As we usher in a new year, actor Adarsh Gourav reflects on the rollercoaster journey of 2023—which culminated in accolades for his role in “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan”—and anticipates an exhilarating chapter ahead with Ridley Scott’s “Alien”. The transition from portraying an assortment of local characters to delving into the global scene only adds an edge to Gourav’s dynamic career.
Having captured hearts in the closing days of the past year, when “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” made its mark on Netflix, Gourav has scarcely had the chance to soak up the adoration before preparing for his upcoming venture into the realm of science fiction. Under Ridley Scott’s executive producer wing, Gourav is bound for Bangkok to start the cameras rolling for the much-anticipated series, “Alien”. Although he waves goodbye to the comfort of familiar streets and faces, the actor is no stranger to change or challenge.
Gourav’s Mumbai upbringing resonates deeply with Neil, his character in “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan”. His own experience with the city’s materialistic pulse provided a vivid backdrop to Neil’s story. “Moving to the city at 13, I internalized every emotion Neil goes through,” Gourav reflects on his own parallels with the character’s journey through insecurity and envy.
In his portrayal, director Arjun Varain Singh not only spotlights this generation’s drive but their often undiscussed trials. Neil’s humiliation in a scene centered around a ‘Staff not allowed’ sign at a gym sparks a larger dialogue about class—a theme that Gourav champions. The actor candidly admits using private elevators designated for staff in Mumbai’s elite buildings as a silent protest against this prevalent segregation.
Beyond the strong narrative, “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” also provided Gourav a chance to embody an individual closer to his own metropolitan upbringing—a delightful shift after a slew of characters from lesser metropolitan backgrounds. His filmography includes intense roles in “The White Tiger” and the upcoming “Guns & Gulaabs”. “People often typecast me based on past roles, but playing someone I strongly relate to is incredibly refreshing and transformative,” Gourav expounds on his inclination for emotionally and physically challenging roles.
The breadth of Gourav’s life experience traverses humble beginnings to diverse exposures, from transitory homes throughout Mumbai to attending an upmarket school like Podar International. These diverse encounters render his craft extraordinary: “In my travels across India and countless relocations, I rarely encounter a script with a character alien to me.”
International projects invite Gourav to break new ground, portraying unfamiliar characters with backgrounds starkly different from his own. “Working in the West introduces me to cultures and nuances I’m completely unfamiliar with. I devote myself to research and accent practice during my free time,” he shares with a light-hearted chuckle. He’s already impressed himself with his ability to resonate with global casting directors, making it to final callbacks, a testament to his dedication.
Gourav’s initial stint with the “Alien” production—which began in June—ushered him into a creative cohort from around the globe, marking his first professional engagement with colleagues from London, New Zealand, and the United States. “The idea of working and living with people so different from you for half a year can be intimidating,” he admits, yet he fondly recollects the bonds forged and looks forward to rejoining this eclectic team.
To the audience watching Adarsh Gourav, the actor’s journey from the bylanes of Mumbai to the cosmic sets of “Alien” holds not just a story of personal growth but a tale of versatility and fearless embrace of the unknown. As he steps onto the set in Bangkok, cinema enthusiasts eagerly await the powerful performance he’s sure to deliver under the stars and beyond.
