Showing posts with label Gaurav Gera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gaurav Gera. Show all posts
Gaurav Gera reveals the audition scene which landed him a role in Dhurandhar
10:11 AM
After the success of Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge, the actor says that he already knew his character was ‘a special one’
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 8, 2026)
Comedian-actor Gaurav Gera’s serious turn as a spy handler in director Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise left audiences stunned. Now, his emotionally charged scene of taking the fall for Ranveer Singh’s Hamza in Dhurandhar The Revenge is receiving a fresh wave of appreciation. Speaking to us, the 50-year-old reveals it was this very scene that secured him the role.
“I was auditioned for that intense and heavy scene only. I was called to (casting director) Mukesh Chhabra’s office and asked to perform it. So it wasn’t a surprise for me,” the actor shares.
The scene, which is Gaurav’s final appearance in the film, marks a crucial turn in the narrative.
“When I heard the full narration, I realized where the scene was placed in the film. Mere liye koi aisa shock nahin tha. I knew it was a character people would like; someone who is Hamza’s only support and understands everything. I knew it was a special role,” Gaurav adds.
The character’s quirky dialogue, “Darling, darling dil kyun toda, peelo peelo Aalam doodh soda”, has also gone viral, becoming a fan favourite.
The actor says that the response has been overwhelming, with the line among the most common messages from friends and family: “Bahut saare messages toh yehi aa rahe hain ki ‘darling, darling dil tod diya’!”
Known for his comic characters like Chutki and Shopkeeper, Gaurav confesses that he is not keen on revisiting them anytime soon. “I’ve done that for eight years. Creating video content takes a lot of effort. I enjoyed Dhurandhar, and right now, I want to explore more roles like that,” he signs off.
Dhurandhar’s dialect coach Faiz Mohammed Khan says Aditya Dhar aimed for ‘asli Pakistani’ lingo
4:31 PM
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 3, 2026)
Actor Faiz Mohammed Khan, who played the role of Sajid Mir in Dhurandhar (2025) and Dhurandhar The Revenge (2026), has a double reason to celebrate: his performance in the film as well as his role as dialect coach for the film. After 14 years in the industry, he’s proud to be part of a film he calls a “history in the making.”
Faiz, an NSD alumnus, was brought on board by casting director Mukesh Chhabra. “One day Mukesh ji asked, ‘Faiz kya tum dialect par bhi kaam karoge? You are well-versed in Urdu. So that’s how my dialect coaching began,” he shares. He adds that director Aditya Dhar’s focus on the Urdu dialect was for it to be accessible. “It was never about ‘khalis (pure) or difficult Urdu’, but rather about the ‘asli Pakistani’ lingo that felt more like more like ‘hamare beech ki language’,” says the 39-year-old.
Faiz considers all the actors on set as his favourite students. “Sabko sikhne mein maza aa raha thaa because the entire team was so passionate about the narrative.” However, he singles out Sara Arjun, who played Yalina, as an amazing student. “She would say, ‘Sir, abhi theek aya nahi dialogue, aur practice kare, aur acha hona chahiye’,” says the actor who was previously seen in Kedarnath and Padman (both 2018).
The dialogue, ‘Darling, darling, dil kyon toda…,’ by actor Gaurav Gera’s character Aalam became an instant hit, and Faiz remembers they both worked really hard to set the right tone.
Currently, Faiz is balancing acting, with projects like Gandhi ready for release, with backstage work on Pankaj Tripathi’s play La Ilaaj.
This is my story, and I just wanted to share it-Gaurav Gera
2:24 PM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 26, 2026)
A career milestone often prompts reflection on where it all began. For Gaurav Gera, that moment came through a letter he wrote to his parents in 1998, shortly after moving from Delhi to Mumbai to pursue acting. The actor, who has been earning strong appreciation for his portrayal of Mohammad Aalam in Dhurandhar The Revenge, recently shared the note, reflecting on his 28-year journey.
His caption read: "This letter to my parents - 3rd Dec 1998 ... less than a month after I moved to Mumbai ... this was 28 years ago ... so no emails, letters ... of course, after that, lots of TV, some films, ad films, musical plays, radio, TikTok, Reels ... it's been a lovely journey with ups and downs ... God has been kind ... but this Dhurandhar ... dunno what the future holds ... but I want to thank my 23-year-old self for staying hopeful and Ma Pa for endless support #DhurandharTheRevenge."
In a chat with us, Gaurav said, “I’ve always held on to old memories. I have kept a lot of keepsakes from the past, and my parents have also preserved many things over the years in Gurgaon. My mother shared this letter with me. When she sent it, I thought it would be nice to share how it all started.”
Speaking about his early days, he added, “When I came to Bombay, I was fortunate to start working fairly soon, something not many people get. My first TV show came in 2000, so there wasn’t a very long gap. In that initial year, I did commercials and also worked as a dancer, which helped me pay my bills. When we come from outside, hamaari jidd-o-jahad aur bills bhi pay karne bhi hote hain. Everyone’s parents are not loaded ki jaa beta tere liye rent par ghar liya hua hai. I felt my story was worth sharing, as it might inspire someone who is at a crossroads or hesitant to take that leap.”
Recounting the highs and quieter phases of his career, he said, “There have been ups and downs. After Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin became a hit, there was a phase where I kept working, but nothing really stood out. Then came Chutki Shopkeeper, which also did very well. After that, it’s been a cycle. You keep doing different things. However, Dhurandhar feels like it’s on another level.”
He added, “I’m sure there are people who have struggled more than I have. But this is my story, and I just wanted to share it.”
