Gaurav Arora, a talented actor and former model, has come a long way in his career. Starting in the world of modeling, Gaurav transitioned into Bollywood with his debut in Vikram Bhatt’s Love Games in 2016. Recently, he was seen in the second season of the popular web series Tanaav. In an exclusive conversation, Gaurav shared his experiences of working on the series, his acting journey, and his unforgettable moments with renowned filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
Excitement for Tanaav Season 2
Gaurav Arora wasn’t part of the first season of Tanaav, but when the opportunity to join the second season came along, he was thrilled. “I was very excited when I got the call from Mukesh Chhabra, the casting director,” Gaurav said. He mentioned that he always wanted to play a role like this, especially after watching Fauda, the original Israeli series that inspired Tanaav.
The actor admitted he was a bit apprehensive about joining an already established cast, as he wasn’t part of the first season. “I was joining in the second season, and everyone else had already worked together, so I didn’t know what to expect. But I must say, this was the most welcoming set I’ve ever been on,” Gaurav shared, adding that he thoroughly enjoyed the friendly atmosphere during the shoot.
The Shift from Modeling to Acting
Before stepping into Bollywood, Gaurav had an extensive career in modeling. He had always dreamt of becoming an actor, even when he started his modeling journey. “I didn’t have any connections in the film industry, so I thought starting with modeling would be a good way to eventually get into films. But that plan didn’t work as expected,” Gaurav revealed. He explained that by the time he had established himself in the modeling world, there was a general notion that “models can’t act.” This stereotype made it difficult for him to leap into acting.
Determined to follow his passion, Gaurav decided to leave modeling behind and focus entirely on honing his acting skills. He began to work on his craft, knowing that it was the only way to achieve his dreams.
Early Passion for Acting from Madhya Pradesh to Mumbai
Coming from a small town in Madhya Pradesh, where there were no theaters at the time, Gaurav’s love for acting had to be nurtured in silence. “I had this passion for acting since I was a child, but I never talked about it with anyone. I felt people would laugh at me or not take me seriously,” he said.
It wasn’t until much later, after he had started to establish his career, that Gaurav realized that his dream was truly destined. A conversation with an old friend made him reflect on how far he had come, considering none of his friends had pursued similar paths. “We all had the same opportunities growing up, but I was the only one who dreamt of acting. Maybe it was just meant to be,” he added thoughtfully.
Meeting Mahesh Bhatt: A Defining Moment
One of the most memorable moments in Gaurav’s early career was meeting the legendary filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Recalling their first encounter, Gaurav shared how Bhatt’s playful nature quickly turned into a serious conversation about his future. “He asked me why I wanted to become an actor. I told him honestly, ‘I don’t know why I want to be an actor, but I know I don’t have a plan B. Acting is the only thing I want to do.’”
To Gaurav’s surprise, Bhatt was thrilled by his answer. “He told me that he liked my honesty and that he would always remember me as the actor with no plan B. To this day, whenever we meet, he asks me if I have a plan B yet,” Gaurav recalled with a smile.
A Beautiful Experience in Kashmir
Gaurav had the opportunity to shoot Tanaav in the picturesque setting of Kashmir. It wasn’t his first time in the region, as he had shot another series there in 2022, but the beauty of Kashmir left him in awe once again. “Everyone knows how stunning Kashmir is, but the people there are even more beautiful. They are kind and welcoming. If you treat them with respect, they’ll give you ten times the love in return,” he said.
The actor spoke fondly of his time shooting in Pahalgam, a small but breathtaking town in Kashmir. “It was one of the best shooting experiences I’ve had. The scenic beauty combined with the warm hospitality made it unforgettable,” Gaurav shared.
Future Prospects
As Gaurav continues to carve out his space in the acting world, he remains grateful for the journey that has brought him here. Whether it’s his memorable roles, his special encounters with industry veterans like Mahesh Bhatt, or his experiences working in beautiful locations like Kashmir, Gaurav’s journey is filled with unique moments that continue to shape his career.
With his dedication to his craft and a clear focus on his acting goals, Gaurav Arora is a name to watch out for in the coming years.
