I’m very conscious of getting my hands in muck.I don’t want my grandchildren telling me what kharaab films I’ve done!

He definitely does not put the idiot in idiot box. VJ, actor and, most recently, ‘that Chamma chamma guy’, Gaurav Kapur talks of Generation X, superheroes and proverbial carrots…

He’s 26, a well-known face on television with nine years of radio jockeying behind him, has two Bollywood releases to his credit, and, if voted Prime Minister of India, would purchase weapons of mass destruction. That’s Gaurav Kapur for you. Self-confessed irreverent with wisecrack and repartee ready. During his five-year run with the Channel V, Kapur’s unaffected demeanour and class clown antics have made him a popular symbol of Indian youth and pop culture.

His intelligence is refreshing, and belies his onscreen persona. Which is reassuring, considering that more than half the country’s population is under 25 and it is people like Kapur who influence impressionable minds. He understands this responsibility, but keeps his feet on the ground. “I’ve realised that people do pay attention to what I’m saying and I’ve started becoming more politically correct. I take what I say seriously, but not myself, which is important, otherwise you just become a diva in your own mind.”

He strongly feels that it is vital for young people to empower themselves. “The younger generation has the energy and impetus to make changes. They need to stop complaining and get up and do something!” The lanky Delhi munda took his own advice and has built an impressive career for himself. At 18, he was the youngest radio jockey in India. “Working so early, I did miss out on a lot. Would you believe, that in my three years of college, I did not have one serious relationship?” Well, the hard work and woman-less ways sparked the chain reaction that catapulted him into the spotlight. When Channel V approached him, he was still raw. “At first, I told them that I’m not a ‘yo’ person, I can’t do this! But then they dangled the proverbial carrot. I have to admit that the money is what finally convinced me. And today, I’m making more than most of my friends who have MBAs!”

Recently having branched out into cinema, Kapur was seen in 2003’s Ssshhh and Darna Mana Hai. Unfortunately, his roles were of the token funny guy, and ended up as extensions of his VJ image. He, however, did get noticed, and has already turned down nine films. “People are so quick to typecast. They exploit what’s been successful and beat it out of an actor. I’m very conscious of getting my hands in muck. I don’t want my grandchildren telling me what kharaab films I’ve done!” Kapur has just wrapped up shooting for independent English film, Imaandar, directed by Manu Rewal. He admits that he’s suffering from performance fatigue and has no other movies in the pipeline, “Boys have this superhero complex, you know. At one point, I believed that I could do everything, which, I finally realised is impossible. I thought that I’d quit V once I did movies, but good things keep happening and I’ve stuck on longer than I had intended to. I am enjoying it, but now, you see 32-year-old VJs who have kids. When I reach that stage, please shoot me!”

The restlessness in his mind is obvious as he talks of travelling and taking time out for himself. “You know what I’d like to do one day? Become a dessert chef.” Not something you’d expect from a recently diagnosed diabetic. “It would be great. I’d hire tasters because, of course, I won’t be able to try my own recipes.” The mock earnestness on his face is priceless, sending this writer into a fit of giggles, as we discuss the intricacies of low insulin chef-dom.

Kapur’s real interests lie behind the scenes. With a completed screenplay under his belt, he hopes to direct his own film, turn producer, or maybe even make ad films. Speaking of which, a commercial that’s currently doing the rounds has made him more of a household name. His quirky rendition of Chamma chamma has both three-year-olds and their grandfathers laughing out loud. “Nine years of radio, five years of television, two movies, and people know me because of this ad! It’s bizarre!” So much for comic relief.

Gaurav's Gyan - Gaurav shares his pearls of wisdom in his exclusive column for VerveOnline!