Three actors who declined Dhurandhar told me after release, 'I wish we would have said yes'-Mukesh Chhabra
10:47 AM
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra spills the beans on casting for the Dhurandhar franchise and why he avoids the obvious picks
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 28, 2026)
With Dhurandhar The Revenge smashing box office records, following closely after its predecessor Dhurandhar (2025), the films have earned praise for their ensemble cast. Behind this casting is Mukesh Chhabra. The casting director of Aditya Dhar’s magnum opus gets talking on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra. Excerpts:
After Dhurandhar, audiences are not just talking about the lead cast, but the entire ensemble, and ‘peak detailing’ has gone viral. Who did you enjoy casting the most?
Initially, only Ranveer Singh was on board. From there, the cast grew, starting with Akshaye Khanna as Rahman Dakait, followed by Arjun Rampal and R Madhavan. It’s very difficult to get a big star cast to do an ensemble film today. Sanjay Dutt bhai came on board almost immediately, and so did Madhavan. And that was, honestly, my favourite moment: on the first day, within just two hours, we had locked that casting. Altogether, the casting process for both films took nearly a year and a half.
Rakesh Bedi has been a fabulous actor, but no one could have imagined him for Jameel Jamali’s role. How did you get the idea?
People hire me for my opinion and my ideas. It’s not about data; it’s just about who will fit where. How do you surprise the audience? There are so many actors who said no to Jameel’s part in the beginning. But then we thought… Rakesh had done one scene with Aditya Dhar in Uri: The Surgical Strike. I said, “If you have already worked with him, why don’t you think of him again? He’s great.” People will be in shock because he does mostly comedy scenes. I immediately called him and said, “Rakesh bhai, I had told you that a big project is coming. It’s here. Talk to Aditya Dhar.” We were sitting together, and on that call, we locked him.
If I talk about Gaurav Gera, we have known him for years for his very cute, comic characters. Even people around him couldn’t recognize him as Aalam here. If someone looks so different, how do you imagine him in a completely different role?
When I read the script, I always think, how can I go against the typical way of thinking about casting? I had seen a lot of work by Gaurav. He made interesting mimicry or comic videos… I noticed things no one else has seen. Also, surprisingly, he had left Mumbai and shifted back to Gurgaon. He had given up on films. I called him and asked if he would grow his beard for a few days because I wanted to test him for a character. He agreed. After watching him, Aditya asked, “Who is this actor?” I said, “Gaurav Gera.” He exclaimed, “What?”
I think after the film, every single person in the industry messaged me and asked who the actor was, cast as Alam. They said, “He is a new face.” I said, “He is not new, he is Gaurav!”
Also, the Nawaz Sharif character in Dhurandhar The Revenge, people are amazed at the casting. I know there may be special effects or AI, but still, how did that happen?
In the whole film process, we had real-life references. So, I worked with my team for 4-5 months and did research on people’s faces. We looked at all the data: who looks close to them, their personality, their behaviour, and their height.
I divided them on the basis of their physicality in a folder. Then, I started auditioning people according to it.
Today I can tell three actors had said no to this film. They have all said after it was released, ‘I wish we would have said yes.’ And now they remind, ‘Next time, don’t forget. I will say yes, whatever you tell me’. Suddenly, after the first film, I get messages from actors: ‘You tell me what to do; I’m on’.
Tell us about Sara Arjun’s casting in Dhurandhar. It was a big project, and you were taking an actress making her proper debut.
Initially, we thought of so many big, established actors. Aditya got so many messages from different people; I got messages asking, “Why not me?” We were very clear that the whole world should feel like she’s a fresh girl — someone who doesn’t have a background in films. We auditioned so many people, more than 1,000 girls. I made it very clear: completely fresh, a new approach, and of course, language. It should feel like she’s from there because the film feels like you’re going to that country. That was the whole idea.
In the second film, that scene with Ranveer Singh where she asks, “Are you a Hindustani agent?”—that was my audition script. I decided, first, the girl’s physicality and appearance should match the role, and then whoever does a good job, we will shortlist. We did the scene with a minimum of 50 people after shortlisting. Then we shortlisted 30, came down to 20, then 10, then five, three, and one. Sara gave a kick-a*s audition. I’m going to release that soon.
If you release all the audition tapes of Dhurandhar’s casting, that will be a super hit!
I’ve been playing with one idea: releasing a documentary on the process of casting.
Was it in the fate of this project to become such a superhit?
Aditya’s conviction was seen on the first day. Even now, I remember the words: “See what will happen after this film.” Such strong conviction. His way of thinking about scenes, the way he designs them, his sensibility of music—he surprised people.
Because of your work, the overall image of casting directors has been raised. The casting industry is going to benefit a lot.
Thank you very much. I am hoping that the whole community will benefit. We have made a good base; we have done it with respect and dignity. A lot of people go for training for camerawork, for editing, for direction, and for acting. I hope in the future I also make an institute where people come to learn casting and make it a full-fledged profession. Because it took us a lot of years; today it’s been 20 years. Only now are we talking about casting, when it should have happened a long time ago. It’s a very good change.
Totally. There are a lot of aspiring actors who, even before, must have been trying to impress you. After Dhurandhar, all the more. For such aspiring actors, what advice do you have?
I don’t have one; there are two or three things that I want to explain nicely. First of all, this whole industry is a game of patience, and nothing is going to happen overnight. You keep working on your craft. Sometimes people get into the wrong networking; they get into socializing… Nothing is going to happen. Just have some patience. If it’s meant for you, it will be yours. Today’s generation loses patience very quickly. In the time of social media, they think that they will make a reel and it will go viral. No, acting is very different;
You have talked about social media: how much presence should aspiring actors have?
If you look at Dhurandhar, I have not cast any actors who are popular because of social media. On social media, you are an influencer or content creator; that is a different job. Don’t mix that with acting. Acting is a process. But you should stay on social media because you look like this, or you have a presence; this is like how your identity card looks.
