10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gaurav Bajaj on not quitting TV: I came to Mumbai to be an actor, not a hero
In an industry that thrives on reinvention, actor Gaurav Bajaj is quietly crafting his second act—this time on the big screen. Known for his work in TV shows such as Choti Sarrdaarni, Uttaran and others, Gaurav was recently seen in Tumko Meri Kasam.
"The transition to movies has been really challenging and yes, definitely rewarding. I had to unlearn a lot of things to learn these new things." Gaurav tells us.
While Gaurav brings over a decade of acting experience, the shift to film required starting over in many ways. The respect was there—seasoned technicians and co-actors acknowledged his years in the business—but he had to earn his spot all over again. "Moving to movies is a tough nut to crack.
The biggest challenge is starting over in a new way. No matter how experienced you are, no matter where you come from, but when you enter films you have to introduce yourself.
No matter how experienced you are… you're often a newcomer. But I got that respect from the team… from assistants to the cameraman," he recalls.
One of the more nuanced battles Gaurav is fighting is the assumption game. Audiences and casting professionals often equate past roles with future potential.
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But Gaurav has always been driven by a desire to act—not to chase stardom. "People tend to box you in a certain image based on your past work and what characters you have played. But in cinema, their thought process is why only this person? So, they give you a chance.
.. There's a lot of difference between a hero and an actor. I've always been very focused towards why I came to Bombay. I came to Bombay to be an actor, not a hero. Stereotypes exist, but I believe your right choices and consistency help change those perceptions," he explains.
Despite his dive into film, Gaurav is not turning his back on his roots. His respect for television as his foundation is unwavering, and his openness to OTT and future TV projects reflects a modern actor's mindset—fluid and fearless. "Quitting TV? Not at all. I don't think I will ever quit anything. It's storytelling and it's evolving. Today, as an actor, it's not limited to one medium. I have done OTT, I'm exploring films… but TV is my foundation.
I'll always respect that," he concludes.
