Kamal Ghorui
Gaurav Gera, currently receiving praise for his role as Aalam in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge, is finally enjoying a phase of recognition that has been a long time coming. Amid the appreciation, the actor also opened up about a deeply personal chapter from his past and how it continues to shape his emotional boundaries today—especially when it comes to marriage.
‘I don’t want to go back to that space’
In a recent interaction with Humans of Bombay, Gera spoke candidly about a past relationship that left a lasting impact on him, explaining why he has since chosen to stay guarded, including his choice to stay away from marriage. “There was a time I was very deeply in love. After that, I never wanted to go back to it. I don’t want to make anyone so important that they have the power to hurt me,” he said.Sharing his perspective on relationships, he added, “I feel women move on. Some people are players—it doesn’t affect them.”He also addressed the idea of desirability with humour, saying, “Even before Dhurandhar, I used to get female attention. Now I just look like an uncle.”
From dancer to television recognition
Long before his recent success, Gera’s journey in the entertainment industry began with dance. “I started as a dancer—that was my source of income,” he recalled.Within a year of moving to Mumbai, he landed his first television show Life Nahi Ladoo, where he played the lead. “It was prime time, on a prime channel, and my first show itself. I feel extremely lucky,” he said.Working alongside seasoned actors like Manoj Pahwa and Sanjay Mishra, Gera described the experience as warm and nurturing. “We shot like a family. I was 23, and they treated me very well.”He went on to feature in shows like Sanskriti, before a major turning point came with Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, one of the most popular shows of the early 2000s. It was here that he formed a close bond with co-star Mona Singh. “That’s where I met Mona, and our friendship started—we’re still friends,” he shared.
Ahead of the digital curve
Gera also revealed that he ventured into digital content long before it became mainstream. “I started content creation in 2010, when people didn’t even have smartphones,” he said, adding that he later paused due to his packed schedule across television and theatre.He was also part of the musical Jhumroo at Kingdom of Dreams, describing it as a Broadway-like experience. Balancing multiple commitments, he shared, “Five days I would shoot in Bombay for TV, and weekends I’d be in Gurgaon for Jhumroo,” while also working on shows like Tota Weds Maina and Pammi Pyarelal.
‘I needed this’
Talking about the recognition coming his way after Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Gera admitted that it has had a positive impact on his confidence.“After Dhurandhar, I have started getting more respect. Even now, people don’t recognise me that much, but my self-esteem has become better. I needed this,” he said.The film, released on March 19, continues its strong run at the box office, with reported collections of Rs 1,105.82 crore nett in India and a worldwide gross nearing Rs 1,741.73 crore. Dhurandhar has become a massive franchise, with combined collections for both parts crossing Rs 3,000 crore.
