MOUNI AND I ARE IN A VERY OPEN SITUATION RIGHT NOW

Having disappeared from the daily soap scenario, Gaurav Chopraa waited for the right opportunity to knock on his door. Then Uttaran came his way. In his trademark style, the handsome actor made quite an impressive re-entry all thanks to his acting skills. Today, almost a year into the show, he seems to be in a comfortable position professionally. As for his personal life, he has supposedly been dating actress Mouni Roy for over a few years now. Though he chooses to remain ambiguous about his relationship status, it is difficult to miss his fondness for Mouni. In a candid chat with Showtime, the Uttaran actor pours his heart out on his career so far, his take on marriage and a lot more.

Though Gaurav has consciously kept away from the typical TV dramas, he insists that his character in Uttaran was too fascinating to turn down. He narrates, "When the makers called me, they said that the role was a cameo. A lot of people don't know this, but the character portrayed by Rashami Desai is similar to the character Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind. They also wanted to get a character like Rhett Butler from Gone With The Wind," he continues, "When they told me about the character, I understood what they were looking for because I have seen the film many times. Because my character was a huge hit, they extended the cameo and made it a full-fledged role."

Though it is a daily soap, Gaurav maintains that the show is a tad different from the regular ones. He justifies, "It's not just a popular show but it's a show that cuts through classes. It is not only watched by ordinary people but also the biggest celebrities. When I go to film award ceremonies, some of the film stars praise me for my performance on the show. This goes to show that Uttaran is a phenomenon by itself."

Since he's being showered with compliments, I wonder if he's in a happy place in his career right now. "In today's times, most of us are very greedy. And actors are the worst of the lot. We want way more than what we have. But in terms of Uttaran, I am very happy. The outcome so far has been gratifying. But we always have the thirst to do a lot more."

As far as his love life is concerned, he refuses to comment on his relationship status. But pictures and reports confirm that he and the pretty Mouni Roy have been together for quite sometime now. Ask him if marriage is on the cards for the two of them and Gaurav evades the topic. "I am somebody who is very idealistic about settling down. I don't want the 'I-want-to-break-up-with-you' kind of option in a marriage. I think it's very easy to say these things frivolously when you're dating someone. But in a marriage, unless it's necessary, these things cannot be an option. And so in my endeavour to make things as perfect as I can, there is still a long way to go."

Though the couple is seen gracing various dos hand-in-hand, he thinks that things on the work front need to be stable before a commitment like marriage can take place. "When you're constantly dabbling with major life- changing situations professionally, you're a little unstable about marriage because your focus is so much on your work," he reasons.
So does he fear commitment? "I don't think so. I was on the verge of getting married when I was 24 with somebody I was with at that point of time. If at 24, I was willing to get married, then why should I be afraid of commitment six years later? Marriage is not something you need to have on your report card nor is it a social stamp," he pauses, "It can make or break your life. So I don't want to do it just because I've been dating somebody for some time. I will get married when it feels right so that I can give it its due importance. I would like to be a good husband and a good father.  I really wish that I was at that stage right now, but I am somewhere else."

While the dedicated actor is in no mood to tie the knot anytime soon, alleged girlfriend Mouni has, in fact, expressed her wish to settle down with Gaurav many times. Ask him if there is any pressure from her side and he corrects me, "No, there isn't! When both of us feel right about it, we shall take a call. She is busy with her work and is trying to work things out for herself. She has been travelling for her dance performances too. In fact, she has just completed a Punjabi film. We actors have difficult personal lives. Things aren't that simple for us. So we keep it easy for each other. It's a very open situation right now. Let's see where it goes from here," he takes a breather and adds, "The reason why I'm not specifying Mouni is because I never like to talk about what my relationship status is."
Just like everybody else, Gaurav too has a past. His break-up with ex-girlfriend Narayani Shastri, a few years ago, came as a shock to many.


 Of course, the trouble didn't end there. His image as a heartbreaker made him quite the controversial guy in showbiz. But not one to be disheartened with failed relationships, Gaurav found love in Mouni soon after. And this relationship too has had its share of drama. Sources claimed that there was trouble in the Mouni-Gaurav affair because of his close proximity to Narayani. But rumours subsided after a while and things got better for the couple. So much so that his current girlfriend seems absolutely at ease in his ex's presence.

How did that happen? "I have been instrumental in making things work out. Mouni and Narayani were friends even before I met Mouni. I met her during Zara Nachke Dikha where Narayani was also there. This entire problem was a concoction of the media. They didn't have any issues," he states. "But at the same time, I must give them the credit for being so understanding and mature. I've conducted myself in a certain way and tried my best to keep things as transparent as I can, so that there is no miscommunication or doubt in anyone's head. I've tried to make sure their friendship does not get ruined just because of me," he states.

Ask him if he's still good friends with Narayani and pat comes the reply, "We're very good friends. We're advisories to each other. I hear the best and the worst things from her and vice versa. I'm not the kind of guy who regrets his past. I think if you make a mistake, you should learn from it."

Considering the good-looking actor made his Hollywood debut with a film as big as Blood Diamond, an interview without a question on his Hollywood plans would be incomplete.  "A lot of agents out there have been gracious enough to keep in touch. They keep asking me if they should pitch me for any offers they have. It's very heartening to know that they see so much of potential in me. Let's see where it all this goes." And what about Bollywood? Any luck there? He says, "As far as that goes, I had spoken about a few films in a couple of interviews and in hindsight, I think I shouldn't have. Some of them haven't turned out as planned.  However, I feel lucky that I am constantly offered opportunities. Whether any of these will work out, I don't know." Hollywood or Bollywood, as long as we keep getting to see him, we're definitely not complaining!


*Courtesy: Showtime