Never sell your talent on social media; do it for the camera. Whatever work you are made for, do it there. I don’t think all the big directors are sitting on social media; we don’t really like to see that. Some are using these followers and content creators because they want to promote a song, a brand, or a new music video. For them it works. For us, it doesn’t.
Mummy toh abhi bhi bolti hain ki ‘tune to bas bola thha ki juice waale ka role hai’-Gaurav Gera
8:45 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 22, 2026)
Actor-comedian Gaurav Gera is earning praise for his role as Aalam in director Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar The Revenge. Speaking to us, the actor shares how he carefully preserved the spy thriller’s intrigue during the three-month gap between the first instalment, Dhurandhar (2025), and its sequel, ensuring the mystery around his character’s fate remained intact for audiences.
“Maine bahut calls ignore kiye hain. It is not the fear of the non-disclosure agreement (NDA), but the kind of love that the film has. I didn’t want to spoil it. If you give up the important parts of the film, the fun goes, and for such a film jismein logon ne itni jaan lagayi hai, I felt responsible for it,” says the actor.
When asked about the most challenging part of maintaining secrecy, from taking up the role till the film’s release, the 53-year-old adds, “Since I live with my parents, it has been tough to hide it from them. Mummy toh abhi bhi bolti hain ki ‘tune to bas bola thha ki juice waale ka role hai’. I also donned a white beard, and many people may have thought that I didn’t have any work!”
Lastly, talking about the kind of work he aspires to take on next, Gaurav says, “I loved working in Dhurandhar, so more of that.”
Gaurav Gera strategically went off social media for more than a year to keep Dhurandhar look under wraps
10:29 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 19, 2025)
He is known for his comic timing and viral characters like Chutki and Shopkeeper, but actor Gaurav Gera surprised the audience with his intense turn in Aditya Dhar’s directorial Dhurandhar. Gaurav was unrecognisable as Mohammad Aalam, actor Ranveer Singh’s handler in the spy thriller. Shedding his light-hearted persona and sporting a grey beard, this transformation was anything but accidental.
The 50-year-old explains how he strategically went off social media for nearly a year and a half to keep his look under wraps. “I was not posting anything in my beard. My online activity was nil and mann bhi nahin karta ki itna heavy character kar rahe ho aur phir saath mein kuch light bhi banao,” he shares, adding, “I think its impact turned out to be good and gave people a break from what I have been doing so far.”
Despite the shift, Gaurav insists that the role did not demand a dramatic personal overhaul. “In life, I am not funny all the time. I am a fun person, but I am not funny or cracking jokes all the time. I understood the intense situation and went with the requirement of the scenes,” he says.
Off the screen, too, Gaurav feels a shift in his own personality. “Daadhi bhi aa rahi hai, and I feel mature also. I am now more interested in socio-political topics than before. Life mein ye ho jaata hai with age,” he shares, adding that he is now looking forward to exploring a new chapter in his career.
"Don't mock my lips": Sumona Chakravarti prompts body shaming debate
8:47 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 18, 2023)
It’s been long since body shaming jokes have been sadly normalized on comedy shows and stand-up acts. Fortunately, many have objected to the discourse, stating that some of these jokes go way below the belt and are outright offensive.
In a recent interview with YouTuber Ashdin Doctor (The Habit Coach), actor-comedian Sumona Chakravarti opened up on how demeaning jokes about her lips by fellow actors on a comedy show left her hurt. Earlier, celebs including Archana Puran Singh, Kiku Sharda, Neha Kakkar and many others have been at the receiving end of such body-shaming digs.
Addressing the larger issue, some comedians weigh in on where to draw a line when it comes to cracking jokes on a person’s physical appearance.
Comedian-host Bharti Singh opines that whenever a person feels offended by such jokes, they must say it “loud and clear in the first time itself”. “It does not make sense to get up and express one day how it was disrespectful. I’m sure nobody would repeat it if your boundaries are established,” asserts Singh, who happily takes such jokes on herself.
She doesn’t mind being laughed at for her weight because she is “secure” in her space. She explains, “Someone’s joke cannot decide my respect or how I feel about myself.”
Actor-comedian Gaurav Gera feels the culture has diminished over a period of time. “Thankfully, the whole world has united to share their opinions on this topic on the internet. What the person on the other side feels should be observed and jokes have to be developed keeping that it mind,” he states, hoping that with so much talent in our country, “we can come up with fresh ideas and innovative humour”.
Stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi feels one “can’t outrightly mock anyone or pass distasteful comments”.
He says, “If I have a doubt that some statement might hurt someone, then I don’t take the risk. It’s an art to convey important points in a comical way.”
Bassi adds that jokes on body image have been done to death. “Priyadarshan ki movies mein yeh sab already ho chuka hai. If I want to do something better, I need to come up with newer ideas,” he notes.
On hitting below the belt and making personal comments in the name of fun, actor-comedian Sunil Grover says, “I just want people to laugh and for that, I do not support making personal comments that may hurt others. If I can make people laugh without the personal remarks, then why to unnecessarily poke anyone or hurt their sentiments or trigger their insecurities.”
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“I felt really bad. After the show (a show with actor-comedian Kapil Sharma), I became very conscious of my mouth. I would not wear a bright lipstick.”
