Top

‘They always want me shirtless’

Gautam Gulati, who is hosting MTV’s The Big F, talks about the show, his depiction of Ravi Shastri in Azhar and his inspirations

Gautam Gulati, who is shooting for a new MTV show titled The Big F — based on forbidden encounters of the youth and secret fantasies of ordinary young people — is excited about the show. “It’s not a reality show. I am presenting the show, which is about stories we encounter in real life.”

Talking about the show’s premise, he adds, “For example, one of the stories I relate is about a girl who is keen on marrying her first love. But her parents want her to marry someone of their choice. Whether she can marry the man of her choice is revealed in the show.”

The show also connects with the youth, sending the message that at times you get trapped in a bad deal when you follow your heart.” Asked about his own fantasies, he says, “I’m a cool guy… I am a workaholic. My fantasy is to brighten my future through my work.” I was approached for the show five-six months back while I was shooting for Azhar in London. They were kind enough to accommodate my dates. I also keep doing back-to-back events. But I managed to give them enough dates despite my busy schedule… We shoot regularly during the week.”

He adds that in the show he is always requested by his fans to go “shirtless”. “It actually makes me feel great. I never ever thought that I would be getting such compliments from my fans and would be asked to bare my chest.” He plays Ravi Shastri in Azhar, the biopic on Mohammad Azharuddin. “I cannot divulge any details about my character, but I did have to work hard for Ravi Shastri’s character. He is an icon so I had to work hard. We finished a long stint in London and our next schedule is in Hyderabad soon,” he says. “Working with Nargis Fakhri, Lara Dutta and Emraan Hashmi was a great learning experience. Emraan is a dedicated, sincere and grounded actor,” he adds.

Gautam adds that he has been getting quite a few other offers from Bollywood. “But I try to choose good banners and good films as well as good roles. I am lucky that I am getting good films now. I ensure that I do not jump at everything that comes my way, I wait for the good, performance-backed roles.” He also recently shot a music video with Kanika Kapoor, the Baby Doll singer. “While I was shooting in London, Kanika Kapoor called me up and offered this video to me... I know her for a very long time, we bond very well. It was great fun working with her,” says Gautam.

Since Bigg Boss, Gautam’s life has totally changed. “Offers have started pouring in,” he says, adding, “Hosting, participating in events and doing films is what I intend on doing right now. However, I will only do TV (soaps) if get something different, otherwise I am not interested.” Gautam has often been called Ekta Kapoor’s blue eyed boy, and he says, “I do not whether I am her blue eyed boy. But yes, it was Ekta who advised me do start doing films. She said, ‘You are film material now, so do films’.”

He also has a special place for Salman Khan in his heart since his Bigg Boss days. “Unka ashirwad hi mere liye bahut hai. If he feels like it, he will definitely give me work in his banner. In BB he always liked me and that’s more than enough for me.” “My mom, too, has been a great inspiration to me. Without the support of my family I would not have reached here. I have a long way to go but I am sure that I will get there,” he adds.

Lastly, he adds, “I am getting offers from many filmmakers. I am reading scripts almost on a daily basis but I have not yet signed anything.”

( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story