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Gaurav Gera, who dresses up as a woman in his latest show, Mrs Pammi Pyarelal, does everything a woman does — including using the ladies' washroom. Says he, "As Mrs Pammi, it's a little awkward to visit the men's loo. I have to be careful about my dress. I ask my assistants to check the women's loo for me before I use it."
To get his mannerisms and body language right, Gaurav did his research. "I observed women at airports and other public places. I also observed my co-actresses — the way they used to remove their heavy earrings during breaks and hold them in their hands. I also learnt a lot of things about waxing. I thought getting my eyebrows threaded wouldn't be that painful, but it was unbearable. What I hate the most is applying and removing nail paint every now and then, since I play both Param and Pammi in the show. I have immense respect for female actors. Portraying a de-glam woman is still easy, but playing a dolled-up character is extremely difficult. I think actresses should be paid a crore per day."
Gaurav feels getting the makeup and attire right is half the battle won. Since men and women are built differently, did he have to work hard on his body to make it look like a girl's? Says Gaurav, "I didn't have to slim down much. I don't have a broad frame and since I am part of a play, which requires me to perform stunts, my body was toned. I just drink a lot of green tea. I have realised that it's better to look thinner. Since television sets have flat screens, it's wise to have a flat stomach."
Though there were apprehensions when he was offered the role, Gaurav took it up as a challenge. Says the actor, "People say that I am underrated as an actor, despite being in the industry for the past 13 years. I am hoping that this character breaks the jinx. Initially, I was apprehensive about people liking only Pammi. But I am glad Param is getting equal attention."
To get his mannerisms and body language right, Gaurav did his research. "I observed women at airports and other public places. I also observed my co-actresses — the way they used to remove their heavy earrings during breaks and hold them in their hands. I also learnt a lot of things about waxing. I thought getting my eyebrows threaded wouldn't be that painful, but it was unbearable. What I hate the most is applying and removing nail paint every now and then, since I play both Param and Pammi in the show. I have immense respect for female actors. Portraying a de-glam woman is still easy, but playing a dolled-up character is extremely difficult. I think actresses should be paid a crore per day."
Gaurav feels getting the makeup and attire right is half the battle won. Since men and women are built differently, did he have to work hard on his body to make it look like a girl's? Says Gaurav, "I didn't have to slim down much. I don't have a broad frame and since I am part of a play, which requires me to perform stunts, my body was toned. I just drink a lot of green tea. I have realised that it's better to look thinner. Since television sets have flat screens, it's wise to have a flat stomach."
Though there were apprehensions when he was offered the role, Gaurav took it up as a challenge. Says the actor, "People say that I am underrated as an actor, despite being in the industry for the past 13 years. I am hoping that this character breaks the jinx. Initially, I was apprehensive about people liking only Pammi. But I am glad Param is getting equal attention."
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