Gautam Kurup in Puri's film

It looks like actor Gautam Kurup, who played a baddie in Balakrishna-starrer Dictator, doesn’t mind playing negative roles. “Such roles are bringing me fame,” quips Gautam. And now, after donning the black hat in big-ticket films like Kandahar, Thuppakki, Picket 43, Bhanwarey among several others, he  will next be seen in Puri Jagannadh’s Telugu film, Mehbooba.

“Puri is every actor’s dream director and I’m grateful to him for casting me.  The film is an intense love story. I can’t reveal my role, but it’s an impactful one and a crucial part in the narrative.” The Delhi-based actor, who has worked as a line producer for over 22 years, adds, “Films like Jilla and Thuppakki helped me get the required exposure to South films. Also, since I am in my 40s, I can play any role — father, brother, baddie — so I have the luxury of choosing from a wide variety of roles.”