I don't feel betrayed with Vivian’s re-entry in Madhubala: Gunjan Utreja

Life is uncertain and that is what makes it intriguing and special. But ask the wise man and he will say it’s always easier said than done. And one television actor experienced the uncertainty element to the core, recently. We are talking about Gunjan Utreja, who with much fanfare and media glare, entered Colors’ show Madhubala (Nautanki Films), after its previous lead Vivian Dsena walked out of the door. All was good until in a rather shocking twist, Vivian re-entered the scheme of things, shifting the spotlight away from Gunjan. The situation is precarious to the extent of being funny. One wonders how in the world of entertainment, overnight, equations change and fate alters. Though many would believe that with Vivian’s entry, Gunjan will be left with little screen presence, Gunjan, takes some tough questions from Tellychakkar.com and asserts that “he is here to stay”. Excerpts: Hello Gunjan…so how’s the mood? Feeling betrayed? Oh, not at all. Why should I feel betrayed? This is how the industry works. Things keep changing. I am here to work and focus on my character. There’s no point thinking about things which are beyond my control. But you had no idea of Vivian’s re-entry. You were not informed at all. That must have hurt? It did not hurt but was surprising, yes. But I took up Madhubala with great hopes, and I still feel I have lots to do. I would have felt betrayed or hurt had they asked me to leave the moment Vivian entered. But that’s not the case. Future will see varied shades of Abhay Kapoor (his character) and his equations with Madhu (Drashti Dhami) and Vivian’s character. So it wasn’t shocking, you say? Ahh…I was shocked when Vivian left the show, not when he returned (chuckles). Fair enough. All set to play the second fiddle in Madhubala? Define second fiddle. Would you call Shah Rukh Khan a second fiddle in Darr. Listen, television has no star appeal. Or else SRK’s Paanchvi Paas also would have worked. Here it’s all about the writing and characters. That’s what I have learnt in my brief stint in daily soap scenario. This is something new for me and I am learning with each passing day. I have always been a host earlier, as you all know. But you were hardly given any time to connect as Abhay Kapoor? Why the sudden change? I have heard they said that things were not shaping up. But all I know people started liking my character. I think the creatives should have given more time. But then, they are the ones who decide at the end of the day. See, I knew someone would come later in stage in between Abhay and Madhu. But then the actor could have been anyone else. Vivian’s entry is appealing for viewer’s point of view, I guess. Have you met Vivian? Any traces of professional animosity? Yes, we have met twice and no there has been no animosity at all. Till now, we have spoken really well and we have been really cordial to each other. You know I was unwell a couple of days ago and Vivian offered me home made food, which was kind of sweet. General opinion is that Vivian’s a tad arrogant in nature. How would you deal with it? He might be but with me he has been very nice. So no complains at all. Once Vivian spoke to us and when we asked him about you, he said, “Who Gunjan”? Your comment on it… Ahh…that’s surprising. May be when you all spoke to him he was in Ujjain with his family and was keeping busy. Other than that I don’t know what to say. You think he’s insecure of you? I can’t say that, you have to ask him. But Madhubala is his playground, so he has nothing to worry about. Are you insecure of him? Not at all. I just focus on my work, nothing else. What about your other co star Drasht Dhami? All good with her? Yes, she has been very supportive and I enjoy working with her. Anything else… She is a cordial co star, not really a friend but then my focus is to work good, that’s it. So how will the personal relationship pan out` between you, Vivian and Drashti in the coming days? It should be good. We can be friends, yes certainly. Together we will work to make the show better. There are whispers that Vivian’s not really pally with Drashti? Any observation… I too have heard so, but ask me, they go along perfectly well. I mean, there has to be some connect for them to churn out such emotionally charged scenes in Madhubala. There lies the answer. What if with Vivian’s entry, Gunjan’s Abhay Kapoor has to exit? I don’t think so. I mean my producer and creatives have been working closely with me and discussing ways to bloom my character. Why would they let me go? You never know…what if it really happens? Then who cares. Puri zindagi Madhubala thodi hi karna hai. The entire world’s my playground and I am sure I would get more challenging work in the future. Amen to that. So what now? What now? Well, I am super excited to figure out how my characters pans out. Even if I have a minute’s screen presence in an episode, I want to leave an indelible mark on my viewer’s minds. Rest, I want everyone’s love and support and hope to entertain for years and years to come.