CANDID CONFESSIONS
Gaurav Pandey talks about his upcoming film Saroj Ka Rishta, nepotism, and more
Actor Gaurav Pandey has won hearts with his performances in movies like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and A Flying Jatt, among others. He is also a popular face in the ad world. The actor is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Saroj Ka Rishta.
In the past few months, several movies have failed to work at the box office. Opening up on the pressure for Saroj Ka Rishta, he says, “I don’t feel any pressure. Whether it’s a big star or not, if your content is working, then people will like to watch the film. However, today, even if the content is good, it’s not selling. Because of the pandemic, adverse effects are prevalent. But I am sure after a couple of months it will be back to normal. The pandemic problems have subsided.”
Recently, there was a discussion about actors’ pay scales. Sharing his take on the same he says, “If they deserve it, why not? If they are bringing in the talent and audiences flock to the theatres, then why not? It’s a profession which is difficult to crack.”
Gaurav is a rank outsider.
And, for the last few years, nepotism has become a buzzword in Bollywood. Talking about nepotism, the actor says, “Despite being an outsider, I got a chance from Dharma Productions. It was a blessing for me. It doesn’t affect me at all. My father is into business. So, as a son, I can carry it forward. When we talk about nepotism, the business or profession is followed, so there need not be any problem for anyone. However, if someone is deserving and s/he is replaced by somebody undeserving,
then that is unfair.”
Adding further while talking about his journey and Dharma Productions, he says, “I have been here for 15 years. I started with ads for major brands. Then Badrinath Ki Dulhania happened followed by A Flying Jatt. I was the talent of YRF. However, a few years after that I left Mumbai and came back after two-and-a-half years. I was in Goa for a spiritual retreat. I was disconnected from Mumbai and shot for a cute film called Bas Karo Aunty.”
Gaurav also has tremendous respect and support for non-actors. “That is because actors bring their well-learned craft into the script. I am not referring to star kids. Maybe they are not great at acting, but they possess other skills that have made them stars, which can’t be ignored. They may not be the best actors, but they influence audiences in varied ways.” Recently, Kareena Kapoor Khan commented on stars working on OTT. “(Laughs)
I am happy about the advent of OTT. There is so much talent in our country but they weren’t getting a chance. Today, the people behind the scenes are also getting opportunities to fetch workers, technicians, and spot boys. All are getting work. There are more jobs today compared to preOTT times,” he signs off.