Gourab Roy Chowdhury makes directorial debut; says, “Acting is my first love and storytelling is my passion”

Actor Gourab Roy Chowdhury is a multitalented individual. Not just acting, but Gourab, is passionate about a number of things and devotes time to hone his skills in other fields too. While, fans are already aware of his love for writing poetry and playing flute, he is equally enthusiastic about writing stories, and screenplays following his dream to work behind the camera.Gourab recently enjoyed a dream come true moment when he got the chance to not just act, but direct and handle all the creative aspects of a TVC, for a leading steel brand. The TVC is specially made for Viswakarma Puja.
Speaking about his most-cherished moment, Gourab says, “It is indeed a dream come true moment for me. I have been working in this industry as an actor and always had the dream of working behind the camera as a storyteller. The more I spent time on the shooting floor, followed the works of other directors who are known for their vision and expertise as a storyteller, read books to get knowledge, the more I fell in love with this art. No doubt, acting is my first love and will always remain that but making and telling a story eventually became my passion. I am really grateful for this opportunity which is indeed big and truly overwhelmed by the response I am getting after the TVC was aired.” Gourab stated how he was keen on learning new things.
“During the time of COVID, my love for direction became more prominent. Not just direction, but I learned a lot of things about editing, colour correction utilizing the time I had during the lockdown. I started making small videos, shooting those at home and editing on my laptop. Then, I used to sit and judge it as an audience, because I always believe, as a maker all the projects will be close to my heart, but the final product should be loved by those for whom I am weaving the story. Otherwise it’s a waste.”
The reels made by Gourab, which aren’t mere lip-sync videos, managed to catch the attention of the audience. During breaks, Gourab used to make small videos. Some of which featured the technicians and other behind the camera heroes. “I started making short videos to hone my skills. Then, as I became confident, I started approaching people to give me a chance as a director. But let me tell you it isn’t an easy task. I might be a known face on television as an actor, but direction is a new thing and I needed to prove my talent first. I kept approaching people for a chance and that’s how, I got this opportunity. To be honest, this was huge and I was nervous but then, I decided to concentrate and work. I made my own team, wrote and finalized the script and then it was the time for execution. By the time shooting was done, I was bit more confident and we had a good experience during the shoot.”
The actor emphasized that he never wanted to take ‘advantage’ of his celebrity status to bag the offer. “See, 12 years back, when I came to Tollywood to become an actor, I didn’t know anyone. I fell down, got up again, had to struggle a lot before bagging my first project and then proving myself as an actor. I never got any favour from anyone as a newcomer. So, one thing I was sure of when I decided to follow my passion for direction and that was- I would never take advantage of my position as an actor. I am here to learn and have been constantly learning. I knew, had I taken opportunity of my sources, that would be an insult to the hwardwork I have done till now. So, I can hold my head high and say that I got this project based on my effort and not anything else.”
Gourab made it clear that although he loves direction, acting will remain his prime focus. “All these years, it is our audience who extended their support and I can’t express my gratitude towards them enough for this. I will continue to follow my dream as an actor first and at the same time, will devote time and effort to direction. I hope, my audience keep loving me, whether I am in front of camera or behind it. My commitment towards them will remain same.”
Gourab is currently doing the daily soap ‘Ranga Bou’, starring Shruti Das as the female lead. The show is quite popular and can be spotted on TRP charts in the top 5 list.