My biggest fear as an actor is repeating myself: Adarsh Gourav

In an industry where actors are often boxed into familiar roles, Adarsh Gourav is anything but predictable. He’s a master of transformation, an artist who morphs with effortless precision into every character he takes on. From the wide-eyed teenager in Rukh to the sly, ambitious driver in The White Tiger, from the menacing gangster in Guns & Gulaabs to the charismatic fitness trainer in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Adarsh’s versatility is simply astonishing. His recent performances, including an aspiring filmmaker in Superboys of Malegaon and a quirky social media influencer in Tu Yaa Main, further cement his status as one of the most dynamic talents of his generation.

Adarsh Gourav says each role demands a new version of him

Reflecting on his chameleon-like ability to slip into such diverse roles, Adarsh shares, “Acting, to me, is all about total immersion—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I don’t just play a character; I become them. Each role demands a new version of me, and that’s the thrill. Whether it’s Dhruv in Rukh, Balram Halwai in The White Tiger, or Jugnu in Guns & Gulaabs, my aim has always been to bring authenticity to the screen. This means completely transforming my physicality, altering my mannerisms, and diving deep into the psyche of the character I’m portraying.”

He goes on to elaborate, “For me, a character’s appearance tells its own story. The way they walk, dress, or carry themselves speaks volumes about their life experiences. Take Neil Pereira in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, where I had to develop a naturally athletic build to match the role of a fitness trainer. Then, in Superboys of Malegaon, I had to capture the drive and passion of a struggling filmmaker. And now, in Tu Yaa Main, I’m embodying a small-town social media influencer—a role that demands a completely fresh approach.”

Adarsh’s passion for constant reinvention shines through as he adds, “My biggest fear as an actor is repeating myself. If I look and feel the same in every film, I’m not honoring the craft. The true joy of acting lies in the transformation, in becoming so lost in a character that the audience forgets who the actor behind it is. That’s the goal I strive for with every role.”

With his commitment to pushing boundaries and reinventing himself with every project, Adarsh has caught the world’s attention. His performance in The White Tiger propelled him to global recognition, and since then, he has continued to choose roles that defy expectations. With each new venture, he proves that he’s not just an actor—he’s a storyteller, one whose craft thrives on reinvention and the art of transformation.

Email: rupam@newindianexpress.com

X: @rupsjain