- Sumona Chakravarti
If I don’t know what focaccia is, I will not pretend [to know it]; I will ask-Gaurav Gera
8:13 AM
From picking up the word ‘culinary’ to learning new dishes, actor-comedian Gaurav Gera says hosting Chef vs Fridge has been a novel experience
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; April 20, 2021)
It wasn’t the lack of opportunities that pushed him to create his own content. Instead, it was Gaurav Gera’s desire to keep the creative juices flowing that led to the creation of several quirky characters — from Chutki to Shopkeeper to Billi Maasi. Now, after almost a two-year hiatus, the actor-comedian is back on the idiot box with Zee Café’s Chef vs Fridge. In a candid chat with mid-day, he discusses how he learnt new dishes through the cooking show, and how his viral videos have helped him stay relevant.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Will any of your popular characters make an appearance on Chef vs Fridge?
There will be references to [Chutki and her brother Chutku] by way of voices, but they won’t [appear] on the show. [We avoided mixing the two worlds] because it didn’t seem like a requirement for the show. It is about cooking and the contestants, not about the host.
What is your relationship with food?
I am a basic vegetarian cook. A lot of it is self-learned, and I figured out some dishes after calling up my mother and a close friend. During the initial lockdown, I tried experimenting with food. Now, I have a domestic help who cooks beautifully. So, I don’t venture much into the kitchen. I believe cooking is an art that needs to be appreciated. Eating without a word of praise is simply wrong.
What makes you a good fit for the culinary show?
I am like any aam aadmi with a middle-class thought process. If I don’t know what focaccia is, I will not pretend [to know it]; I will ask. I learned a lot from this show. I was exposed to some fancy dishes, ingredients, and terminology, like ‘gastronomical’. I found it difficult to say ‘culinary’ and kept asking why we can’t just call it cooking.
You’ve been in the industry for long. How did you manage to stay relevant?
I embraced technology and stayed updated with all the new apps. I learned editing long ago, after viewing hours of tutorials. You must make an effort, and stay updated about new technology [pertaining to your field].
Did the need to create your own characters arise from the lack of interesting roles?
During Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, I would tell my producer that besides playing Nandu, I want to play the guard in the background even if I didn’t have lines. I always had the desire to play multiple characters; one is not enough. I enjoy becoming someone else completely. If I am playing an old man, I want to alter my body language, voice, and mannerisms to mimic that. This isn’t possible when you are doing a fiction show. I am not blaming [the makers]. So, I pushed my boundaries and made videos to launch myself.
Is it difficult to monetize such content?
I believe in doing the work; money will eventually follow. I have been able to survive without fiction shows or films. I generate revenue from [my videos]. That is why I am choosy about my projects and rarely indulge in too many things at the same time. I take up work that can be shot in a start-to-finish schedule. If this show needed me to dedicate two years, I wouldn’t have [come on board].
Mona Singh to tie the knot on December 27 in Mumbai
7:59 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 25, 2019)
Speculations have been rife ever since the news of Mona Singh’s impending wedding surfaced in the media. The actress has managed to keep the details regarding the man-in-question and her big day under wraps. We have now learnt that Mona is all set to tie the knot on December 27 in Mumbai. Apparently, the groom-to-be, Shyam, is a South Indian investment banker. Her wedding will be a close-knit affair with a handful of her industry friends, including bestie Gaurav Gera, Rajesh Khera and Rakshanda Khan, attending the do. The actress recently had a bachelorette party in Goa.
A source informs BT, “Mona doesn’t want any undue attention on her big day. Only those extremely close to her have been invited to the wedding. A pre-wedding party will be hosted on December 26.”
Not just a drag act: Why men dressed in a woman’s garb are so popular on TV
8:08 AM
Here’s taking a look at why men dressed in a woman’s garb are so popular on TV. Also, we have to ask... is it a trick tried too often now?
Harshada Rege (DNA; October 12, 2016)
Be it Daadi, Guthi, Palak, Chutki or more recently Pammi Aunty...all these characters have one thing in common; they’re all female characters played by men. These drag acts have been performed by experienced comedians. As more and more characters of the same genre pop up, one can’t help but wonder if this is a trick that’s been used to raise a few laughs and if it has already been overdone.
The beginning
Be it India or the West, women had to face a lot of hurdles before they could take to the stage. To make up for the absence of female actors, the men used to dress up for those parts. Many actors on stage like Balgandharva carved a career for themselves by playing such characters. Says Subodh Bhave, who eassayed the role of Balgandharva in the biopic made in Marathi, “Back then, there were no women who would step on the stage due to societal pressure. That’s why men who could look the part stepped into such roles.”
B-Town’s drag tales
Every now and then, Bollywood actors have donned feminine clothes and worn make up on the big screen. It’s mostly been done to raise a few laughs. Kishore Kumar didn’t just dress up as a woman in Aake Seedhi Lage Dil Pe from Half Ticket, he even sang in a feminine voice in this number. The results were exceedingly hilarious. Rishi Kapoor made for an extremely beautiful woman in Rafoo Chakkar. Many times, actors faltered and made the drag act crass, but Kapoor kept it seriously classy. Rishi in Rafooo Chakkar or Amitabh Bachchan’s Mere Angne Mein Tumhra Kya Kaam Hai (Laawaris) saw him dressing up as women of all shapes and sizes.
Aamir Khan, Salman, Khan and Shah Rukh Khan too have tried this trick. While Aamir sported curls when he danced in the Dole Dole Dil Dole number from Baazi, he recently dressed in a much sober avatar for a commercial. Salman wore a white strappy dress with heels in Jaan-e-Mann, while SRK was dressed as a girl for a scene in Duplicate. Govinda became an ‘aunty’ for his comic caper Aunty No 1.
But it was Kamal Haasan, who won this battle with Chachi 420, when he dressed up as a Maharashtrian woman Laxmi Godbole. Right from the make-up to the mannerisms, he got everything right.
