Shabiha Nur Khatoon
After Khamoshiyan, GURMEET CHOUDHARY will be seen in another thriller Wajah Tum Ho. A black belt in karate, the actor was last seen in the action reality show ‘Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi’ (season 5) where he was the first
runner-up. In his latest release, he will be seen playing the role of a lawyer. To do justice to the character, the actor had to read first-year LLB books. In a freewheeling chat with
Sunday POST, he explains how difficult it is for an outsider to make a mark in the film industry. Excerpts:
Both your debut movie, Khamoshiyan, and your latest release are thrillers. Is it your favourite genre?
My favourite genre is thriller because it’s a mixture of different ingredients like drama and action. Most people prefer to go for a thriller and my first movie was a thriller like the big-budget Wajah Tum Ho. The content of live murder is one aspect of the movie which appealed to me. Maana karne ki koi wajah nahi tha isliye Wajah Tum Ho. I didn’t find any reason to say no to the project and that’s how it all happened.
What kind of a character do you play in Wajah Tum Ho?
I play the character of Ranveer Bajaj, a lawyer by profession. I feel lucky to be playing the character of a lawyer and that too in my second movie. Amitabh Bachchan whom we budding artistes consider our guru has played the character of a lawyer in Pink. It would be unfair if we don’t mention Sunny Deol’s brilliant performance as a lawyer in Damini. Sunny earned accolades for his famous dialogue ‘Tareek pe Tareek’ in the movie. I love to take challenges and try to get into the skin of the character I am playing so that I can do justice to the role.
Has your stunning stint on television catapulted you to fame as an actor?
I started with the serial ‘Ramayana’ which was a hit. Subsequently, I worked in ‘Geet Hui Sabse Parayi’ which was also a huge hit. After that I joined the cast of a couple of reality shows where people came to know more about me. I made my way up the career ladder with every serial I worked in. I owe a lot to television as I have gained a lot of appreciation for my roles in tele serials.
How’s your equation with Sana Khan off-screen?
There is nothing to talk about the onscreen chemistry between me and Sana as the audience is the best judge and many people love our ‘jodi’. It feels great when people compliment our sizzling onscreen chemistry. Off-screen, too, I share a good equation with Sana. We shot an advertisement together some eight to nine years ago and she is also a good friend of Debina.
What was Debina’s reaction when she saw your intimate scenes with Sana?
I got a sound thrashing at home and the joints still ache. (Laughs) Jokes apart, Debina is very sporty as she is also an actress and understands the demands of a script.
Will you work in TV shows in the near future?
I am always open to television because TV has given me a lot of appreciation and love. If I get a good offer, I will surely love to be a part of it.
How smooth was the transition from TV to the big screen?
It is very difficult for people who don’t hail from a filmy background. It is a challenge for all actors to make it big in the Hindi movie industry, irrespective of their background. Only talent and hard work help you achieve success.
How fat was your first pay cheque?
Very fat. It was Rs 500 for a small role I had played in a short film before I bagged the role of Ram in Ramayana. With that money I built a small temple at my residence.
From whom do you derive inspiration?
The king of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan. I am a diehard fan of his but I do not copy his style. The best thing about him is his charismatic personality which has made him the man he is today. Whenever I feel low or depressed, I pass by his bungalow and it gives me a positive vibe. When he came to Mumbai nobody knew him and today he is ruling the film industry.
Will you divulge something about your upcoming endeavours?
I can’t really disclose anything now as I am focusing on my current release.
Any message for your fans?
I love my fans a lot and they are not my fans – they constitute my extended family. I have received love from them and they have given me tags like romantic hero or angry young man. One of the best gifts I received from my fans was when I came to know that some of them have pierced tattoos of my name on their arms. It really feels great.
