“ I Don’t Just Play a Character; I Become Them”: Adarsh Gourav on Donning New Looks for Each of His Roles

In an industry where actors often get typecast, Adarsh Gourav stands out as a true shape-shifter—an artist who molds himself entirely to fit the characters he portrays. From a naive teenager in Rukh to a cunning driver in The White Tiger, from a gangster in Guns & Gulaabs to a charming fitness trainer in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Adarsh’s ability to adapt is nothing short of remarkable. His recently released film Superboys of Malegaon where he played an aspiring filmmaker and a quirky local influencer in Tu Yaa Main with Bejoy Nambiar, further cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile actors currently. 

Sharing his thoughts on his chameleon-like transformations, Adarsh Gourav said, "For me, acting is about complete immersion—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I don’t just play a character; I become them. Every role demands a different version of me, and that’s what excites me the most. Whether it’s Dhruv in Rukh, Balram Halwai in The White Tiger, or Jugnu in Guns & Gulaabs, I have always aimed to bring authenticity to the screen. That means reshaping my physicality, altering my mannerisms, and deeply understanding the psyche of the person I’m portraying."

Also Read: Adarsh Gourav Reveals How Playing a Real Life Character Has Shaped His Ideas of Acting and His Plans To Turn a Filmmaker in the Future

He further adds, "I believe crafting each character’s unique look is important as it appearances tell stories. The way a person walks, dresses, or even holds themselves can reveal so much about their life experiences. Playing Neil Pereira, a fitness trainer in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, required me to build a physique that looked naturally athletic, while Nasir Shaikh in Superboys of Malegaon had to embody the hunger and passion of a struggling filmmaker. And now, for Tu Yaa Main, I’m stepping into the shoes of a small-town social media influencer—a role that demands an entirely different approach."

Adarsh continues, "I never want to repeat myself. That’s my biggest fear as an actor. If I look and feel the same in every film, I am not doing justice to the craft. The joy of acting lies in the transformation, in disappearing so completely into a character that the audience forgets the actor behind it. That’s my goal every single time. Adarsh’s dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed. His performance in The White Tiger put him on the global map, and since then, he has consistently chosen roles that challenge the norms