone so important that they have the power to hurt me,” she said.Sharing her perspective on relationships, she added, “I feel like women are moving on. Some are players, it doesn’t affect them.”He also humorously addressed the idea of desirability, saying, “Even before Dhurandhar I used to get female attention. Now I look like an uncle.”
From dancer to television recognition
Long before her recent success, Gera’s career in the entertainment industry began with dancing. “I started as a dancer, that was my source of income,” he recalled.A year after moving to Mumbai, she got her first TV show, Life Nahi Ladoo, where she played the lead role. “It was prime time, on a prime channel, and my very first show. I feel very lucky,” he said.Working alongside seasoned actors like Manoj Pahwa and Sanjay Mishra, Gera described the experience as warm and nurturing. “We shot it as a family. I was 23 years old, and they treated me very well.”He participated in shows like Sanskriti, before reaching a major turning point with Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, one of the most popular shows of the early 2000s. It was here that he formed a close bond with his co-star Mona Singh. “That’s where I met Mona, and our friendship began, we’re still friends,” he shared.
Before the digital curve
Gera also revealed that he ventured into digital content long before it became mainstream. “I started creating content in 2010, when people didn’t even have mobile phones,” he said, adding that he then took a break due to his busy schedule in television and theatre.He was part of Kingdom of Dreams’ Jhumroo musical, describing it as a Broadway-like experience. Balancing multiple commitments, “I would shoot for TV for five days in Bombay, and on weekends I would be in Gurgaon for Jhumroo,” while also working on shows like Tota Weds Maina and Pammi Pyarelal.
‘I needed this’
Talking about the recognition that will come after Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Gera admitted that it has had a positive effect on her confidence.“After Dhurandhar, I have started getting more respect. Even now people don’t know me that much, but my self-esteem has improved. I needed this,” she said.The film, which released on March 19, is still going strong at the box office with a collection of Rs 1,105.82 crore in India and a worldwide gross approaching Rs 1,741.73 crore. Dhurandhar has become a massive franchise with the combined collections of both the parts crossing 3 billion.