Says Sajid Khan, "After a while, men dressing up as women did become stereotyped and as a viewer, you expect a punchline. And when a punchline is expected, it becomes less funnier. But the fact is, men dressing up as women always brings smiles on viewers’ faces. It can be a smile of acceptance or rejection, but it is always there. When Ram Kapoor dressed in a women’s attire in Humshakals, he said, ‘I am looking like Shrek’, I told him, ‘Even if you are looking like Shrek, people will still laugh’. When you see Rishi Kapoor in Rafoo Chakkar or Kamal Hassan in Chachi 420, these are fine actors portraying characters in a non-stereotypical way and in a non-offensive manner.”
Small screen wonders
For many years, TV didn’t really see men dressing up as women. Sajid Khan, who before turning filmmaker, hosted shows like Ikke Pe Ikka, did have a woman’s character among the various other characters that he played.
Sajid says, “The character I used to play in Ikke Pe Ikka was of a woman, who was funny in a tarty way, is an absolute flirt. The thing is that even if you want to do something tarty it has to be done in a fun way without being vulgar. The one thing that I have always steered clear off is vulgarity — be it film or TV. The content is such that it can be viewed by a family.”
What it works...
Though there are many such characters around, the popularity of these characters has lessened. Says producer J D Majethia, “In the world of comedy, you can take a lot of liberties. There is toilet humour, adult humours, etc... In a slightly conservative society, people might take offense if a woman does certain things or behaves in certain manner, but a man dressed as a woman gets away with it. Take for example, Ali Asgar, if it was a woman was doing what he is doing, the show would have been in trouble. Take the legendary song Mere Angne Mein, Mr Bachchan has seven or eight different attires as a women in it, but he had done it so gracefully, that people loved it.”
Saturation point?
While people have loved these shows and characters, aren’t there too many of them around these days? Sajid says, “Like films, television also follows the herd mentality. If a comedy show is working then all channels will want to do something similar, the same holds true for mythological shows or family dramas. You and me are nobody to talk about it because the channels know what works for them. If something doesn’t work then the channel themselves will change the track. It’s exactly how they add or kill characters.” JD, too, feels that people need to be careful and not overuse a formula. “Because it has worked, everyone is copying the format. And copies are always poor imitation,” he says.
Subodh Bhave says, "Back then, men didn’t dress as women out of choice. It was a compulsion. There were many male actors and there were no women who were ready to step on the stage. But today, when I see so many talented actors, who can do any role, I wonder why do they do it? Sometimes, it’s absolutely ugly. Where is the humour in dressing up as a woman? In movies like Ashi Hi Banva Banvi, where Sachin Pilgaonkar dressed as a woman, it was the need of the script. But now it’s just become an easy way out.”
Cringe factor
One can’t help but notice that many actors who visit the sets of these comedy shows often cringe when the men in drag get too affectionate. Subodh says, “Yes, its very uncomfortable. When I was promoting Balgandharva, I refused to wear a sari because I was not comfortable with it. I got many offers to dress as a woman for events. I probably could have made a lot of money, but you have to maintain the dignity of the character that you are playing. I fail to understand why they keep repeating it. If you have done it once, you should move on and come up with other interesting characters. Why do you have to repeat it? As audience, I feel cheated.”
According to J D Majethia, "You can script the show, but you can’t script the reactions of the star. So, you have to set the tone of your performance as per the situation. But you can also edit it on the table if you feel that it’s not right. But more than the comedy shows. I find it troublesome, when in fictional shows, the characters are not written well.”
It’s just not funny
Shekhar Suman, who started the trend of stand-up comedy, too wasn’t too happy with the trend. In an earlier interview, he said, “Though Kapil is good and has great set of talent around him, it’s getting repetitive. Why, for Christ’s sake, do you require men to become women for humour’s sake? A little act here and there is fine, but becoming a cross-dresser doesn’t make sense to me. However, there is an audience for everything.”
Internet sensations
Gaurav Gera’s Chutki and more recently, Ssumier Pasricha’s Pammi Aunty have built a huge fanbase. But it’s not just about dressing up as a woman on this medium. As Gaurav says, “I don’t identify myself just as an actor who plays a woman. I create the content as well. It’s five per cent of what I do. Even with Chutki, it’s not just her, there’s the shopkeeper, her younger brother, and Suyash... I have created all these characters. So, I am more of a content creator. I don’t want to limit myself to playing somebody’s husband on a soap. I can play anything... even a dog, a cat or a plant. You may think it’s funny, but I could do that. Right now, I play Billi Masi, who is popular on Snapchat.”
Ssumier, the brain behind Pammi Aunty videos, echoes Gaurav’s sentiments. He says, “There has never been a boundary in comedy as long as you can touch hearts and create humour. If I have to become a dog and make people laugh, I will do it. As an actor, there shouldn’t be boundaries. If the script demands me to be funny and dress like a woman, I will do it.”
Do it well
The bottom-line is that content will make or break the show or the character. Ssumier says, “The authenticity, the humour and the clean comedy is what is clicking with everybody. People are relating to it because this is how Punjabi families react to certain situations that I am creating. I have people telling me this has happened in my house or you are talking like my saas, chachi, daadi, etc. These are common silly situations of typical Punjabi families.”
JD adds, “See the movie The Danish Girl, the subject was brilliant. When the actor is supported by the story and the character is executed well, everyone will love it. I loved Ali as Daadi. He would be loud, he would be drunk...whose grandmother is likely to be like that. That kind of humour is discomfort humor. When he kisses someone you are not laughing because he is kissing someone, you are laughing at the discomfort of the other person.”
Gaurav Gera is my world-Mona Singh
8:03 AM
Mona Singh on having that one single friend who makes all the difference. These two are poster-people for friendship-goals!
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 7, 2016)
They played best friends in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, but
even before the serial went on air, the two had become BFFs for life.
