He is the quintessential Sooraj Barjatya's Prem on TV, but in films, Gurmeet Choudhary has always played a casanova. This time, though, he is doing a family entertainer - Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana - purely for his fans. Ahead of the film's release, BT catches up with the actor for a candid chat about breaking away from the erotic hero image in Bollywood, working with star kids and fatherhood. Excerpts...

Are you looking at Laali Ki Shaadi... as an opportunity to break away from the image created by your previous erotic thrillers?
On television, people pictured me as Prem, which Salman Khan has been known as. Whenever people met me, they'd say that they wanted a husband like me for their daughter. But in movies, you don't have a choice. Wajah Tum Ho and Khamoshiyan weren't the kind of films my fans would have liked to see me in. Many said that they couldn't watch those films with their families. They wanted to see me romancing and dancing. So, when I heard Laali Ki Shaadi's script, I knew it's a character my fans would love and it is impactful as well.

You said your fans couldn't watch your previous films with their families. Given a choice, would you have chosen your career differently?
Not at all. Where I am today is a dream for so many people. When you don't have a filmy background, you can't be choosy. But yes, in the process, I declined some movies, too. I believe that you get work because of your previous projects. If I sit back and think that I want to do only a big-banner film, I would just be waiting.

How comfortable were you working alongside star kids in the film?
I have done too much work on TV and have also done a couple of films to be intimidated by star kids. I am a silent person on the set; I am respectful of other actors, but am not inhibited by them. Akshara (Haasan) and Vivaan (Shah) are simple and good actors. They were very grounded and we had fun on the sets. I used to tell Akshara that I have been a great fan of Kamal Haasan ever since I watched Chachi 420. Similarly, I would talk about Naseeruddin Shah with Vivaan.

In recent days, we have seen nepotism in Bollywood being a topic of discussion. What's your take on it?
The industry is ready to help if you are talented and hard-working. I agree that it's easier for a star kid to enter Bollywood, but that brings along with it a huge responsibility. They have to meet the standards set by their family. As an outsider, I don't have to face that pressure.

You recently adopted two girls - Pooja and Lata - from your hometown...
I am a big fan of Superman; he has the power to do nice things for human beings. We can also do the same using our power as a celebrity. Debina and I were thinking of adopting a kid since a long time. It finally happened last year after we discussed it with our parents. We have planned everything for them very carefully. I think it's just a start because people keep talking about women empowerment, but nobody takes any steps. I think I have done the right thing and hope people will follow it.

When are you bringing them to Mumbai?
That will need planning as such decisions can't be taken overnight. The girls come from a rural background, so bringing them here immediately will be a cultural shock for them. We are focussing on their education right now. We will do everything according to their comfort. We have not set a specific time frame because that will be put pressure on them. Similarly, there is no pressure on them to take my surname either. They call us Gurmeet and Debina, so we are friends. In today's time, the relationship between parents and kids should be that of friends. So, I don't mind them addressing me by my name. Debina and I talk to them every day. My life has changed after adopting them. I have the responsibility of looking after them.

Do you plan to have a biological kid anytime soon?
We haven't thought about it because we are busy in our careers. We haven't done any family planning and will take the step when we are ready.

Box Office India Trade Network

His second film Wajah Tum Ho (WTH), hap pens to be cut from the same cloth as his Bollywood debut, Khamoshiyan. However, that doesn't bother actor Gurmeet Choudhary, who believes that he can't be confined to any particular genre. From mythological soaps to masala films, he's at home everywhere. As television's Lord Ram gears up for yet another bold outing, BT caught up with him for a quick chat about his journey so far - in real and on reel. Excerpts...

This is your second film in the erotic genre. Do you worry that you will be offered a similar genre repeatedly?
If the film had been just about sex, I wouldn't have done it. I have been part of thrillers with erotic songs. So, I don't mind if they slot WTH in the erotic genre. Typecast hone ke liye bhi aukaat chahiye. If I am typecast, it means that I am doing a swell job in that genre. Many people crave for that. Also, I know how to break away from a mould just like I did after playing Lord Ram. People would touch my feet and make offerings, but I went on to play intense characters after that. If that couldn't stop me, nothing else can. I am getting offers, which are not erotic. It has to register first that an actor is hero material; then, work follows.

