Can't work 30 days in a month, says Gaurav

Gaurav Chopraa is popular on the small screen, but doesn't cash in on it by signing multiple projects. His mantra is to work at his own pace and he says that more than money, he values quality of work.

"I don't follow any rules and work at my own pace. I am not the kind who can work for 30 days a month. Whatever I do, I do it from my heart," Gaurav told IANS.

Gaurav became popular after featuring in serials like "Piya Ka Ghar" and "Left Right Left", as well as reality shows such like "Nach Baliye 2", "Pati Patni Aur Woh" and "Zara Nachke Dikha".

The actor admits that money never really mattered to him.

"I am more excited about the kind of work I do. Money is secondary to me. Acting to me is a profession which has helped me live so many lives, through so many different roles and I enjoy that aspect of career the most," he added.

Gaurav, who has returned to Colors show "Uttaran" as Raghuvendra Rathore, feels that the rise in competition across the small screen has led to a decline in quality of shows, and to some extent has curbed the freedom of an actor.

"When I started off as an actor, at that time we didn't really know what these TRPs were. There used be weekly shows and the actors used to get freedom to work on the portrayal of the characters. But that seems hard today," he said.

"I feel quality is always better than quantity. But since the competition is tough, one cannot do anything. Audience is the king. They have a magical device called 'remote' in their hands so they can easily flip across channels," he added.

One of the most popular actors on the small screen, Gaurav doesn't let success influence his personal life.

"I live a very normal life. I don't believe in living like a star. I go to sets, shoot, finish my work and comeback. I try to spend quality time with my family and have a very limited group of friends, who I usually socialise with," he said.

Meanwhile, Gaurav's big screen career is also shaping up well. After "Men Will Be Men", the actor will now be seen playing solo leads in "Rangbari" and "Lucky Kabootar".