And 13 years since the show, Mona Singh and Gaurav Gera’s bond has only
grown stronger. Their cute pictures together on social media can give
you serious friendship goals. When Gaurav started making his funny
videos about Chutki and the Shopkeeper, Mona was the first one to
feature in it. Here, the actress talks about her connect with Gaurav,
how they rely on each other for advice and their trips together...
Jab they met
“Gaurav and I met during the auditions for Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi. We were doing a look test and enacted one scene at least 20 times! He was the only person from the serial I auditioned with, for a week before the shoot. Both of us were finalised, but the makers wanted to see how good we would be on screen. At that time, we both really hit it off because we think alike. He was telling me how long he was in Mumbai and since I was new to the city then, he said, ‘I can be your friend’. He was very warm and sweet. We started chatting and we used to laugh at the stupidest jokes. I thought he was as weird as I was! Even our conversations were similar. And this off-screen camaraderie translated onto the screen (they played best friends in the serial).”
Strong bonds
“It’s been 13 years now and he is the only guy from the industry who is a dear friend of mine. We are also neighbours; he stays in the next building. This wasn’t done intentionally, it just happened. I need to see him every day. He is my vitamin tablet. After pack-up, I have to call him up or he has to call me. There is this amazing connect with him.
On a holiday
“Both of us have gone on many vacations together, especially to Goa. We even took our families. His mother and my mother get along really well. Gaurav and I went to Bali in March before I started my serial Kavach. Soon, we are planning a trip to Spain.”
Common interests
“He has great culinary skills. I, too, love cooking. So we jam while cooking and making videos. I loved it when he started doing the Chutki videos and have been a part of it. Both of us are cracked ends, who think we are perfect. I am so proud of him for doing Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa as Chutki. When the first episode aired, several people were messaging me for him! They said he had pulled off this act so well, that he is not looking cheap. That he is such a versatile actor — he can do Nandu, Gaurav, Chutki and now, he is dancing. I felt proud. ”
Being there for each other
“We both promised each other we will never gossip about others because that is a waste of time. What I like about Gaurav is, he is a positive person. I have been through highs and lows in my life, so has he. I have even cried in front of him and he has cried in front of me. But I have never heard anything negative from him. There is so much to learn from him. He makes me watch inspirational videos and go through inspiring quotes. Whenever I need to take a decision, I seek his advice and vice versa. Being Librans, both of us are confused when it comes to taking decisions for ourselves. Though we know what we want to do, we need a validation.”
Matter of pride
“Wherever I go for my press conferences or interviews, there’s always one question about Gaurav and me, I completely love it. Even on social media, whenever we put a video, there are people who tag us and talk about friendship goals. I am so proud of what we have achieved. We have really come a long way. It wasn’t planned, but we are so similar in nature — the way he thinks about his parents, or plans a holiday with them is the same way I do. I had gone to stay with his parents in Delhi and found their lifestyle similar to mine. When he came to stay with me and my parents in Pune, (they live in Mumbai with me, but keep going back to Pune) he found the same. After dinner at around 11 pm we have a cup of tea before sleeping and Gaurav said, ‘I do the same in Delhi’!”
Kismat connection
“I think we have some past-life connection. We also enjoy each other’s silences and that is so comforting. In friendship, or in a relationship, when you enjoy each other’s silence, that is the best part. Gaurav is more than a best friend to me. There is a quote, ‘A single rose can be my garden and a single friend, my world’. He is my world.”
Gaurav Gera moves court for non payment of dues
4:45 PM
The actor is fighting for dues that Jhumroo makers owe him
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 7, 2016)
Funnyman Gaurav Gera who has gained quite the fan following with his Instagram videos, has landed in a far from amusing situation. The actor has sent a notice to The Great Indian Nautanki Company -- a combination of three companies, Wizcraft, Apra Group of Companies and Raghbeer Group of Companies, for nonpayment of dues to the tune of Rs 46 lakh. The actor had been a part of the play Jhumroo, staged at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgoan, and produced by The Great Indian Nautanki Company, from April 2012 to September 2014.
"We began rehearsals in June 2011. All the actors were paid lesser than what was promised. That should have raised a red flag but I adjusted my TV show schedules to work on Jhumroo every weekend from April 2012 to September 2014, travelling all the way to Delhi. One day, I was told that they can't afford me anymore and replaced me with Anushuman Jha, which I was okay with. Their argument was that they were on the lookout for dedicated actors which means they'd rather get a new actor than pay the old one." Gaurav informed Mirror.
According to the actor, when he left the play, the producers owed him Rs 56 lakh, a part of which he was able to wrangle out of them with constant reminders. But he's still waiting for the rest. "Till sometime ago the venue still had my standees and the website had my pictures. They are selling shows on my name. Somebody had to raise a voice. I'm tired of begging for my own money for two years now."
Gaurav added that he has been trying to get in touch with Anumod Gagan Sharma, MD of Kingdom of Dreams who responded once, saying he is in the hospital and other such excuses, after which he never replied. "Viraf Sarkari, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment, claims he is not a financial partner so he can't give me my dues but the Delhi team says he is a financial partner, I don't know whom to believe. My last retort was to take the legal route."
We contacted the Wizcraft spokesperson who remained unavailable for comment.
