Talking about his first reaction to the script, Gaurav shares, “First of all, this was a Studio LSD production, so I had already made up my mind that I wanted to do this show, as this is my third show with them back to back. And especially the lead cast, Sriti Jha ji and Shabir Ahluwalia Bhai, getting a chance to work with them, they are such an iconic pair on TV. So yes, when I read the story and found out that I was approached for the role of Shabir Bhai’s brother, I was very excited. I said, ‘Brother, I have to do this.’”
Sharing what drew him to Vivaan, he says, “He is a good, simple boy, always having fun. The elder brother earns money and he spends it, so I thought it would be fun to do. It’s a very funny character, he does comedy, so after a long time I’m doing comedy, almost after four or five years, as all this time I was doing grey-shade characters.”
On preparing for the role, Gaurav explains that the transformation was more physical than emotional. “For this character, they wanted a bit of a muscular boy, and I was already in Jaipur for the last one and a half years. I was working out and paying attention to myself anyway, so it felt like it was written for me. Not emotionally, but yes, physically I had already transformed myself, and that is what’s helping here.”
The show explores complex relationships and second chances, something Gaurav finds deeply relatable. “I think it’s a very thin line as a performer because we have to show all our emotions. I’m lucky that the scenes are well written, and it’s fun to work. And talking about second chances, life always gives them to us, that’s what’s shown here, and I always believe in second chances.”
Interestingly, the actor chose not to overthink his character’s backstory. “No, I haven’t thought much about it. I relate to it a lot in my own life too. I’m always having fun and want to stay that way. This isn’t a very serious character, so he has fun, and that’s how I am.”
Reflecting on how Vivaan stands apart from his earlier roles, he adds, “This character is very different because if you see LSD’s shows, earlier I was playing grey shades or even negative roles. For the first time, I’m getting a chance to play a positive role. It’s a bit difficult because that was ingrained in me, but I stop myself and remind myself that this is a positive character while doing scenes. It’s a lot of fun. I’m doing such a character after seven or eight years.”
Speaking about his association with producer Prateek Sharma and the team, Gaurav expresses heartfelt gratitude. “They are like my family. Even when I came for the mock shoot, I felt like I had come back home. I know everyone, from the DOPs to the directors to the spot boys, and everyone greets me warmly. I consider myself very lucky that they keep repeating me in their shows. I can never say no to LSD, this is like my home.”
