Actor and content creator
Gaurav Gera has received widespread appreciation for his performance in
Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, but the actor says the film's success has not changed his outlook towards fame, ambition, or the way he approaches his career.
In a recent conversation with Jist, Gera reflected on the overwhelming response to the film, the increase in offers, the debate around the film being labelled "propaganda" by some sections online, and why he consciously stayed away from the spotlight before the movie's release.
Gaurav Gera on staying away from the spotlight after Dhurandhar
Despite the attention that followed Dhurandhar, Gera said he has no plans to suddenly become a constant presence at public events or reality shows.
"Internet pe jo chhap raha hai woh chhap raha hai. Aisa kuch mera nahi hai ki ab main har event mein khada hoon ya har reality show mein aaun. Ambitious log karein," he said.
Explaining his philosophy, he added that he has already experienced that phase of chasing visibility.
"Main kar chuka hoon. I have done it 15-20 years ago. Agar aapke mann mein ichchha hai ki har project mein rehna hai, har event mein jaana hai, photo roz chhapni chahiye, toh karo. Main kar chuka hoon. Ab nahi mann hai toh nahi karunga."
'Dhurandhar ke baad offers badhe hain'
When asked whether the success of Dhurandhar had translated into more opportunities, Gera confirmed that offers had increased.
"Ek aayi thi jo filhaal role-wise maine agree nahi ki. Baaki ek kuch hai, year-end pe start hoga toh we will do that."
However, he maintained that he only accepts roles that genuinely suit him.
"Bahut baar mujhe lagta hai ki yeh role kisi aur actor ko zyada achha suit karega. Main zabardasti fit nahi baithta."
Why he reduced his social media presence before the film
One of the biggest revelations from the conversation was Gera's admission that he intentionally distanced himself from social media content before Dhurandhar.
The actor said he was concerned that his hugely popular comic characters such as Chutki, Shopkeeper and Billi Maasi might make audiences view his role differently.
"Mujhe laga meri image itni casual hai ki kahin mera role halke mein na le lein. Mujhe pata tha ki is film mein mera role kitna heavy hai."
He revealed that director Aditya Dhar had only requested him to make an effort to preserve the look of the character.
"Unhone sirf itna bola tha ki daadhi hai, public person ho, social events pe photo chhap sakti hai. Toh topi pehen lena, chashma laga lena, try kar lena."
That eventually led Gera to reduce his public appearances.
"Maine bahar jaana bhi kam kar diya. Main chahta tha ki meri image thodi wash out ho jaaye taaki jab scene aaye toh logon ko videos yaad na aayein."
On overexposure: 'Kam dikhna bhi achha hota hai'
Gera admitted that he personally prefers not to be overexposed.
"Mujhe characters pasand hain. Chutki hai, Shopkeeper hai, Aadu hai, Billi Maasi hai. Main apne opinions zyada online nahi deta."
He added that if he were an animator, he would probably be creating animated characters instead of putting himself in front of the camera.
"Thoda sa mujhe lagta hai ki kam dikhna bhi achha hota hai."
On 'propaganda film' allegations
The actor also addressed discussions on social media where some critics described Dhurandhar as a propaganda film.
Interestingly, Gera said nobody had directly confronted him over it.
"Nahi. Not even a single person."
Calling the question a little late, he said audiences often label films according to their own perspectives.
"Jo mujhe pasand nahi hoga main usko propaganda bolunga. Every film has a take. Yeh kisi ka take hai."
He stressed that the overwhelming response he has received has been positive.
"Mostly 99 percent love hi mila hai film ke liye."
'Mere character ke saath poori sympathy thi'
Gera revealed that while reading the script he already knew his character would become an emotional anchor in the story.
"Mujhe script level pe bhi pata tha ki yeh Ranveer ka ek connection hai jo uska past jaanta hai."
He also disclosed that the emotional intensity of the scene evolved during filming.
"Pehla take itna emotionally heavy nahi tha. Audition bhi itna heavy nahi tha."
According to him, it was Aditya Dhar's decision to push the emotional quotient further.
"Aditya Dhar ka call tha ki we have to make it heavier."
The final impact, he said, came together during editing.
"Background music aur poora scene put together karke jo magic create hua, woh unko aata hi hai."
'Ahankaar ko check mein rakhna zaroori hai'
Despite the praise coming his way, Gera said success has not inflated his ego.
He reflected on a period when audiences frequently called him a "legend" because of the emotional storytelling in his digital content.
"Mujhe lagne laga tha ki videos mein greatness wali feel aa rahi hai. Log likhte the 'you are a legend'."
That made him consciously pull back.
"Mujhe laga shayad maine isko zyada seriously le liya. Maine socha, I don't want to be that. I have to kill it."
He believes success can easily lead to arrogance if one is not careful.
"Greatness ahankaar laati hai. Mujhe laga mujhe apni personality ko check mein rakhna chahiye."
Asked whether Dhurandhar's success brought any ego, he replied, "Nahi."
"It feels like one of the jobs that I did which has been received well. More people have seen it because its reach is bigger. Aur waise bhi it is a great, well-made product."
Summing up his philosophy, Gera added, "Aaj rocking ho, kal nahi ho. Maine itne ups and downs dekhe hain ki farq nahi padta."
Looking ahead
While films remain a priority, Gera said he is equally interested in exploring web projects and international opportunities.
"Mujhe web achha lagta hai. I would love to do some web roles, OTT pe kaam karna hai, films definitely. Aur main Hollywood bhi karna chahunga. I would want to do international stuff also."
For now, though, the actor seems content letting Dhurandhar speak for itself—without chasing the spotlight that often follows success.
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