Meri kadar badh gayi hai-Gaurav Gera
8:42 AM
Gaurav Gera aka Chutki on the windfall from his internet popularity
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 7, 2015)
Gaurav Gera became a household name as Jassi’s best
friend Nandu in Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. That was over a decade ago. And
now, he has again grabbed headlines with his Shopkeeper and Chutki
videos that are a rage online. The 15-second videos have Gaurav playing
several roles. But most popular is the one where Chutki asks the
‘shopkeepaah’ for a product in her inimitable style trying to attract
the bored shopkeeper who drolly replies with a ‘Haanji behenji’. The
duo is always talking at cross purposes, but the one-liners make it
hilarious. Film stars like Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra and
Jacqueline Fernandez have even done their versions of Chutki and
Shopkeeper videos. Not only in India, Gaurav has a following in Pakistan
too. In an exclusive tete-a-tete, Gera tells us how he has found an
outlet for his twisted ideas! When was the first time you made a short video?
Five years ago. The first video I made was of Chutki and her boyfriend Suyash. It was a seven-minute video. I made some 60 videos, but after that I got busy with a musical, Jhumroo, staged at Kingdom Of Dreams in Delhi. For nine months, I had non-stop rehearsals 8.30 am to 8.30 pm daily. My brain didn’t function and I didn’t make a video for three years. Also, later, when the play was staged, I got into a comfort zone. Money kept coming in and I had to only work two days a week, so I never got around to doing the video.
When did you begin again?
After I stopped doing the play I had a lot of time. I didn’t see myself shooting 12 hours a day again. So, soaps were out. I decided to start making videos again, hoping it would work. I started the Shopkeeper video in April and gradually got new characters like his Beta, Wife, Bittu Uncle, Chutku etc. The first time I did those vidoes, they were not that popular. On the internet, you have to be regular and put up stuff non-stop. For three years, I hadn’t put up anything and only those who had seen them earlier, knew about them. This time, instead of the seven-minute videos, I chose to make it in the 15-second format.
Why only 15 seconds?
I don’t have the patience to watch TV shows or films now, unless it’s animation. Even five minutes is long now. Generally also, people’s patience is dying down plus if the video is long the data doesn’t upload on phones. I have kept it short so that it’s like reading a joke on cell phone.
And this time it became popular!
Initially, a lot of people didn’t like Chutki. They rejected her. But since I liked it, I continued. I did one called Lipton di chai. I had heard the joke in childhood, and I liked it. (Chutki asks for chai patti of a particular brand. The shopkeeper keeps refusing and says he has only Lipton di chai. They way he says it with the Punjabi accent, Chutki thinks he is talking about hugging and says she is ready). People found it funny and then it caught on like fire. Chutki and her brother Chutku were also quite popular. I get messages from several siblings saying whenever they have a fight they quarrel like Chutki and Chutku. And while talking to their mom, they say mamma the way Chutki says it! Even a random world like ‘huiii’ has caught people’s fancy. I have done videos on a Chinese opera, a Russian song and a Thai song substituting with Hindi words like Henry Kaiko Bhaga. One friend from Paris called up to say ‘you are the only reason I would love to learn Hindi’. Somebody from Tunisia asked if anybody can translate. They get the gist of the video as the expression is funny. Now, it is catching on in Italy and UK too.
How long do you prepare for the video before shooting it?
I rehearse till I am really happy.
Do people send you ideas now?
Yes, but most of them are bad.
The way Chutki talks, reminds us of Sharmila Tagore...
A lot of people say that, even my mom tells me that. When I heard it again, even I felt that! It has that lehza.
Your earlier videos of Chutki have her big-chested!
(Laughs) Yes, those were made five years ago. That was the way I differentiated between Chutki and Chutku who has a big butt.
Several celebrities have now done the shopkeeper and Chutki videos. Which one did you find the funniest?
I liked Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra’s video. It has its own flavour. I also liked the one Salma Agha has done with her daughter. People of her age don’t want to make a fool of themselves, but she is a cool chick.
Aren’t you doing a Chutki show on TV?
Yes, I have licensed the characters for both TV and radio. I do fresh content for them. I get it written, but they edit and produce it themselves. This is the first time an actor is holding the IP (Intellectual Property). However, it’s through the internet that I see doing a lot of business — merchandise, caller tunes, ring tones etc. There is a lot more freedom on the internet. TV and films have a lot of clichés — a certain way of doing things because so much money is riding on them. They don’t want to take risks.
Do you upload your videos on You Tube first?
I rarely put them on YouTube, as it is like making money via people. It should be free. Also, on YouTube, I upload compilations because if people see one random video of a man dressed like a woman, it may not appeal to them. ‘Kya bakwaas hai humour’ is what they are likely to say. But in a compilation, they will get an idea that actors in speak faster and one video finishes in 15 seconds.
How do you plan to monetise it then?
I should be taken care for brands. They could do subtle or blatant marketing. Brands can put their banner behind (in the frame) or a hashtag below. It will be a way for brands to reach out and communicate. In fact, I did one video that was paid for by Mc Fore. I also see these characters as potential caricatures-cartoons, developing into an animation series. I have the entire khandaan of Chutki and the shopkeeper now. I will also be introducing more characters like Hari from Mars. He was shown in one video long ago, but now I will make him more useful.
Which networking site do you upload your videos first?
Instagram. I will tell you why. The way I see it, people are hardcore addicts. Instagramwale Instagram nahi chhodte, ditto with Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. I have a funda about these sites. On Facebook, you find a lot of housewives and kids. Twitter is for people who have an opinion. I don’t have anything to add to it, but still I don’t waste that platform. Instagram is for girls — they like colourful stuff, cute, bright things, lot of visuals and short videos. Also, the audio-video is better on Instagram, it’s free and it plays on loop, which is perfect for my videos. You can’t understand my videos in one go, you’ll have to watch it two-three times. That’s why I put up my videos on Instagram first.
Are your videos targeted at anybody in particular?
My videos are basically for women. My theory behind this is, India mein ladkiyan kuch teda bol nahi paati. They can say any sh*t with close friends but not in public. That is why the coke-c**k video is so popular —enjoying a word so much that you keep going back to the shopkeeper. Girls have the right to enjoy and be cool about it. We guys talk about anything and that too in public — in fact we boast about it, but women do not do that. This is for them to enjoy as well as participate.
