Gaurav Gera planning a Chutki-Shopkeeper app

The actor, who is enjoying his stint as Chutki on a dance reality show, is raving about Snapchat and is posting videos on it.

“What’s the fun in doing something which isn’t difficult?” asks funny man Gaurav Gera, whose creation Chutki and Shopkeeper is a rage online. Interestingly, the actor is currently a part of the celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa (season 9) as Chutki. Dressed as Chutki, Gaurav is not just entertaining everyone but is also giving his best to set the dance floor on fire. “Dancing in heels is a trauma though, but its fine. Chutki loves challenges,” says Chutki aka Gaurav. HT caught up with the actor.

Gaurav Gera as Chutki. The actor is now shaking a leg on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa as Chutki. (Big Magic)

How difficult is it to dance as a woman?

It is too much. But I have never been fond of doing easy things. There’s no charm in doing them. In fact, I will be dancing in heels on the show. I don’t wear it daily and trust me it’s really difficult. Getting decked up as a woman and staying in character all the time isn’t easy. Usually, I shoot only close-ups for videos, so full clothing and heels were never a concern. But Chutki can do anything (he speaks as Chutki).

Read: Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9 | Meet the celebrity contestants

Doesn’t it bother you that you may get trapped in Chutki’s character as the industry believes in stereotyping actors?

No, it doesn’t. I feel proud to have created such a character that has been able to participate on the show as a celebrity. Shopkeeper may be a part of another show. Chutki-Shopkeeper is my own brand. Also, I know what I am capable of. I think doing this dance show is one of the smartest things that I have done.

Will you feature as yourself in second half of the show?

I don’t think that’ll be exciting. I have done it all as myself, so there’s nothing new in it. Taking my brand further is important. My purpose is clear, I am not doing the show to get film and TV offers. But if the channel wants me to then I may do it.

How is it partnering with choreographer Diwakar Nayal on the show?

Somehow Diwakar has always got challenges. I think that’s because he is open to trying new things. He is someone who never complains and is calm. Diwakar is focused. He is a good guy who is cooperative and understands my short comings.

Watch this hilarious Chutki and Shopkeeper compilation:

Your fans wait for your videos. But given your current commitment will you be posting fewer videos?

Yes, I am making fewer videos now on Instagram and Facebook. But I am making a lot of stuff on Snapchat. I have found passion in Snapchat and have created many more characters in it like Binu, Kusum Kumari etc. Being part of the show is also proving advantageous as I am making these videos throughout the day with other actors who are co-participants. People who follow me are super-excited with the development.

Gaurav Gera, who was a part of the hit show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin as the character,Shopkeeper. (Big Magic )

But many of your fans aren’t happy that you are shifting focus from Chutki-Shopkeeper to other characters.

I just hope that my fans understand that I am giving them variety. Chutki-Shopkeeper will always be there. But too much of nothing is good. So I am trying to do something new all the time. Efficiency has actually gone up on Snapchat. I will never stop entertaining my viewers.

Read: Gaurav Gera takes a break from Shopkeeper videos

You had told us about your plans of revealing Hari and trying out other mediums like films, video games, books, animation etc for Chutki-Shopkeeper?

Yes, I want to do it. Talks are on but it will take time. I am caught up with work now and that’s why it’s getting delayed. But I will certainly do it. I am also planning a Chutki-Shopkeeper app.