Gaurav Chopraa seems to be on a creative high, getting to play diverse characters in a very short period of time. After essaying a Sufi hotelier in Love Lust And Confusion (Viu), to an angry Aghori (Zee TV), he will now portray a rich businessman Aditya Grover, who unapologetically uses sadomasochism s*x as a means of power projection in new MX Player dark thriller, Hello Mini (Applause Entertainment).
“Normally, when men do such bare body scenes, they work a lot on their physique to look good, but here, I gained a few kilos, wanting to portray a normal rich man who uses his money to get what he wants. So most of these guys will not really look svelte, right? I also put on a few grey streaks, just like Frank Underwood of House of Cards.”
“To be honest, at first when director Goldie Behl approached me for this glorified guest appearance, I was unsure as I have never done anything this bold so far. But then I told myself that it is very important to challenge oneself as an actor by pushing the envelope. Had I not come out of my comfort zone, you would have never seen me doing Love, Lust and Confusion and Aghori as well. So why not take the leap of faith again.”
Here Gaurav admits that he is unsure of how his TV audience (Uttaran fame) will accept him in this new avatar. “I very well know that they are not bound to like me in whatever I do. But as I said above, I need to keep experimenting. So here I am, putting it out and hoping that they like me.”
How was the experience of doing those nude lovemaking scenes?
“Being a courteous old schooler, I would always discuss with Anuja what I would be doing next, in order to make her comfortable. I have followed the same policy for my vanilla tv romance sequences as well.”
“Also here, post cut, I would try to cover her with my body before the girls could come with her clothes.”
“The character is such that even the girls in the show liked him, for he was quite direct and forthcoming about what he wanted. And yes, he was ready to do some of the kinky stuff on himself as well.”
Did you have a word with your better half before saying yes? “As partners, we discuss everything and we encourage each other to do what is required. The above things get really tough, especially when you’re dating, as then, insecurities are much higher. Although your actor girlfriend might say it is cool, inside she is scared whether the girl is prettier than her. I have heard cases where they have dropped in to find out if everything is above board.”