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Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I want to break my boy-next-door image & play grey characters: Raunaq Kamdar
Raunaq Kamdar Whatever I have achieved in my life and career till now is because of the choices I made, and nothing else,' says Raunaq Kamdar , who will be completing 10 years in Gujarati films soon. The Kasoombo actor adds, 'It's evident that there are two distinct phases in my career-pre-COVID and post-COVID. While I have been working since 2015, I got recognition only after 2020. Earlier, I did whatever I was offered. But now, I am at a stage where I get to choose what I want to do from the numerous scripts I am offered.' '90 per cent of my career trajectory has been a result of my choices' Talking about how things changed for him after COVID, Raunaq says, 'When I did 21mu Tiffin (2021), a film we shot during the lockdown, there were many questions- be it about safety or having just a basic pay at a time when we needed to earn. However, it was my choice and it gave a great boost to my career.' He adds, 'Even before Naadi Dosh (2022), I had always played a lead in films, but I chose to play a parallel lead alongside Yash Soni in this film. People asked why I was doing this, but I really related to the character. That choice again made it one of my most loved roles. Yes, 10 per cent luck is always there, but I feel 90 per cent of my career trajectory has been a result of my choices.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo 'You can't judge the audience's response to a film based on its box office performance' Raunaq believes in 'focusing on the making of the film, rather than thinking about its box office performance.' Does he get Friday jitters? He says, 'I don't focus on whether meri film chalegi ya nahi chalegi. I have had my share of 'nahi chalegi' films (laughs). If I am convinced about my role, the story and the making, the film will be made well. Whether it performs at the box office isn't in our hands. If there is a bigger phenomenon happening on the day of my film's release, it will impact the film, right? I have had several movies that worked fine in theatres but found larger viewership online. Today, you can't judge the audience's response or a film's fate based on its box office performance.' 'We cannot say audiences don't watch our films in theatres anymore' While many filmmakers say that adequate audience support is still lacking for Gujarati films, Raunaq feels, 'The audience appetite has reduced because of the massive pool of options they have. The audience isn't stupid, they are clear about what they want to watch. Even many Bollywood films with big names aren't doing well because the writing and storytelling aren't convincing enough.' He adds, 'This year, some great Gujarati movies have hit the theatres and apart from getting critical acclaim, they have earned good money. So, if the content is good, audiences are willing to give Gujarati films a chance over Hindi films. We can't say that they don't watch our films in theatres.' After starring in Happy Family: Conditions Apply, ask Raunaq if he is willing to work more in national projects, and he says, "If I'm offered a good script, I will take up another national project. However, the casting process has changed. Every region has great actors and if one needs a Bengali character, usually a Bengali actor is approached. If I have to play only Gujarati characters in Hindi projects, I might as well explore other genres in Gujarat. " Now that he has completed a decade in the industry, does he want to do certain kind of roles now? Raunaq says, "While I am open to doing all kinds of roles, now I want to go beyond the boy-next-door characters. I am glad that the makers and audiences still give me the chance to play young characters, but I want to play more mature roles, preferably grey or completely negative characters."
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gujarat offers unmatched warmth and hospitality: Monal Gajjar
Monal Gajjar joined us for a Gujarat Day shoot at Tran Darwaja, Ahmedabad For Monal Gajjar , Gujarat is 'maru ghar.' On Gujarat Day , the Kasoombo actress, who joined us for a shoot, tells us, 'No matter which place I travel to, as soon as I am in Gujarat and meet Gujaratis, I know I am home. When I used to work down south (she has done Tamil and Telugu films), I would be ecstatic even if I met one Gujarati person! That is the beauty of our state and our people; we can be in any part of the country but if you meet a fellow Gujarati, they treat you warmly and most importantly, feed you home food. The warmth and hospitality offered by Gujarat and its people is unmatchable.' 'Despite development, we haven't let go of our traditions and culture' Talking about Gujarat's diversity and rich culture, Monal says, 'Be it literature, business sense, music, share market or different art forms like theatre and dance, Gujarat is known for everything in some way or the other. I feel proud that when Gujaratis meet, they can talk about anything because we have been able to tap into various fields successfully.' She adds, 'Also, when you talk about development, it has been wholesome. Whether it's the metro or the kind of infrastructure that the city has today, it is brilliant. However, what is special is that despite development, we haven't let go of our traditions and culture. In the old city in Ahmedabad, people still celebrate festivals together and your neighbours become your family. It's true for every city in Gujarat.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 'Want to do more films like Reva that talk about Gujarat' Monal, who was a part of the National Award-winning Gujarati film Reva, says 'it shaped my career and my personality', adding, 'Doing a film which represents Gujarat, its culture and Narmada river, and successfully reaching the right audience, will remain a highlight of my career. When I go to Tier 2 or Tier 3 cities, people tell me, 'We have seen you in Reva', and I feel it is a win-win situation for all of us. I wish to do more films that talk about untapped topics and stories of Gujarat.' She adds, "The stereotype of Gujaratis carrying theplas everywhere is true. I feel happy about it; we will never starve and can offer theplas to others too. Gujarati food is my comfort food. Khichdi, aloo ki sabzi and buttermilk remain my go-to Gujarati food."
