Gurpreet Singh is a dapper in every sense of the word, his rugged looks, piercing gaze and crooked smile has stolen the hearts of many. For the uninitiated Gurpreet Singh is best known for his portrayal of Tusshar/Sujal in Balaji Telefilms’ Kahiin To Hoga after Rajeev Khandelwal (who was actually playing Sujal) quit the show.
In an industry that is teeming with a multitude of actors; there are very few who are as subtle, soft spoken, down to earth, friendly and yet poignant as Gurpreet.
Even though he has been playing a lot of roles on television since his inception on the small screen, this TV heartthrob believes in keeping a low profile and just doing quality work. His penchant for acting has now landed him a very coveted role in the Sony TV’s upcoming historical drama Porus.
The TV series is being helmed by Siddharth Kumar Tewary and is about the legends surrounding the King of Pauravas. Singh plays Ambhiraj who is the King of Takshashila.
In a heart of hearts conversation with Tellychakkar, Gurpreet spoke at length about himself, his Ambhiraj roleplay and much more. Excerpts from the interview:
It has been a long time since there was anything meaty from under your stable. You have played a lot of roles but one would remember you for the one and only character ‘Sujal’ why has there been such a long hiatus?
After Kahiin to Hoga, I have done six more television serials. My last show was Rangrasiya on Colors. Even though none of the roles stood out the way Kahinn to Hoga’s Sujal stood out, I made sure there was not much gap as far as my onscreen appearance is concerned. I did some films down south as well. Besides that all I can say is, I am trying to do good work. There were some tough times that I was faced with in my personal life which perhaps resulted in the gap you are talking about. But now, by the grace of the almighty, I am back with a bang!
Gurpreet started off as a model and did a lot of reputed modelling assignments. How did acting happen to him?
(Smiles) Well, I was never bitten by the “acting bug”. In fact, I never hoped to be an actor. I started getting modelling assignments pretty early on in college. I did it just to get some extra cash. But then as destiny would have it, I got a call from Balaji in 2005 for an audition that was happening for ‘Kaisaa Yeh Pyaar Hai’. Eventually, I got finalised for the role of Tusshar/Sujal from Kahin to Hoga. I have to thank Ekta Kapoor for that platform. It transformed my life overnight.
Most of the actors in daily soaps are not really known by their names. There are very few actors whose names the audiences are aware of. Do you think it is a disadvantage in the case of TV? And in your case when do you think things are going to change?
Well, what’s in a name? Naam mein kya rakha hai?! (Laughs) On a serious note, I take it as a compliment when people remember me and address me Sujal. I am doing my work and rest is in the hands of God. Yes, in the TV industry actors are not known by their real names but with the names of the characters they portray on screen, I wouldn’t call it a disadvantage. Having said that I feel, we as individuals should get our due.
Let us talk a little about the character of Ambhiraj. Porus never put down his arms in front of Sikandar (Alexander). But on the contrary Ambhiraj did surrender. Why did you choose to play a character that has shades of cowardice in it?
Well firstly, I must compliment you on your knowledge of history. But you have to understand that the serial in question is not just about the battle of Hydaspes. There are two different kingdoms. There is a tussle between my(Ambhiraj’s) kingdom Takshashila and Porus's kingdom Paurava. Before the battle, there will be lots of politics and drama to pull each others' kingdoms down and this tussle will eventually culminate into the battle.
Calling the character coward is a bit unfair.
Well, I understand Ambhiraj must have had his own reasons for doing what he did; we want to know why you didn’t grab Porus’ role.
Because, they didn’t come to me for it. In the serial ‘Porus’ there are 20 leading characters and every character has their individual story. For the role of Porus they were looking for someone in his 20s. When my character (Ambhiraj) was narrated to me, I found it to be equally powerful.
I am sure you know the history and you are wielding your words in a way so that I reveal the story which I cannot. There are many twists and turns, you have to watch it to know the intricacies!
Who has been cast for Chanakya’s role?
See, I told you! You know a lot! Chanakaya is a very important character; however no one has been cast yet. The shoot is in its initial phase.
You surely had to prepare yourself a lot for the role, tell us about it.
Yes, there were a lot many preparations that I did for the show. All of us were learning different things for around 3 to 4 months. Horse riding, sword fighting, I took up scuba diving classes as well in Pattaya, Thailand. There is also an ongoing acting workshop that I am actively a part of. And it is not just me or the other actors, the main research and preparation has been done by the Swastik productions team, they are foremost when it comes to research and doing the ground work for any project.
What about the dialect?
The language used is very sacrosanct. There were a lot many workshops done. A lot of research went behind the right language usage. We couldn’t completely use Persian or Sanskrit which would ultimately prove to be a language barrier for the audience. Yet there is a balance. You will get to know it when you watch the show. The viewers will get a lot of knowledge about that time of history from the show which otherwise is not readily available. Like I said, the show is not just about the battle between Alexander and Porus. It is about ‘Akhand Bharat’
Laksh Lalwani is playing Porus, How was it working with him?
I did not yet get a chance to work with him yet, as I said earlier; the shoot is in its nascent stage. However, it has been a smooth sail so far with all of my co-actors and crew members. My producer-director Siddharth Tewary has been very supportive and clarifies any doubt that I have about the character. The serial is a pastiche of powerful characters that cross paths but in a way that never looks jarring.
Give me the name of a director you want to work with
As of now, I am very content and happy working with Siddharth. He has become my mentor of sorts. He is an extremely friendly person and I love working with him. Besides, there are so many good directors. I would say, I have a desire to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Karan Johar, I am trying my best, now it is all upto my destiny.
What is this ‘destiny’ fixation?
I truly believe in destiny! I have told you earlier as well that I didn’t know I would become an actor. I wanted to become a pilot or a Chartered Accountant. I was ignorant. I didn’t know that for becoming a pilot one needs to take up science, I took up commerce hence becoming a pilot was no more the option. After that, when I was studying to become a CA, I started getting modelling assignments in college and before I knew it, I was walking the ramp for prestigious brands and the rest is history.
With Friendship Day knocking the door, what gifts are you planning to surprise your friends with?
You never know who your real friend is. According to me it is they who are there by you in times of adversities. Gifting something to them on the pretext of friendship day is a mediocre gesture! All I can say is, I will stand by my friends and I’ll be there, whenever they need me.
Well, according to Tellychakkar that was some noble thought. We wish all the luck and love for Gurpreet’s Ambhiraj in Sony TV’s Porus and all his other future endeavours.
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