We live in a time where Bollywood is undergoing profound transformation and a large share of credit can be given to OTT platforms. However, there is an actor who has set the precedent to change the course of Bollywood much before OTT’s domination. Meet the chocolate boy Pavail Gulati, who is known for stealing hearts with his talent and his good looks.
Pavail Gulati effortlessly navigates through the wide spectrum of human emotions, leaving audiences to love every shade of grey he portrays. On Our Radar this week, we have Pavail Gulati, who opens up about his passion for acting, the growing hold of social media and how to make it big in Bollywood. Join us as we try hard to look beyond his charm and speak to the rising star of Bollywood.
SN: People call you the Chocolate Boy of OTT. Are you happy working in OTT or is Silver Screen the end goal?
Pavail: When I came to Bombay, films and television were the only things, so the dream was always movies. OTT is a different space altogether. There’s great content thankfully and there’s more space for actors and technicians and directors and writers so I am enjoying the best of both worlds.
SN: You started your career as the Assistant Casting Director on My Name is Khan. How was that experience? How did you land up there?
Pavail: On the day I graduated from Whistling Woods, I kind of realised that this industry is not so easy and so I decided that I would want to assist somebody. Shanoo Sharma was gracious enough to have me as her assistant. My Name is Khan was my first job, my first film. I’m really proud of that film because it gave me the opportunity to work with Karan and Dharma.
SN: All your projects are very different. For example your role in Thappad or in I love you on Jio Cinema. Is there some thought behind it?
Pavail: I’ve been lucky enough to get scripts like these. I mean it’s a conscious choice for sure because I don’t like playing good parts. When there’s something wrong with the character it really attracts me. A little grey shade makes the character more interesting for me.
SN: Since we are here to celebrate social media as well, do you think that social media plays an important role in an actor’s life?
Pavail: It is important but I’m terrible at playing that game. I’m not a big fan of social media. Not saying it’s right or wrong, it’s just your interest. I get into it for a while and then I get out of it. I don’t like to post a lot about my personal life and I think it works inversely for an actor sometimes.
If you’re too much on social media and give out too many details of your personal life, it might get very hard to play the characters that you play. I don’t think everything should be on social media. There should be some balance, a middle ground.
SN: Actors these days are having a very different and diverse personality on social media. For instance Sara Ali Khan’s Shayari or even Janhvi Kapoor. Do you think that having an Internet personality is important these days?
Pavail: I am the wrong person to answer that question. Whoever is happy being on social media please be on it as long as it doesn’t consume you. If it starts consuming you and you become the product then it becomes a problem.
Also Read: Celebrating Ankush Bahuguna: The Comedy And Beauty Influencer, YouTuber, Actor
SN: We have seen posts of you playing basketball. Tell us a little about it.
Pavail: I’ve been playing basketball since I was 8 years old and I was in my school team too. I break a lot of ankles and I’ve been through multiple surgeries but basketball is my first love. It’s something that keeps me sane. Even if I’m in a bad mood or if everything is going wrong in life, I just go to the basketball court.
SN: Did you always want to become an actor or you had some other plans?
Pavail: For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to become an Actor. There was a time when I wanted to become an astronaut that went for like four days. Sometimes I feel becoming an astronaut is easier than becoming an actor (chuckles). The persistence of knowing what you want to do is what drives me to do what I do.
SN: You have done workshops from the National School of Drama and you have also learned under Shiamak Davar. Do you think it is important for an actor to do these courses?
Pavail: Yes, if you get the opportunity. I was lucky enough to get that opportunity and I was lucky enough to come from a background where I could indulge in these things. Any kind of formal training actually helps you. When you perform the first time you’re a little nervous and the second time you get better. Improving yourself gives you a lot more confidence.
SN: Vision boards are quite a trend on social media. Did 2023 go as per the vision boards and what plans for 2024?
Pavail: Nothing goes as per the vision board and I have learned that you should stop expecting that anything is going to go your way. Whatever is happening in life, have gratitude towards it. I won’t say that 2023 was the best year but not the worst year as well.
About 2024, I am shooting a film called Deva and it is directed by Rosshan Andrew. It’s got Shahid Kapoor, me and Pooja Hegde. There are other things that I can’t talk about right now but this year is mostly going to be more work-related than anything else and in the middle, I’m trying to spend time with my friends and family.
SN: What would be that one piece of advice which could help upcoming actors navigate the industry?
Pavail: I am nobody to give anyone advice but have patience and persistence and love what you do. I know these are mundane words but if you love it then you’ll have more patience and persistence because it’s a hard industry to be in.
There is no particular way, find your own way and don’t follow someone else’s path. Keep improving yourself as much as you can.
As our conversation with Pavail Gulati draws to a close, one thing becomes abundantly clear – his dedication to his craft knows no bounds. With each role, he pushes the boundaries of his own abilities, constantly evolving as an artist. Speaking to him in person, we know he is poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian cinema for years to come.
