From Bagga to Horror: Gagan Arora Gets Real | DC Conversations

It’s helped a lot. I’m more aware of the set, more empathetic towards all departments, and I understand the chaos that goes on behind the scenes. It also gives me a better sense of camera and storytelling, which helps me perform and absorb the director’s brief more effectively.

College Romance was your big breakout. What changed the most for you between Season 1 and Season 4 in how you approached Bagga?

Season 1, I had nothing to lose. I just went in as a wide-eyed newcomer and enjoyed it. But after the show became popular, the pressure kicked in—especially around Season 2. I felt a lot of expectations and struggled with that. By Season 4, I’d learned to handle it better and was more grounded and grateful.

What part of Bagga was hardest to shake off after the show ended?

Honestly, I still carry a bit of him with me. He taught me to take life a little less seriously. That carefree joy really stuck.

Tabbar was a big tonal shift. What did the prep for that role involve?

It was tough switching from the high-energy world of College Romance to the stillness of Tabbar. I had to unlearn that urge to perform and instead just “be” on screen. That calmness was the biggest challenge.

You shot Tabbar and The Fame Game back-to-back. How did you manage to mentally separate those two very different worlds and characters?

I was already looking to break out of the comedy box, so I was mentally prepared. For The Fame Game, the director helped a lot—especially by making sure I met Madhuri Dixit for the first time in character on set. That natural awe helped shape the scene.

Was there a moment during The Fame Game when you felt out of your depth—in a good way?

Yes, during an action scene where I had to get aggressive. It was intense and physical, and I felt the character take over. It was a first for me and made me realize I need to learn how to channel that energy better.

Comedy, drama, horror—you’ve done a mix. Which script pushed you most out of your comfort zone?

Initially, it was Tabbar because I had to learn to be still. But Khauf was the toughest overall. Horror demands a very different kind of honesty and vulnerability, especially because of the heavy subject matter.

What does working in the horror genre let you explore as an actor that other genres don’t?

Khauf wasn’t just horror—it was deeply rooted in social truth. The challenge was playing a character I couldn’t morally justify. It pushed me to act without judging, which was very uncomfortable and intense.

OTT platforms have played a huge role in your career. Do you feel pressure to move to the big screen now?

Not really. I just want to be excited by the characters I play, regardless of screen size. If it’s meaningful and challenging, I’m in.

Of all your roles, is there one that you feel audiences misunderstood?

Not really. Even with complex characters like in The Fame Game, people now have so much access to breakdowns and analyses online that most interpretations are pretty accurate.

What’s one word that describes your journey in acting so far?

“Versatile.”

Final question: Let’s say you have a bad audition—who’s the first person you call?

My wife. She’s my first audience, my harshest critic, and my biggest support. She reads scripts with me, gives feedback, and always reminds me to do better next time.