Among the people who switched from TV to big screen, Sushant Singh Rajput has done well for himself. The others have bagged roles mostly in the horror-erotic genres, not leaving much of a mark...
I know Sushant because of Ankita (Lokhande, Sushant's ex-girlfriend). He did a great job in his last film and I congratulated him. I appreciate jab aap zero se hero bante ho. Having said that, I can't copy him and follow his path. Mujhe lakeer ka fakeer nahi banna. My path is different from that of my contemporaries. I would also like to take up diverse projects, but that doesn't mean that I won't work if I am not getting the kind of roles I desire. Aisa na ho ki time hi nikal jaaye. A hit film is more important than the genre.

After a two-hero project (Khamoshiyan), your new film has three heroes. Shouldn't you have waited for a solo-hero movie?
We can't judge one's talent by the number of scenes in a film. A great actor can leave viewers spellbound in just one scene. And then, there are people who can't do justice to even a full-length role. In this film, every character is pivotal. Also, there is a lot at stake in a solo-hero project. God forbid if the film flops, I will have to shoulder the entire responsibility even if I have acted brilliantly. Of course, if there is a solo-hero project I can do justice to, I will take it up.

Many faces are launched every Friday. Does that mean more pressure for actors like you?
Whenever a new face is launched, I work extra hours at the gym, and learn a few more gymnastic moves and stunts (laughs). In hindsight, I also feel motivated to work harder and learn from their strengths.

Recently, social media was abuzz with talks about your kissing scenes in WTH. Some even compared you to Emraan Hashmi...
I am glad people are talking about my bold sequences. Koi bhi mare hue kutte ko laat nahi maarta hai. We have achieved what we wanted, which was to create a buzz around the film. People might throng theatres believing this is just an erotic thriller, but they will walk out praising the content. Talking about the comparisons to Emraan, I am not competing with him and don't aspire for his serial kisser tag. I am trying to create my own space and style.

Is it true that Debina (his wife) was upset with your intimate scenes in WTH? There were even rumours that you guys had a huge showdown during your trip to Sri Lanka?
It feels nice to be written about, but sometimes, small things are blown out of proportion. Though Debina and I are accustomed to such rumours, our families get affected. She knows that I am just playing a character. We have our share of fights like any other couple, but ours get highlighted as we are actors. I am prepared for worse stories in the future (laughs!).

How easy is it for you to get intimate with a co-actor?
I dread retakes while shooting for such scenes. My only concern is that it shouldn't look vulgar. I would have opted out of the film if it hadn't looked classy. I am extremely shy. I didn't even confess love to Debina before marriage. One night, while talking to her on the phone, she finally asked me if I wanted to tell her that I love her and I replied that's exactly what I wanted to tell her.

Your father is a retired Army officer. How much did he support you in your aspirations?
I come from a small village in Bihar, where there wasn't even proper power supply. My parents didn't support me at all. They wanted me to become a doctor or an engineer, but I made it clear that I wanted to be an actor. My father didn't have money to support my endeavours, so it was friends who helped me with money, food and clothing. I haven't forgotten my days of struggle. There was a time when I shared a small room with 15 boys. There was so little space that if I wanted to turn over while sleeping, I had to inform others. I still visit those places. Earlier, producers and directors would bow down to the whims and fancies of an actor, but not anymore. You won't get a second chance if you are not disciplined and diligent. Given my army background, discipline has been ingrained in me. I always reach before time for the shoot.

Sharman Joshi is quiet and unassuming. Despite giving some incredible performances in films like Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, Life In A Metro, 3 Idiots and Rang De Basanti, the actor is nonchalant about his talent and dedication. He is secure and levelheaded enough to own his failures and the risks that didn't pay off. Fiercely unapologetic about mak ing a foray into erotic films (Hate Story 3 and Wajah Tum Ho), he takes pride in choosing movies that position themselves clearly, as opposed to those that are sneaky about the content. Excerpts...

Most erotic films revolve around women...
As actors, we don't approach a role thinking whether women have an edge over men. Wajah Tum Ho (WTH) has an ensemble cast. Likewise, Hate Story 3 belonged to all three of us - Zareen Khan, Karan Singh Grover and me. Besides, nobody puts a gun to your head and forces you to do a film; you know what you are getting into. If you are talking about WTH's promotions, since I don't feature in any of the songs that are being promoted at the moment, obviously you won't see me much.

This is the first time you are playing a cop...
Yes. I play a passive aggressive police officer, who has a great sense of humour. Director Vishal Pandya dared to tread a path that no one else was willing to walk with me. I was always open to doing such roles, but because of the characters I'd played earlier, a certain perception was formed.

