Though he had initially planned on becoming a cricketer, Gulshan Nain is happy to face the camera as an actor. His new show ‘Only For Singles’ is about a bunch of youngsters looking for an accommodation in Mumbai and being a Delhite, he could relate to the problems his character goes through in the show. In this interview, the actor talks about his journey as an actor so far, love for digital content, passion for cricket and the desire to play Virat Kohli in a film.
You are from Delhi. Did you have to go through the kind of experiences your character goes through in the show?
When I first came to Mumbai, it was difficult to find a home for the first three months. The kind of flats that were available within my budget used to be very bad. Initially, my mom used to visit me very often, so I would tell the landlords that I will be sharing the flat with her. I finally got a flat. Earlier, when I was house-hunting alone, I faced a lot of difficulties as nobody would rent a flat to a bachelor.
The property rates in Mumbai are quite high too. Did you have any difficulties in managing your expenses?
Thankfully, no. I got my first show in three months after I arrived in Mumbai. Mumbai is one of the most expensive cities in the world and one has to be financially stable to sustain oneself here.
Your first show was Channel V’s ‘Friends: Conditions Apply’. How did that show happen?
I had come to Mumbai for a short visit when I was nineteen. At that time, I had auditioned for one of the lead roles in ‘Fugly’. Kabir Sadanand, the director of the film, liked my audition very much. But, Akshay (Kumar) sir, who was one of the producers of the film, knew Vijender Singh and wanted him to play that part. Later, Kabir asked me to come and audition for a show that he was making for Channel V. I cracked the audition and got the show. I got my first break because of him.
You have done youth based shows till now. Is that a conscious move?
I have mostly been offered shows in that space. Also, I am quite young and I want to play characters my age. I am not really averse to daily shows but I have not liked any of the offers that have come my way. I really like doing web shows as they get over quickly and that way, you can play multiple characters over a period of time.
Your first audition was for a film. Any plans of doing a film in the near future?
For an actor films are the biggest goal. I would love to do a film if I get a good opportunity.
You wanted to be a cricketer at one point of time.
Even today, I wish I had become a cricketer. I think they are the real heroes as they make their country proud.
How did acting happen?
My dad was not happy with my percentage in tenth boards. He wanted to focus on my studies. Also, at that time IPL and other forms had not come. I decided to let go of my dream of becoming a professional cricketer. Every person wants to become an actor at some point in his life. I had thought about it fleetingly but was never serious about it. When my friends suggested that I have a photogenic face and good height and I should try my hand at modelling, I decided to give it a shot. I started modelling and that eventually led me towards acting.
You have been a part of the Box Cricket League.
Yes, I have been fortunate enough to pursue both my passions at the same time. I am active as an actor and getting to fulfill my passion of playing cricket through these mediums.
What are you doing next?
I am doing a web series with Alt Balaji called ‘Fixer’. I am playing a gangster in the show. I have never played a character like this earlier and I am happy it came my way as I had become conscious about getting stereotyped as an actor.
Do you have a dream role in mind?
I would love to do a biopic on Virat Kohli. The character which Vivek Oberoi played in ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’ is my favourite. I would love to play a role like that. Although I am playing a gangster in ‘Fixer’, it is very different from the one Vivek played in that film.
