Mumbaikars are the most helpful people: Gurmeet Choudhary

Gurmeet Choudhary, a  TV hottie,  made his transition to films with Khamoshiyaan last year. Known for his portrayal of Ram in the second TV version of Ramayan, Gurmeet went on to deliver back-to-back hit shows with Geet Hui Sabse Parayi and Punar Vihah. He was the winner of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 and was last seen in adventure show I Can Do That. Currently, he is shooting for his second film Wajah Tum Ho.

Gurmeet came to Mumbai 13 years ago with the determination of becoming an actor. After taking a course in acting he did bit roles even if that meant he had only one line to say, in several serials, before he bagged Ramayan. And as he says, “Mauke pe chauka maara!” Here, the actor who came from Jabalpur, talks about his incredible journey and how Mumbai made it possible.

Tryst with Mumbai

The first time I came to Mumbai was for my tenth board exams. At that time, I just gave my exams and went back. The second time I came here was to join Shiamak Davar’s dance academy. I was in Mumbai for three months and stayed at Navy Nagar where my father, who was in the army had managed to get me accommodation. It was my childhood dream to become an actor and I had to keep convincing my dad about it. In fact, that was the reason he let me join Shiamak’s class and see how I could manage in Mumbai. When I sat in the train to go back to Jabalpur after the dance course, was the day I decided I will return to Mumbai to become an actor.  I felt ‘ab koi nahi rok sakta mujhe’. Then  I joined an acting course which lasted for one-and-a-half years.

First impression

During my dance class itself, I felt Mumbai mein kuch toh baat hai. There’s this energy and vibe in the city that calls you. And if you are talented and willing to work hard, this city will give you a chance. Not just in the field of acting, but in anything that you want to do.

Struggle for survival

When I came in 2003, accommodation was a big problem. I was from a middle-class background and had a lot of financial problems. My father had to break a fixed deposit to pay money to the acting institute and also take care of my daily expenses. However, the guys who were with me at the institute thought I was a khandaani rich guy because I looked like that! But when they got to know my status they helped me out. After the training got over, it was only because of my friends that I could stay for one-and-a-half year in Mumbai.

Most helpful city

The good thing about Mumbai are its people. If you fall on the road many people will come and help you. Since my father used to work in the army I have been all over India, and must say Mumbaikars are the most helpful people.  If you are lost and ask for directions five people will offer to show you the right way. In other cities people will be bored or just do timepass.

Friends forever

The friends I made nine years ago are still with me. It is important to have close friends otherwise you won’t realise what you are doing is right or wrong. My closest friend is Romanch Mehta who bluntly tells me whether my performance is good or bad. I always take his suggestions. Vijay Bhatia is another close friend.

Three things I love about Mumbai

One is the positivity in the city. Also, there’s a strange energy here that supports you agar tum shiddat se kaam karo. Mumbai is your friend when you are alone.  I have seen so many people sitting all by themselves at Juhu beach and Gateway of India watching the sea. It gives you company and peace.

Monsoons in Mumbai 

Monsoon is the best part of Mumbai. There’s magic and fun in the Mumbai showers. I love the sound of raindrops and always keep my window open.  I drive with my wife Debina to Lonavla, which is beautiful in the rains.

What I want to change about Mumbai

The roads are bad, especially during monsoon. Now, I consider Mumbai as my city and just like I am proud of my house I am proud of it. So, when friends come visiting sochna padta hai which would be a better road to drive. That’s sad.

Fav haunts/restaurants

My all-time favourite restaurant is the Taj Hotel in Colaba. When I had come down the second time to Mumbai it was my dream to see Taj. Me and my dad decided to go inside the hotel and roam around. Dad had his I-card so nobody stopped us. I had told him, there will come a time when I’ll bring you and we will have dinner here. And it happened. Now going there with my father or my wife is routine. That’s what this city has given me. Earlier I felt intimidated in the hotel, but now people recgonise me and take pictures. 

Another favourite haunt is Juhu beach. When I want to walk alone I go there between 7-8 pm. Even the lanes of Versova where I stayed in my early days are close to my heart. I keep going there time and again just to feel nostalgic.