As Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani and Bhumi Pednekar starrer Govinda Naam Mera is all set to arrive on Disney+ Hotstar, fans can’t wait to witness the trio. Along with them, the film will also see Viraj Ghelani, a popular content creator, making his debut in the entertainment industry. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Viraj extensively talked about his experience of working on the project while shedding light on his journey from a content creator to an actor. Here’s the excerpt from the interview:
EXCLUSIVE: Govinda Naam Mera debutant Viraj Ghelani opens up on working with Bhumi Pednekar, “She doesn’t think before she talks, she is like a bro”
How was the experience of working with Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani?
After collaborating with them, I realised I need to work a lot to match up to the energy because these guys were so flawless. They get into the character so easily so it took a long time for me to get into that zone. But these guys were incredible. They made me feel comfortable like anything.
How was your first day on the set? What kept you going on throughout the shooting?
I was very nervous. On my first day, I had only a few dialogues. But for me, I practised for two to three days. There are 150-200 people on the set working for the shoot. I was scared as I thought what if I fumble how will they react, what will director Shashank Khaitan think about me? I was nervous before giving my first take, but they made me feel comfortable by saying that we are making a film, it’s not a normal YouTube video for which you can give an average performance. It has to be perfect. After that, I was very comfortable. During the shoot, Shashank used to come to me and encourage me to perform well. That always gave me a boost that I can do it.
As you play the character of Bhumi’s on-screen boyfriend, how do you define your off-camera bond with her?
For me, Bhumi was like a bro. She was very chill on the sets. She doesn’t think before she talks. She is a very pure-hearted and straightforward type of person. I used to pull her leg, and she used to take it lightly. She was very sweet. On the sets, I never felt that I am working with Bhumi Pednekar, the Bollywood actress. I felt like we were all friends and working together on a good movie.
How has social media helped you get into the entertainment industry?
I think it helped me because I always wanted to get into the industry, but I was rejected almost everywhere when I started. So Instagram and YouTube videos I made were a thing to show people that this is what I can do. This was a part of a bigger idea. Social Media becomes a platform to create your portfolio. So whenever the casting director wants to see my work, they can check out my feed.
How did you bag this role?
I was properly auditioned for the role. However, I was under the impression that I am not going to get this role since I got rejected numerous times in the past. Mukesh Chhabra had seen my work and he insisted that I should give an audition because he felt that I was the perfect fit for the role. But I thought I might not get it. I assumed that who would offer me a Dharma movie?
I had given auditions for a couple of Netflix movies. However, none of them performed well. So I am very happy that my first film is with Dharma.
What according to you is the difference between a content creator and a full-time actor?
There is a huge difference when it comes to discipline. I was living a different lifestyle while shooting for Govinda Naam Mera. I used to follow a routine while maintaining my Instagram and YouTube side-by-side.
Actors know certain things very well as they do the same type of work. They follow a process whereas a content creator makes their own process. As content creators, we are the editors, we are the writers. Our mindset is different. Also, our school of training is different. Actors perform according to a script, whereas a content creator is well aware of what and how much needs to be shot. Thus, we know a little bit of the crux.
What is your take on OTT vs Theater debate?
I don’t think it matters now, everything is pretty much the same. I feel a large audience prefers watching OTT content given that you can watch it according to your convenience. Talking about Govinda Naam Mera releasing on OTT, for me, no matter where it is released, it is a big thrill for me even if it releases on the internet.
More Pages: Govinda Naam Mera Box Office Collection
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