Model turned actor Gaurav Arora has a three-films contract with Vishesh Films. Though his debut film Love Games wasn’t a winner, he is now geared up for his upcoming flick Raaz Reboot with Emraan Hashmi and Kriti Kharbanda.
You have moved from a solo hero film, Love Games, to a two-hero film, Raaz Reboot. What do you prefer?
This is definitely a bigger franchise and a bigger film. The last Raaz film made around 84 cores; so there is an audience who is going to come and watch the film.
Finally, it’s not about doing a solo-hero or a two-hero film; it’s about the script. This is a totally different story and what I love the most is that it’s a film that will make you cry and scare you. It will make you fall in love. Being a second hero in the film with Emraan Hashmi adds value to the film and it gives me a bigger platform to showcase myself. So, I am more than happy.
Is it easy to make your presence felt when you have a senior star like Emraan Hashmi also in the film?
I did the best but now the rest is up to the audience.
Today, the competition is so much that everyone comes well-prepared.
I have done a lot of theatre, dance and kick-boxing. So confident one is confident about oneself. I didn’t feel any pressure at all. It was very easy to work with Emraan. He is very quiet by nature and a gentleman. He gives you space, there’s no attitude.
What are you most satisfied about your performance in the film?
After I performed a particular scene, my director Vikram (Bhatt) sir; his Chief AD and the Associate Director all had tears in their eyes! Vikram sir came and hugged me. Actors are always hungry for appreciation; that’s what you actually work for. Other things come with the job but it was most satisfying for me when the director hugged me and everybody on the sets clapped.
What was it like to work with Kriti Kharbanda?
We both have a different approach — she is very spontaneous while I am a method actor. It used to become interesting as it was something new for both of us. But I enjoyed working with her because she is a fantastic actor. I had a great time working with her She has done so much of work in the South and it doesn’t feel like it’s her first (Hindi) film.
Are you expecting Raaz Reboot to do for your career what Love Games couldn’t?
Of course, I want it to do a lot better and I am sure it will. For me, it’s my first film again.
Were you disappointed by the reaction to Love Games?
The film didn’t do well that means we did go wrong somewhere in the execution. It was disheartening but it was a learning experience. I am lucky enough to be doing my second film with Vishesh film - if they find potential in you then they will repeat you irrespective of whether your first film does well or not.
Do you have a three-film deal with the Bhatts?
I have a three-films deal, yes. It’s not like I can’t work outside. Mukeshji will be more than happy if I work outside; he has told me so. It’s like a family. There are 2-3 scripts that Vishesh films are working upon. So, I hope I am able to do one of those.