Gurmeet Choudhary Talks with Subhash K Jha about his varied career on the big and small screen including playing Bhagwan Rama in Ramayan, featuring in Commander Karan Saxena and so much more!
You have been through the entire spectrum of visual formats. How much change do Gurmeet Choudhary see in the experience?
Yes, I have been fortunate to work in television, cinema, and now OTT. As an actor, the core of my work doesn’t change; I always strive to give my best, no matter the medium. Television has provided me with a large audience, fans, fame, and financial stability. It allowed me to connect with viewers on a daily basis, building a strong and loyal fan base. Cinema was always my dream because I longed to see myself on the big screen and was thrilled to achieve that. There’s something magical about watching a film on a 70 MM screen; being part of that world has been incredibly fulfilling. Now, with the rise of OTT platforms, the landscape is evolving. The audience is even bigger, and people prefer the convenience of watching films and series at home. This shift intrigued me, and I thought, why not explore OTT? It’s a platform that offers diverse content and reaches a wide range of viewers. As an actor, it’s essential to give your best in every medium to earn the audience’s love and respect. This new venture into OTT is an exciting experience for me. It’s my debut on this platform, and I’m super excited about it. I look forward to connecting with audiences in this new way and continuing to deliver performances that resonate with them.
Your most celebrated role is that of Bhagwan Rama. How do you compare your Rama with those portrayed by others?
My role as Bhagwan Rama is indeed one of the most celebrated parts of my career, and I’m deeply honored to have portrayed such an iconic character. Comparing my portrayal with legends like Arun Govil, Prabhas, and now Ranbir Kapoor is both humbling and inspiring. Arun Govil’s portrayal of Rama in the classic TV series Ramayan set a benchmark. His serene and divine depiction of Rama became the face of the character for many generations. His performance carried a sense of calmness and purity that resonated deeply with the audience, making his version of Rama timeless. Prabhas, as an actor, is outstanding. He has a fantastic personality and a magnetic screen presence that can pull audiences to the cinema hall. I really loved his performance in Baahubali; he brought such power and depth to the role. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to see Adipurush yet. Ranbir Kapoor, known for his versatility and depth as an actor, is set to bring his unique touch to the character. His exceptional talent and ability to add new dimensions and layers to his roles will undoubtedly make his portrayal of Rama distinct and memorable. Each actor brings their own strengths and nuances to the role, influenced by the times and contexts of their portrayals. For me, playing Rama was about embodying his virtues, compassion, and strength. I aimed to stay true to the essence of the character while bringing my own interpretation to it. It’s a character that carries immense responsibility and reverence, and I approached it with the utmost respect and dedication. Ultimately, every portrayal of Rama contributes to the rich tapestry of storytelling. Each interpretation brings something new and valuable to the character, reflecting the diverse ways in which Rama can be understood and appreciated. I feel privileged to be a part of that legacy and to have the opportunity to connect with audiences through such a revered and timeless role.
Gurmeet, you are a father, how has that changed your life?
I’ve been a father for the last two years, and I must say it has truly changed my life. Having two daughters has made me more responsible and has brought immense joy and purpose into my life. It’s a beautiful journey, and I feel so blessed to have them. Whenever I come home from a shoot and play with my daughters, I feel a sense of fulfillment and happiness that is indescribable. One of my dreams was to bring my kids to my set, and I was fortunate enough to do that while shooting for Commander Karan Saxena. It was an amazing experience. I remember one particular moment when my elder daughter, Lianna, saw me filming a fight sequence. She started crying, and when I asked her what was wrong, she told me not to fight. It was such a touching and funny moment, and I captured it all on video. Overall, being a father to my two daughters is a fantastic feeling. They bring so much love and joy into my life, and I cherish every moment with them.
Do you see the OTT as the future of our cinema?
OTT and cinema are both different mediums, each with its own unique appeal. I really love cinema halls where I can see myself on the big 70 MM screen. It has always been my dream for people to watch my performances on such a grand scale. There’s something incredibly special about the experience of cinema. At the same time, I also appreciate the OTT platform. It offers the comfort of watching content at home with more options to choose from. You can enjoy a variety of shows and movies with your family, which is a great advantage. For me, both mediums are superb. Each has its own audience, and as an actor, this is the best time. You get the opportunity to work in cinema films as well as on OTT platforms, reaching a wider and more diverse audience.
