Gunjan Utreja who recently bag the lead role of Abhay Kapoor, replacing RK in Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek Junoon speaks with Sangeeta Yadav about how he got selected for the show and the story that unfolds after his introduction
How does it feel like working as a lead in the superhit show Madhubala...IJ
Nothing has changed in my life post Madhubala... I don’t even feel that I have bagged something big. It’s only when I go out and people walk up to me and talk about my role do I realise how big the soap is. When I was going for the auditions, I had no idea what the show is all about. I just heard the name of this show. All I knew was they were looking for a lead role. My main focus was on to go and give my cent per cent. That’s what I did and here I am.
What Abhay Kapoor’s storyIJ
Harshvardhan Kapoor, Abhay’s father who was RK’s former manager had directed a movie with his 16-year-old son Abhay. The movie, that later received accolades was released on the same day that RK and Madhubala died in the blast. Everybody including the media thinks that the bomb was planted by Harshvardhan because he wanted his son to be the next superstar. And the only way to achieve that was if RK and Madhubala die. All this pressure and false allegation affected Harshvardhan’s health. He later died of a heart attack. Madhu’s family thinks that Abhay’s father is responsible for her’s and RK’s the death. Abhay, on the other hand, is of the opinion that RK and Madhu are responsible for his father’s death. The truth is that it was Abhay’s stepmother who was responsible for planting the bomb. Abhay thinks that his stardom came at a price — his father’s death.
How much do you relate to AbhayIJ
I am a lot like him. He values his family and is a very emotions person. But unlike Abhay, I don’t consider myself as a star in real life. I’m just an actor and there is a lot to be done to become a superstar. It takes a lot of hard work and patience to reach the top. Being a superstar is not about having a huge fan following. For me, stardom should reflect in one’s work.
How is Abhay different from RKIJ
RK was very arrogant and self-obsessed superstar whereas Abhay is humble. RK was all about I, me and myself but for Abhay is a family-oriented person. RK used to impress others with his flamboyant. Abhay is a simple person.
What was keeping you busy post Aamna Samna (Colors)IJ
I got injured last year while I was shooting an action sequence for Aamna Samna. I had a fracture which meant that I had to take a break. With no gyming and exercise I gained 14 kg. But the minute the cast was off, I hit the gym again. I also travelled a lot to anchor corporate shows. I did some 1,500 shows. I did get some offers but turned them down because they did not sound interesting enough. And then came Madhubala...
Any other talent which you would like to exploreIJ
I do sing a lot but I’m a trained besura. All my friends and well wishers tell me that I’ve a nice voice texture and should learn singing professional. Before Madhubala..., I was thinking of taking some singing lessons. But destiny had something else for me.
You have travelled to countries like Japan, Africa, Paris, etc anchoring shows and doing stand-up comedy, any problems in communicating with the localsIJ
When I travelled to Hong Kong, I asked for an adapter from room service. Instead they got me a tray of apples. To make others understand what one wants is especially difficult in Paris.