Exclusive - Marathi actor Gaurav More: My friends didn't talk to me because of my financial status, but now they click pics with me

Marathi actor Gaurav More is not a new name to the Marathi telly industry. The actor has been entertaining the viewers with his performance in the TV show Maharshtrachi Hasya Jatra for the last 3 years. From featuring in the Bollywood film Sanju to becoming one of the participants of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Gaurav's journey was not easy. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Gaurav More spoke about the struggling period of his life, facing financial crisis in life, playing a role in Sanju and much more.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Talking about stepping into the industry, Gaurav said, "I knew that I don't have the personality to look like an on-screen hero. But I had an immense love for cinema and comedy. I knew I was somewhere not complete to become a hero, but I trusted myself and worked hard". (PC - Instagram)

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." (PC - Instagram)

My parents have done everything for me. All parents try to give the best to their child and they did their best but our financial condition wasn't that good and what more could I ask for. I used to survive on Rs 100 and did not even have the money to travel. Not even had money to go for auditions. I didn't even have a phone. Much later, I bought that small qwerty keypad phone. (PC - Instagram)

Sometimes I think about my past, and it still haunts me. I wanted to become self-sufficient and rich (he laughs). Yes, because only doing work does not matter because this is the field you need money to survive. I can honestly say this because I have faced a financial crisis in my life. I have grown up in a slum area, and know how even a single penny matters. (PC - Instagram)

I have been a part of The Great Indian laughter Challenge and Hasya Samrat TV shows. But I couldn't move ahead because I had no knowledge and experience in acting and comedy. I used to do stand-ups in my area. There is a difference when you work for a TV show, and you work in a particular area. (PC - Instagram)

I am grateful to the entire team of Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra. I am indebted to them. Maharashtrachi Hasya Jatra has given me identity, money, and fame. 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. (he laughs) (PC - Instagram)

I feel nobody should judge anyone. You can never know what that person can achieve in life. 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. (He laughs) (PC - Instagram)

I got to know that there is an audition for a film. I went there and got short-listed. Later I got a call from Raj Kumar Hirani, and I could not believe that I got his call. They asked me about my career, and I was so happy. After a few days, I went to the set and saw Paresh Rawal sir and Ranbir Kapoor. I was shaken because I didn't know what the film was. I was so scared, but Paresh Rawal sir asked me to relax. Paresh sir later praised me and said, 'you did an outstanding job.' I was over the moon. (PC - Instagram)

I always want to continue doing hard work. I am proud of the fact that I came into the industry without anyone's support or any godfather. Whatever I have achieved in my life is because of my hard work, and I will continue to do so. I have grown up in a slum area but always dreamt of becoming an actor with my own hard work. I would urge everyone to dream big no matter where you are right now. (PC - Instagram)

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar