After working in numerous films and web series, Tarun Gahlot was seen in the role of Chote in the big May release, Raid 2. The Ajay Devgn-Riteish Deshmukh starrer has become a huge hit at the box office and has earned praise for its subject, plot and performances. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Tarun Gahlot spoke about his Raid 2 experience, working repeatedly with Ajay Devgn and a lot more.
EXCLUSIVE: Raid 2 actor Tarun Gahlot talks about working with Ajay Devgn: “If he is around, he’ll talk about fitness, take you to the gym; if he sees you having unhealthy food, he’ll scold you, ‘Pagal ho gaya hai kya…’”
How has the month of May been for you, especially after the super-success of Raid 2?
Thanks to Raid 2, this month has been full of love and appreciation. Suddenly, I started getting inundated with calls. People from all around the world have been reaching out to me on Instagram and Facebook. It is happening for the first time with me and hence, I feel great.
Raid 2 has performed beyond expectations, crossing more than Rs. 150 crores. Are you following how it’s performing at the box office?
(Smiles) I am not that sort of a person but yes, I was following the earnings every day because it gave me a good, positive energy. A few more films were released recently and yet, our film has continued to do well.
How did you bag the role in Raid 2?
I got a call from Casting Bay. They had worked with me previously in Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (2021). I was in Dubai at that time. I came all the way to Mumbai to audition. They were surprised and said that I could have sent an audition tape. But it is Ajay sir’s film and I didn’t think self-recording was a good idea. There’s a vast difference between a self-recording tape and an audition. When you audition face-to-face, the casting directors help you read the character and understand its rhythm.
Initially, they were considering me for a different character. After 2-3 weeks, they reached out to me again as Raj sir (director Raj Kumar Gupta) wanted to test me for another character. Hence, the process was long. Raj sir is very particular with his actors.
How was it working with Riteish Deshmukh and seeing him get into the role of a villain?
I had a great time with Riteish sir. He is very chilled out on the sets. I don’t know much about his process as we never discussed it. But as a co-actor, he’s very helpful and supportive. I had a great time working with my on-screen mother as well, Supriya Pathak Kapur. The moment I learned that she’ll play that role, I was very excited. I had a great time. Woh kamaal ki actress hai. Just to see her act is also a great experience.
In fact, every actor in the film has been carefully picked by Raj sir.
Amit Sial stood out…
Oh yes. I had a few scenes with him. It’s a good feeling when you are surrounded by talented actors; it helps you learn on the job. When you come together and try to understand how to do better, the impact is far more. You just mentioned Amit Sial. Woh bhi dhoond rahe the set pe ki scene mein aur kya kar sakte hai. I graduated from FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) and hence, I come from the same school of thought. When others are following the same idea, it boosts your confidence.
You have worked with Ajay Devgn multiple times, starting with Rudra – The Edge Of Darkness (2022) and then in Bholaa (2023), Raid 2 and the upcoming flick, De De Pyaar De 2. He even directed you in Bholaa. How has been the experience?
He’s very sorted and as we all know, he’s a man of a few words. He’ll speak only when needed but he’s very helpful. I met him for the first time on the sets of Rudra – The Edge Of Darkness. While working on that show, he told me one day that he was going to direct a film and that he would give me a very good role. It was heartening as he was not just giving me work but also praising my performance. It assured me that main theek tareeke se kaam kar raha hoon.
He has also had an impact on my life in many ways. If Ajay sir is around you, he’ll talk about fitness. He’ll take you to the gym! He’ll make sure that you are fit, you sleep on time and you wake up on time. If he sees you having unhealthy food, he’ll scold you, ‘Pagal ho gaya hai kya? Kya kha rahe ho?’ (laughs)! He’s the best person to be around, not just when it comes to acting but also fitness. I have been fortunate that I have been getting the chance to work with him again and again. I hope I get many more opportunities in future as well.
You have posted a lovely picture with Ajay Devgn. The rainbow adds a lovely touch…
That was in the UK when he was shooting for Shaitaan (2024) while I was shooting for a short film. I called him and asked him if I could meet. He agreed and that’s how I dropped on the sets.
On your Instagram handle, we can also see a video of you celebrating your birthday with Ajay Devgn…
That was recently when we were shooting in Patiala for De De Pyaar De 2. If you are working on your birthday, toh woh ek alag hi feeling hoti hai (smiles).
Also Read: As Raid 2 crosses Rs. 200 crores globally, here is the next massive line-up for Riteish Deshmukh!
More Pages: Raid 2 Box Office Collection , Raid 2 Movie Review
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