MUMBAI: The historical drama series Punyashlok Ahilya Bai has managed to win everyone's heart ever since the beginning.
It's been more than a year since the show went on air and the viewers are loving every bit of it.
Gaurav Amlani has been roped in to play the lead role of Khande Rao in the show.
The actor is paired opposite Aetashaa Sansgiri who plays the titular role of Ahilya Bai.
Gaurav is being lauded for his performance as Khande Rao.
The actor's character in the show has seen a lot of growth and the viewers have loved how his character has shaped over the months.
TellyChakkar got in touch with Gaurav who spilt beans on his personal and professional life.
What were your thoughts before taking up a TV show as you have done films and theatre before?
I was extensively auditioning for some different roles. Not many are aware but I was carrying a different look altogether for the last few years. I was in a different zone playing various characters either on the stage or on the screen. Some internal transformation happened, I changed my look and lost a lot of weight. So, I started auditioning for different types of roles. I wanted to change my image. Also, I rejected many roles because I didn't want to do the same kind of roles. I take every audition very seriously be it for any platform. When I got the call for Ahilya and things got finalized, I thought it would change a lot of stuff for me. I knew I won't be able to do anything else as I will be playing a lead role in Ahilya Bai. I was very hungry for a role like this. I was waiting for such a long time for a role like this where I can actually put all the experiences which I have gained so far. I wanted to perform every day in this role. There wasn't any reason for me to reject this role.
You have previously directed plays and you are also a voiceover artist. Did you think about making a career in this field or have you always wanted to make your way in acting?
I directed my first play at the age of 19. My dad had started training me for filmmaking. He himself is an actor and now an acting teacher. He studied all departments of filmmaking. My dad started teaching me about filmmaking, directing, and acting from a very early stage. My father is extremely passionate about all this and because of him, all this became my second nature. Initially, I wanted to become a director. Back in college, I used to direct short films, and then I directed plays in theatre. Before coming to Mumbai, I was confused. My dad wanted me to become an actor first. I used to idolize Farhan Akhtar who is multi-talented. My father gave me the option of becoming an actor or a director. But I decided to try my hands at acting but in my heart, I always wanted to become a director.
Talking about my work as a voiceover artist, when you come to Mumbai, you have to earn to survive. People told me that I have a nice voice and I tried doing voiceover. I worked with Bookmyshow as an in-house voiceover artist for a year. I have also written a web show which is currently being made. I have tried my hands at everything.
What do you see yourself doing in the future as you have already tried your hands at a lot of things?
I did a lot of things when I came to Mumbai. It was to keep myself busy and also keep surviving in the city. But if given a choice, I am a person who likes to work with his blinders on and focus on just one thing. I truly believe that acting is a 24-hour job. I want people to understand and respect this craft. People usually look down on TV actors.
I would really love to pursue TV for the rest of my life. Taking breaks will actually be my choice. I would love to do films a few years from now.
Gaurav has previously appeared in projects like Pyaar Tune Kiya Kiya, Your Honour, and Husband Material, among others.
He has also worked as a theatre artist apart from proving his mettle in acting with TV and web shows.
Stay tuned to TellyChakkar for all the latest updates.
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