Deepak Kalra, who is seen in the role of Chaddi in Gumraah, is on cloud nine. After receiving a positive response for his performance, the actor is nothing but grateful. In an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon.com, Deepak spoke about signing the thriller and getting a chance to work with Aditya Roy Kapur and Mrunal Thakur.
Talking to us, the actor reacted to comparisons between Gumraah and its original version, Thadam. He further opened up about his struggle in the film industry and signing projects just for the sake of money. Deepak also shared his emotions after watching Pathaan and what made him cry post the film.
Excerpts from the interview:
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How did you land a role in Gumraah?
I auditioned for Gumraah in 2021 but I got selected in 2022. The film was with Sidharth Malhotra before Aditya came in. After auditioning, I had a video call with director Vardhan Ketkar who expressed his desire to cast a person from Delhi to teach the mannerisms to the lead actor. I was selected then.
How was the experience working with Aditya Roy Kapur and Mrunal Thakur?
We're family now and the admiration is mutual. Normally, supporting actors don't come on reality shows for promotions but Aditya and the team of Gumraah made sure that I was a part of The Kapil Sharma Show. At the trailer launch too, Aditya asked the paps to take my footage first since it is more like my debut. During the script reading sessions, we bonded well. The relationship is now unbreakable.
I got to know Mrunal in 2020 when Aparshakti Khurana and I did live sessions on Instagram at home. After that, I connected with her and started interacting.
A section of people is comparing Gumraah with its original film Thadam. How do you react to this?
It is unfair. There's an audience for every film. I said yes to Gumraah after watching Thadam which is a great film too. There are people who have seen it on YouTube but that's not in majority. The audience who watched Gumraah in theatres loved it. I feel a comparison shouldn’t be made as both films are different in their own unique ways.
From being a junior artist to bagging a supporting role in a big Bollywood film, how has the journey been?
It's been wonderful, bhagwan ne jaise story likhi hai voh best hai. Since I don't come from a film family, my father was pushing me to become a doctor or engineer but my mother was confident that I was born to be a star. I believe one can't reach the peak without clearing hurdles. I don't call it a struggle; it is progress.
Did you sign any project just for the sake of financial security?
Yes, I signed bad films because it is important to be in the game instead of just staying at home. I even did public reviews. Now, when Gumraah is out, people whom I covered in the public reviews are recognising me.
You worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Fan. Now, after a long time, he's back....
You know, I got emotional after watching Pathaan. I was in Dubai and post-watching it, I made a vlog. For 5 minutes, I couldn't stop crying. He gave a blockbuster after a long time and I couldn't stop thinking about his feelings. He has ruled Bollywood and I didn't like when people said 'Shah Rukh Khan khatam' etc. I was emotional for him.
It isn’t an easy industry. In your hustling period, did the thought of quitting or trying a different profession come to your mind?
Not at all. Since I don’t come from a filmy background, I have nothing to lose. I cannot think of quitting, if that happens, forget the world, I would never be able to face myself.
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