As a father, do you worry about your children's reaction if they watch WTH's trailer?
Well, there are several things online that can't be controlled. I am sure my kids will watch the movie when they grow up and I will have no qualms about it. If I have done a good job, they will be proud of me.

What about your wife?
Prerana understands this profession. Yes, there are kissing scenes in this film, but all major production houses have them in their movies. Films that don't project themselves as erotica also have plenty of it. They just position themselves differently. We have chosen to say that WTH is an erotica and maybe that's why it seems so in-your-face. In fact, ours is a plain and clear approach as opposed to misleading the audience.

Adult comedies, desi horror films and erotic thrillers are considered lowbrow by many. Your thoughts?
I want to try, at least once, what is perceived as lowbrow because I find that also challenging. For instance, my film Style may be lowbrow for those who admire Rang De Basanti. But there are people who liked Style, too. I am not here to please a particular type of audience. You will like some roles, you won't like some. I don't analyse whether I am doing something right or wrong. I am happy if I am able to break the mould and recreate myself as an actor. Otherwise, it gets very mundane. Agar aap wohi karte raho jo logon ko achcha lagta hai, then that's herd mentality. Achche achche logon ne mujhe different roles nahin diye.

After doing an array of socially relevant movies, what convinced you to star in erotic films?
Beauty lies in variety. When I hang my acting boots, which I hope I never do, I want people to realise that I played an exciting and interesting range of characters throughout my career. You do some roles for yourself, it is a selfish journey.

Does it bother you that it's been awhile since you delivered a major hit (the last was 3 Idiots in 2009)?
If you are talking about commercial success, a Rs 13-crore film (Hate Story 3) collected almost Rs 55 crore at the BO. In terms of commerce, that was a huge hit. Numbers are important because huge money is at stake.

Why don't you believe in idolising anyone?
People might find me cocky or egoistic, but I choose not to have a godfather because my father taught me to be my own man. I may get inspired by someone's work, but idolising means allowing myself to get influenced. I respect a lot of people, but I don't want to be like them; I want to carve my own path.

Films or theatre - what do you prefer?
Theatre because it's an actor's medium. You have to be on your toes every time you step on the stage. The thrill of being in front of a live audience and getting their instant response is true happiness.

Filmmakers usually take precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident while shooting. After all, the lives of the cast and crew as well as a lot of money are at stake. However, at times despite the best efforts and double checks, accidents occur. One such incident took place on the set of Vishal Pandya's upcoming thriller Wajah Tum Ho, which revolves around a murder on live television.

A glass cage weighing 1,100 kilos was made and filled with water for a crucial sequence. A night before those scenes were shot, the team conducted all the necessary technical tests, including checking if the glass cage could take the pressure of the water. However, the next day when Vishal started shooting, it collapsed with shards strewn all over the floor. The director was worried about actor Himmanshoo Malhotra's safety because he was the one featuring in the pivotal scene. Thankfully, the crew jumped into action immediately and ensured that no one was hurt.

Vishal and his team didn't let this accident dampen their spirit. They not only got a new glass cage made, but also managed to shoot the scene without any more hiccups.

Wajah Tum Ho, produced by T-Series, releases on December 2.

Rajniesh Duggall's penchant for authenticity has caused him a lot of pain, literally. For a scene in Vishal Pandya's Wajah Tum Ho, the actor had to be administered an injection. While the director was okay with a dummy injection, Rajniesh insisted on the real one. Finally, a nurse was called on the set.

A source present on the set recalls, “The nurse was efficient, but she wasn't an actress. So, she became conscious in front of the camera and ended up injecting Rajniesh at the wrong spots. It took eight takes to get her act right.“ The actor, though reeling in pain, cooperated without any complaints.

In the film, Rajniesh plays the owner of a TV network that gets embroiled in a live murder.

Wajah Tum Ho, produced by T-Series, releases on December 2.

Actor Gurmeet Choudhary recently moved out of the Goregaon home he shares with his wife Debina Bonnerjee and checked into a suburban hotel. Before you start suspecting trouble in paradise, let's tell you that everything's fine in their marriage of five years.

Gurmeet decided to stay away from home only to sink his teeth deeper into the character - that of a lawyer - he plays in his upcoming film, Wajah Tum Ho. “It's not an easy character to play, I needed to do solid homework. I couldn't have turned up at the shoot without learning my lines. So, I convinced Debina to allow me to shift to a hotel in Malad for four days while shooting the climax. Preparing for such an intense character cannot happen within the comfort of your home. One often gets distracted,“ he says, jokingly adding, “also, I didn't want to be kicked out of the house for my madness.“

His 'homework' was not just limited to mugging up the lines in a hotel suite. Gurmeet did rounds of an Andheri court to understand the nuances of his character. “I used to pray that I never visit a court, but I had to, for this role. The crew would often feel that I was mad. I would wear the costume even while rehearsing my dialogue. Clothes add to your attitude and posture,“ he says.