When and where do you shoot the videos?
Since I have learnt everything on my own — editing, chroma, split screen etc and everything can be done on phone — I have one with a frontal camera — I can shoot anywhere. Sometimes, I shoot and edit in the car and when I reach home, I upload it.
How many videos do you shoot in a day?
It depends on my mood. One day, I shot four videos in the vanity van when I was waiting to be called for my shot! I carry my wigs everywhere.
Where do you get the topics for your videos?
Like I said some are from jokes I have heard in childhood. Some I take from current topics. For example, when Jon Snow of Game Of Thrones died, it was trending on Twitter. So, I had Chutki telling the shopkeeper Jon Snow is dead. The shopkeeper says, “Bhagwan acche logon ko jaldi utla lete hai. Gaon mein Tauji par bijli gir gayi aur mar gaye. Bahut acche aadmi the.” Chutki retorts saying, ‘So random’. But isn’t the entire premise random? Why is she talking about Jon Snow to a shopkeeper who doesn’t even know he is and instead is sharing something from his heart.
How has your family reacted?
They are super proud. I am very close to my parents — they stay in Delhi and I talk to them at least three-four times in a day. I have a brother who is working in a software company and he is also proud of me. Meri kadar badh gayi hai. They know where I want to go — I am not aiming for TV or films, but internet is where I want to be. I want to live a free life, be in Dubai for three months, Goa two months, and may be shift back to Gurgaon. I don’t want to be in Mumbai. If I am in Mumbai, I want to stay in a bungalow next to the sea with superb WiFi. A bungalow, because I need space to shoot.
The one-liners you use in your videos, have you heard them somewhere?
No, not really. Since my childhood I have been a very quiet person. I don’t talk too much, but I listen a lot. I think of something and laugh alone. I don’t open my mouth thinking nobody will understand what I am saying. Now, thankfully I know to make videos where I can use my thoughts. At least, say how twisted I am!
How did you conceive Chutki?
Actually, it was my friend Kiku’s (Sharda) idea. I used to make other videos then, but he suggested that if I make a video with me playing a big-chested girl, he will play my uncle — a guy with a big butt. I called the video Bade Acche Lagte Hai. That’s how Chutki was born. Also, as far as Chutki is concerned, I am saying this is a girl and you have to believe it. It’s not a transgender playing a woman, but a man playing a woman and there is no hiding it.
Why don’t you involve other actors in your videos?
I have done that. Kavita Kaushik, Mona Singh, Kunal Kapoor and Sayantani Ghosh have appeared in the videos. What happens is when another person is involved, you have to explain to him/her that you have to speak faster, because it has to finish in 15 seconds. Besides, I shoot the video whenever I feel like it. Once I did it after I returned home from a shoot. It was late in the night, I was hungry, but there was no food. Just before I went for a shower, I got this keeda of doing the video on food and shot one about mushrooms! Also, the output is more when I do it solo and of course, cheaper.
Why does Chutki wear her lipstick badly?
(Smiles) The bad lipstick gets attention on thumbnails. People wonder what’s wrong with the lipstick and click to see more.
Which of your videos are more popular?
The ‘aww plus aww’ one and the ‘Coke Dena’. Even the Malham Hai Suji and Chaddi Chahiye caught on. There have been lots of dubsmashes too. I never thought my videos would be dubsmashed. Somebody had offered saying if I gave my videos they would do it. I was like, why would anyone do that. Everybody does it on films or songs. Even I would do on films. But now, I see so many versions of the shopkeeper videos. There are 14,000 open profiles, there will be so many by private users, I can’t even see.
MSG: The Messenger of God will not see a Republic Day release
7:54 AM
Mohar Basu (BOMBAY TIMES; January 21, 2015)
In the media interaction
held at a suburban Mumbai hotel, Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan
came clean on the controversies surrounding the release of his film
- MSG: The Messenger Of God. Constantly being referred to as 'Baba', he
answered every question posed at him, ranging from the possibility of a
romantic track in the movie to the film's run-in with the Censor Board
regarding the film's certification. The songs Desh Ke Liye, Ram Ram and
Never Ever lightened the mood with the saint even obliging to sing for
the audience. Co-actors Flora Saini, Jayshree Soni and Gaurav Gera too
were present along with the co-director Jeetu Arora Insan. It was made
clear that the movie will not see a Republic Day release.
MSG: The
Messenger Of God is produced by Ravi Verma under the banner of Hakikat
Entertainment Pvt Ltd.
Mona Singh-Vidyut Jammwal back together?
7:48 AM
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 14, 2014)
Last April, Mona Singh and Vidyut Jammwal hit rock bottom in their relationship after an allegedly doctored MMS of hers was leaked online. But, it seems the lovers have now reconciled.
A friend of Vidyut told Mirror, “Mona and Vidyut were absolutely smitten with each other and were even contemplating marriage. But, then with the MMS coming out, things got a little uncomfortable between the two. But, recently they reconnected and cleared the air. They realised that it was foolish of them to have parted ways over such a trivial issue. They are still very much in love and have rekindled their romance.”
Both Mona and Vidyut remained unavailable for comment.
The two were introduced through common friends in 2011 and a year later, in an interview Vidyut opened up and admitted that he was indeed dating the actress. In April 20, 2013, Mirror had reported how her relationship with Vidyut hit a rough patch after the MMS surfaced. When Mona was nowhere to be seen during the release of Vidyut’s debut film Commando just weeks after, speculations were rife that the two have split. However, neither Mona nor Vidyut ever confirmed the news.
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