Popular actor Rohitashv Gour, known for his roles in Lapataganj and Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain, began his career in theatre and has since become a household name in Indian television. Recently, during a trip to Delhi where he visited the ongoing Ramleela, he spoke about his childhood memories, his experiences as an actor, and the ups and downs of working in the comedy genre.
Fond Memories of Childhood Ramleela and Playing Lakshman
Reminiscing about his childhood days, Rohitashv shared how significant Ramleela was during his early years. Growing up in Kalka, a small town with limited entertainment options, the arrival of Ramleela every year was a huge event. “In those days, the excitement of Ramleela would start two months in advance,” Rohitashv recalls. Since television wasn’t available, and entertainment was mostly limited to radio, Ramleela was something everyone eagerly anticipated.
Rohitashv was particularly fond of playing the character of Lakshman. “I was naturally drawn to Lakshman’s aggressive personality, and my mother would help dress me up for the role, even putting on a bindi to complete the look,” he shared with a smile. His most cherished memory is from the famous Ashok Vatika scene, where Hanuman would throw fruits into the crowd, and kids like him would scramble to catch them. “That magic is missing in today’s times,” he lamented, recalling how much joy those moments brought.
A Trip to Delhi and Rediscovering Old Haunts
During his recent visit to Delhi, Rohitashv took some time to explore his old hangouts. One of his favorite spots is the Bengali Market, a place he used to frequent during his drama school days. “We had a blast at Bengali Market. The Chole-Bhatura there is unforgettable,” he said, fondly remembering the meals he and his friends used to enjoy after long hours of practice at the National School of Drama (NSD). “The taste here is different from what we get in Mumbai,” he added.
Along with reliving these old memories, Rohitashv also visited the National School of Drama, where an exhibition was being held. For an actor with deep roots in theatre, this visit was nostalgic and meaningful.
Typecast as a Comedy Actor: Rohitashv’s Thoughts on the Industry
Despite his popularity as a comic actor, Rohitashv Gour shared some mixed feelings about being typecast. After years of training at NSD, he had hoped to portray a variety of roles in the industry. “There’s no denying that people now see me primarily as a comedy actor. In a way, I am sad about it because the industry tends to box actors into a specific type once they’ve had success in a particular genre,” Rohitashv admitted.
His roles in shows like Lapataganj and Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain—both highly successful comedy series—have made him a favorite among viewers. However, he believes that his abilities go beyond just making people laugh. “I’ve learned every aspect of acting at NSD, and I believe an actor should be able to play a range of characters, whether it’s comedy, tragedy, or drama,” he explained.
While he appreciates the recognition that comes with being a beloved comic actor, he shared that being seen as only suitable for comedy roles can feel limiting. “People have tagged me as a good comic actor, and while I do enjoy the roles I play, I would love to take on more serious or challenging characters.”
A New Opportunity: Breaking Out of the Comic Mold
Rohitashv shared some exciting news about breaking out of the comedy genre. After many years of playing humorous roles, he recently landed a part in Vipul Shah’s upcoming film Hisab. “This is something very different from what I usually do. It’s not a comedy role, and I’m really excited about it,” he said with a sense of fulfillment. He acknowledged that not many filmmakers are willing to take a chance on actors known for comedy, but Shah’s film gave him a much-needed break from the “set pattern.”
The Challenges of Working in One Genre for Years
Speaking candidly about the drawbacks of being typecast, Rohitashv highlighted that long-term commitment to a single genre has its pros and cons. “Being a freelance actor has its freedom, but when you’re working in a show that airs daily, like Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain, you don’t have time for other projects,” he explained. The daily telecast schedule and the need to shoot continuously can prevent him from exploring other acting opportunities.
However, he is thankful that Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain is a comedy show, which brings some variety to his work. “Every five episodes, there’s a new story and new people to work with, which keeps things fresh. It’s not as monotonous as typical daily soaps.”
In conclusion, while Rohitashv Gour has carved a niche for himself in the world of comedy, his heart still longs for more diverse roles. His recent foray into a non-comedic role is a step in that direction, and his fans will undoubtedly be excited to see him in a new avatar soon.