That's not all. The actor elaborates, “I was also present when they built the court on the set, as I didn't want to feel out of place during the shoot. I wanted to be aware of what was kept where. I rehearsed even when the set was being painted and given final touches, so that I looked natural while playing my part.“

Celebrity guests on Comedy Nights Bachao Taaza will no longer have to bear the heat of getting `roasted' alive. The show, we hear, is all set for a thanda revamp.

The decision to change the format has been prompted by the recent turn of events - actress Tannishtha Chatterjee storming out following alleged racist comments and John Abraham losing his cool over jokes about his previous films.

Krushna Abhishek, the face of the show, says, “While several celebrities have appreciated the content, a few of them felt offended. We don't want to irk people further and have decided to tone down the content. I don't wish to put my relationships at stake for the sake of comedy. We will indulge only in healthy leg-pulling. My co-actors are also in favour of this decision.“

The move could also stem from the fact that the show will soon be graced by legendary actresses Helen and Bindu. “We can't dare roast them. So, we will be indulging in light comedy with them as well as the cast of Wajah Tum Ho with whom we are shooting next,“ Krushna reveals.

Will this decision have an adverse affect on the ratings? “I don't think so. In any case, we can't spoil relationships for better ratings,“ he replies, adding, “We love to laugh at others, but taking a joke on oneself is difficult and often not appreciated.“

Following the success of Hate Story 2 and Hate Story 3, T-Series and Vishal Pandya are gearing up for their next thriller, Wajah Tum Ho. What makes this Gurmeet Choudhary-Sharman Joshi-Sana Khaan-Rajniesh Duggall film unique is its subject - a murder that takes place live on television.

Given the importance of music in Bollywood, the film's makers are sparing no effort to ensure they have a good soundtrack. They have incorporated a recreated version of the hit song, Maahi Ve from the 2002 film Kaante. The track, which features Zareen Khan, has been recreated by composer Gourav Roshin. While Kumaar has penned the lyrics, Neha Kakkar has sung the song, which comes at a significant point in the story and provides a twist in the tale.

Like the original, which saw the sultry Malaika Arora Khan per forming a pole dance, in this version too, Zareen will be seen doing the same. We hear the actress has not only worked hard to sport a svelte avatar but also spent a few weeks to learn pole dancing and master the sexy moves. The makers are hopeful that the number, which has been picturised in a sensuous way, will leave film buffs asking for more.

Wajah Tum Ho, produced by T-Series, releases on December 2.

Looks like love has blossomed on the sets of Wajah Tum Ho. Buzz is that director Vishal Pandya and his leading lady Sana Khaan have grown close to each other during the course of the film.

Insiders say that the two are quite serious about each other. “They are constantly in touch and often hang out together. Vishal even gifted Sana her portrait on her birthday. They really care about each other, but don't want to come out in the open as they fear people will cast aspersions. This relationship means a lot to both of them,“ says the source.

However, Sana insists that she and the filmmaker are 'just friends'. “Vishal is one of the few people who is a part of my inner circle. We talk a lot and hang out, but there isn't anything brewing between us. He is good-looking and the best part is that he is very respectful towards women,“ she says.

Vishal, on the other hand, is more forthcoming. “Anyone can make you happy by doing something special, but Sana can make you happy even without doing anything. She is someone who can make you smile even when she is not around,“ the director says.

Hmm... we are reading between the lines. Are you?

She is spunky and out spoken, but extremely emotional, too. Sana Khaan doesn't mince her words when talking about the dark side of the industry, but her eyes well up while recalling her struggle in Bollywood. The actress, who is equally anxious and excited about her lead role in the erotic thriller, Wajah Tum Ho, gets candid about Salman Khan, sex scenes and surviving in the industry with out a godfather. Excerpts:

How did you bag Wajah Tum Ho?
I knocked on T-Series' door asking for a role. I had previously been considered for Hate Story 3, but back then, I wasn't ready for a bold film. When I met them for Wajah Tum Ho, they said they didn't approach me because they thought that I would turn down the offer. I told them that I had changed my mind  -everyone is doing bold roles and I can't be so selective. Also, this is not a film that's being made by a D-grade director, which will release in nondescript theatres. So, after the narration, I agreed to work.

