Pooja Gor on her successful run across all the 3 mediums- TV, Films and OTT

Pooja Gor, a well known face in the entertainment world, has ventured into OTT platform after being part of several TV shows. She has been a part of OTT projects like 'The Verdict - State vs Nanavati', 'Shrikant Bashir' and most recently in 'Guns & Gulaabs'. Pooja has been grabbing the attention of viewers with her amazing performance on all platforms. Her character ‘Madhu’ in ‘Guns & Gulaabs’ has garnered tremendous response from the audience. In an exclusive chit chat with Adgully, Pooja Gor opens up about the series, her equation with her Dulquer Salmaan as well as her journey in the industry without being in any rat-race.

Few Excerpts from the talk:

When you were offered the role of Madhu in ‘Guns & Gulaabs’, what was your first impression of Madhu?

What I loved about Madhu was that she is a sweet, supportive housewife who is also an entrepreneur, running a beauty brand. No matter where her family moves because of her husband’s job, she knew how to start an enterprise whilst being a dutiful housewife.

You have played the character brilliantly- how did you approach it?

The character has been written beautifully. I discussed the character with the makers at length and understood exactly how they wanted Madhu to be. And I tried my best to do justice to that. Apart from the research from my end, I must also credit our costume stylist- Neha R Bajaj, Art director- Parichit Paralkar and screenplay writer- Suman Kumar. Because of their help, it became easy to imbibe the character. For us as actors, these technical aspects really help us enhance our craft.

The show has a backdrop of 90s. What is the best part of 90s for you?

I loved everything about my growing up years in the 90s. Those were simpler times. I loved the landlines, the letters that we used to write, the drive-in theatres, summer vacations with cousins, audio tapes, playing outdoors, the list is never ending. 90s were magical and that is what makes G&G special for me as well because it brings the nostalgia back.

There are few important scenes with Dulquer Salmaan in the series - tell us the best one according to you? How was the experience of working with him?

My favourite scene with DQ is the introduction scene where the viewers can see the family dynamics for the very first time. It establishes their relationship and tells Madhu and Arjun’s story as well. It is a beautifully written scene and I enjoyed performing it as well. DQ is a brilliant actor and a good human being. I am glad I got a chance to share the screen space with him. It is always a pleasure to work with good actors, who are also good people.

You managed to do a series without doing a bold scene. What are your views on bold scenes?

There is a certain level of skepticism when it comes to bold scenes. But I haven’t completely ruled it out. In a case where it may come my way, I will make my decision according to how comfortable I feel about it then, in that moment.

You were never in the rat race - how is Pooja Gor so secure?

It takes a lot of inner work, to be not affected by peer pressure. It was difficult for me as well. It certainly helped that my choices and aspirations were always very different from others, which in-turn made it even more difficult to take the road less travelled. But ultimately I am glad I did things the way I did. Today when I look back at the timeline of my career, I feel happy to have had a successful run across all the 3 mediums- TV, Films and OTT.

From Pratigya to Madhu- what has been the most challenging phase?

I think for any actor, the most challenging part is the waiting game. Waiting for the kind of work you want to do. Because along the way, there are a lot of temptations, when you get projects where you can earn a lot of money but you have to be determined to wait for the kind of role you wish to do. The challenging part is to let that go and wait patiently.

How do you see yourself working in OTT? What roles will attract you?

I definitely want to work in new genres, which I am yet to explore! I want to work with new directors and co-actors. I would love to do challenging and meaty characters which take a lot of preparation as an actor and brings the best out of an actor to deliver. Also, I hope I get a role which aligns with my personality, something with adventure and action.

Who has been your pillar of strength and why?

My parents have been my pillars of strength right from the beginning. They have struggled and sacrificed a lot for me to be able to be where I am. And I would have been nothing without their support. I am forever grateful for their support and strength and trust in me.