Kumar Gaurav makes a comeback with US film

Actor Kumar Gaurav hasn't been seen much since he featured in director Sanjay Gupta's 'Reservoir Dogs'-inspired 'Kaante' in (2002). But the affable artist is quietly preparing to make a comeback, albeit in a low-key, offbeat manner.

The actor has just finished work on a US-produced film titled 'Guiana 1838 (2004)', directed by Rohit Jagessar, an Indian-American of Caribbean descent. 'It's a small film by Hollywood standards, but the New York-based producers are talking to Miramax for distribution in the US and elsewhere,' says Gaurav.

'Guiana 1838 (2004)', shot on a budget of $5 million, traces the voyage of the first Indian settlers who set sail for Guyana as plantation workers. 'I play the lead character in the film, a simple young man who goes out in search of a secure future and an identity.'

Adds Kumar Gaurav: 'I am the only Indian actor in the cast. All the others are from north and south America, many of them fine theatre actors,' Kumar Gaurav says. The other actors in starring roles are Aarti Bhatija and Henry Rodney.

The film, according to Kumar Gaurav, focuses on the voyage of the Hesperus, which set sail from the Bay of Bengal, with the first load of indentured Indian workers. Even as it highlights the struggle of the people on board, 'Guiana 1838 (2004)' is a story of the triumph of the human spirit. 'As far as I know, the post-production work of the film is over. The film will open some time early next year,' says the actor, who is in Panaji to pay a special tribute to his father-in-law, the late Sunil Dutt, who passed away earlier this year.

Kumar Gaurav has another 'comeback' film up his sleeves. Titled 'Gabbarsingh.com', it is being directed by Ravi Krishna. 'We have completed one schedule in Bangalore. The non-conventional film is set against the backdrop of the IT industry,' says the actor-producer.

Kumar Gaurav's production outfit, Aryan Pictures, too, is still active. Already five films old, he is currently readying himself to add to that tally.

Does he see himself turning director any time soon? No, he is happy being a producer. Direction, he says, isn't quite my cup of tea. 'To be a director, one requires a wider view of the process of filmmaking. I think like an actor. I am happy doing what I am,' he says.

Post: 05th Dec 2005

http://www.glamsham.com/movies/news/05/dec/03kumar.asp