You debuted with Jai Ho, which was a big project. Didn't that help you get more roles?
Jai Ho gave me a platform, but I was barely visible in it. There was a joke that my presence in the film was as good as India's in the FIFA World Cup. I still laugh at the thought. How creative! But it's a downer, right?

Did that professional lull disillusion you?
This industry can disillusion any newcomer who doesn't have anyone to endorse her. Why just me? I know so many actors who get films only because an influential 'friend' is constantly recommending their name to everyone who matters. When I am asked which camp I belong to, I say that I am my own camp because there is no one to promote me. After a spell of being disheartened, I feel proud that I stood my ground and came this far.

That phase must have been a learning experience...
I've learnt that in this industry, you have to be emotionally strong, because people will always try to break you. On many occasions, I was told that I can't be cast because I am not a star. But, weren't the stars newcomers at some point? I look decent and I can act and dance well. I used to wonder why I can't get a big project. Then I realised that you need bundles of luck. The day I'm a star, even the b****t I dish out will be appreciated. Before I bagged Jai Ho, I was on the verge of hitting depression with thoughts like, 'Will I ever get something here?' and 'Should I look at another profession?' No naming people here, but I knew that even after Jai Ho, I was being unceremoniously replaced in several projects.I had no standing and no one in the power corridors. It happened so often that I sometimes wished I had someone to endorse me.

Didn't Salman Khan recommend you for roles?
Nope. Salman only recommended me for Jai Ho. And, I don't take his name to become popular or get work. I don't even bring him up in my conversations unless asked specifically. Look, no one chooses to struggle, everyone likes to be endorsed. But if the latter doesn't happen, you have to work your way up the ladder.

Okay, so cut to the trailer launch of Wajah Tum Ho. Why were you crying there?
When I saw the trailer in the morning, it had garnered only 25,000 hits. Eventually, it shot up to 10 million. Even a lot of known names don't get such hits. Thankfully, people loved the content and those 30 seconds of love making didn't overshadow it. It's an illusion that sex scenes can fetch great numbers online - people can watch porn if they want that. Also, it was an overwhelming feeling to see myself on the big screen.

The film's bold content has drawn a lot of reactions. Do you think you have outdone Zareen Khan and Surveen Chawla from Parched and the Hate Story series?
I don't think my scenes have gone past what you saw of Surveen in Parched. As a beginner, I keep tabs. And there is no comparison with Zareen's scene either because they are different. Vishal had given me a freehand to decide how I'd do the scene. I was particular that my expressions in the scene should be subtle. The make-up was subdued. I also opted for white inners, because they make a woman look angelic. Some women have actually asked me about the brand I wore for the scene because they're getting married (laughs). Frankly, I don't want to enter a zone where people only remember me for my lovemaking scenes.

Sometimes, bold scenes and exposure on screen can get you typecast...
I am aware of that. But I often tell Vishal (Pandya, director) that many actresses wear cholis that are the size of hairbands, which can be passed off as underclothes. And no one makes a noise. Just because my bra popped out of my shirt, eyebrows are raised. How can such people then judge others?

Given a choice, would you have really done the intimate scenes?
No. I don't even like being skimpily clothed. Sometimes, when I look back, I just want to hide somewhere because I didn't want to do intimate scenes.It takes a lot of mental preparation.

Do you think the Censor Board will pass them?
I don't know what will happen on the CBFC table, but while shooting, I had asked everyone, including assistants, to stay away from the set. It was just the director, the DoP and the guy pushing the (camera) trolley. And, those who were on the set treated me with a lot of respect.

How did your family react?
I don't know if it will eventually pay off, but I had to take this risk. My mother is very upset with me - I don't discuss these things with her since they can affect her health. I hope she comes around.

You were toying with another film while taking up Wajah Tum Ho. What happened to that?
Thankfully, it didn't work out. I was considering it only because it didn't have a lovemaking scene. But thanks to this film, I have found a friend in Vishal. He is unlike the directors, or the men we meet socially. He rebooted the actress in me, taught me to be a better person and made me understand what respect is. I hope we work together again. I don't want to lose him as a friend.

Are you nervous?
Yes, but I am also confident and proud. After long, I'm the heroine in a film, so I am obviously anxious. I have been the lead actress in the films down South too, but I had a language barrier there and I couldn't do anything beyond what was told. Here, I can bring so much more to the table.