Happy that Gujarat is becoming popular for its films: Gaurav Paswala

2025 has started “really well” for Gaurav Paswala, who has seven films in the pipeline. The Prem Prakaran actor, who is exploring different genres this year, says, “I have three Gujarati films ready for release. Also, three Hindi movies and a web series might be out this year. Now, I want to do a hardcore thriller or an out-and-out romantic film.”
Gaurav adds, “The last Hindi film I shot was in Gujarat and I was shooting here continuously for four months for different projects. Now that I am back in Mumbai, I will network again and meet people. Agar aap kuch months ke liye active nahi hote industry mein, people forget you. It gets tricky to make yourself visible again, but I will get back at it.”
‘Gujarati filmmakers are no longer casting just the big names’
Gaurav, who debuted in D-Town with Je Pan Kahish E Sachuj Kahish in 2016, shares, “I feel happy and proud that Gujarat is now becoming popular for its films and the genres being explored. While we have observed the growth in filmmaking and risk-taking abilities, now makers are also showcasing different cities and cultures of Gujarat. Initially, we used to shoot only in Ahmedabad, but now films are being shot in Vadodara, Surat, Kutch, and other cities too. The infrastructure across our state is amazing.”

He adds, “While the audiences have started accepting films with varied genres, I have also observed that makers are casting actors now, and not just the big names. Earlier, I didn’t get some projects because I was told that I was not based in Ahmedabad, or they wanted some big names. Also, the promotions and marketing strategies have become smarter now. There is overall growth happening in our industry.”
‘Film festivals make people take independent films seriously’
Gaurav’s latest Hindi film, Well Done CA Sahab!, was screened at the Jaipur International Film Festival. Talking about how film festivals benefit independent films, Gaurav says, “When you show these films to your friends and families, they are going to appreciate it anyway. But when these films are screened at festivals, there is an audience that watches the film in an unbiased way and gives their reviews. It boosts the confidence of the team. Secondly, film festivals give a tag to your film and show that though the film may not have big stars, the subject is strong enough to be selected. Film festivals make people take independent films seriously.”
‘Today, it is very important for an artiste to be seen’
“People told me that I should be more active on social media,” says Gaurav, who prefers keeping a low profile when he is not shooting. He adds, “Personally, I don’t like being seen much, but professionally, I have to be seen. On social media, I get confused about kya post karna chahiye. Sometimes, I have seen a normal story about going to some shoot, with a background music, has more views than trailers of my projects (laughs). So, I have realised that people want to know about your personal life and obliging them with some fun moments isn’t bad.”
Gaurav also shares, "I have Australian citizenship and once every one or two years, I go and spend a few months in Australia, working in the telecommunications industry. It helps me get new perspectives and keeps me grounded, showing that there is a life beyond showbiz too."
Sharing details about his personal life, Gaurav says, "I am in a steady relationship but will announce or speak about it when we feel we are ready. I am a private person and prefer keeping my personal life away from the public."