Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra fame Gaurav More: My friends who ignored me because of my financial status, now click selfies with me

Gaurav More, the accomplished Marathi actor known for his roles in the popular TV show Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra, has a life story that reflects resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. In an exclusive interview with ETimes TV, Gaurav shares the challenges he faced during his struggling period, financial crises, his role in the Bollywood film Sanju, and much more.

Gaurav acknowledges the fact that entering the entertainment industry was not a straightforward journey for him. He said, "I recognized that I didn't possess the typical on-screen hero personality. However, fueled by my immense love for cinema and comedy, I understood that I might not fit the conventional hero mold. Despite feeling incomplete for a hero's role, I placed trust in myself and dedicatedly worked hard."

The early days of Gaurav's career were marked by financial hardships. He candidly shares, "I used to manage with only Rs 100 and couldn't afford travel expenses or audition costs. I didn't even own a phone initially; I bought a small keypad phone much later. I grew up in a Mumbai slum area called Powai Filterpada. The lessons I learned in my neighborhood about the value of things are unforgettable. People from my area now say that I've given it an identity. I take pride in being raised in such a place. Sometimes, fame makes people forget their roots, but I won't. No matter how big a star I might become, I won't forget that I was born and raised in a slum area."

Gaurav faced a lack of support from his family, a common challenge for those entering the entertainment industry. He said, "I never got any support from my family because this profession needs patience and doesn't give you money overnight. This was the reason they never supported me, but they were right on their part. Any parent would always want their child to earn well, but I was not earning a single penny during my struggling period. Also, neighbours would keep talking about their children's achievement and comment that I wasn't earning anything. And that day, our entire night went into arguments."

Despite the lack of financial resources, Gaurav expresses gratitude for his parents' efforts. "My parents have done everything in their power for me. Like all parents, they aimed to provide the best for their child, and they indeed did their utmost. However, our financial situation wasn't very good, and I couldn't have asked for more."

Gaurav's upbringing in a slum area played a crucial role in shaping his perspective on life. He emphasizes, "At times, I reflect on my past, and it lingers in my thoughts. I aspired to be self-sufficient and prosperous (he laughs). It's true; merely working isn't enough in this field because you need money to get by. I can say this genuinely because I've experienced financial struggles in my life. Growing up in a slum area, I understand the significance of even a small amount."

Gaurav participated in prominent comedy shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Hasya Samrat. He said, "I participated in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Hasya Samrat TV shows. Unfortunately, I couldn't progress further because I lacked knowledge and experience in acting and comedy. In my locality, I used to perform stand-ups. There's a distinction between working for a TV show and performing in a specific area.

Gaurav expresses immense gratitude for the opportunity provided by Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra. The show not only gave him recognition but also offered financial stability and fame. Reflecting on his journey, he proudly shares, "Right now, I have one of the most expensive phones. Ten years ago, I didn't even have money to travel by bus or train; today, I have a car and bike. I didn't even have shoes, but today I have a collection of shoes."

Gaurav reveals that during his tough financial phase, some friends distanced themselves. However, he notes a significant shift in their behavior now that he has achieved success. He reflects, "A few of my friends stopped talking to me earlier because of my financial status, but now they come to my house and click a selfie/picture with me."

Gaurav's journey took an unexpected turn when he got the opportunity to feature in the Bollywood film Sanju. He said, "I heard about a film audition and decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, I got shortlisted. Later, I received a call from Raj Kumar Hirani, and I couldn't believe it. They inquired about my career, and it brought me immense joy. After a few days, I visited the set and saw Paresh Rawal sir and Ranbir Kapoor. I was nervous because I didn't know much about the film. However, Paresh Rawal sir reassured me to relax. He later commended my performance, saying, 'you did an outstanding job.' I was thrilled beyond words.

I aspire to persist in putting in hard work. I take pride in entering the industry without anyone's support or a godfather. Every achievement in my life is a result of my dedication, and I plan to maintain this commitment. Despite growing up in a slum area, I always dreamt of becoming an actor through my own hard work. I encourage everyone to dream big, regardless of their current circumstances.