We all know that Ranbir Kapoor is Ayan Mukerji’s superhero in Brahmastra, but little has been known thus far of the supervillain.
The suspense is over now. Rising World Wrestling Entertainment performer Saurav Gurjar plays the antagonist in the superhero film.
Gurjar confirmed this to Cinestaan.com. The wrestler and actor, however, also revealed that he wasn’t keen to take up the film.
“My dream has been to become a WWE star,” Gurjar said. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra had called me to discuss the Salman Khan-produced Gama Pehelwan. However, that film did not take off.”
Khan dropped the film idea as Gama Pehelwan is now being produced as a television show. Gurjar had been offered the role of Imam Baksh, elder brother of Ghulam Mohammed Baksh, better known as The Great Gama.
As Gama Pehelwan the film did not take off, Gurjar began to concentrate on his wrestling career. “But Chhabra felt that I suited the character brief for the antagonist in Brahmastra,” he said. “Ayan called me, but I refused the film as I had signed on by then for WWE. Ayan told me don’t take the film, but at least meet me for the character briefing.”
It wasn’t easy though as Gurjar was contracted to WWE. “I wasn’t sure I could take the film as I was contracted with WWE. But Ayan explained how this will be good for my wrestling career too. Even WWE acknowledged that the film would help to build a market for me. And so they permitted me to join,” he said.
Gurjar shot for some part of the film in Bulgaria three or four months ago. He will be leaving again soon for another schedule.
While it is too early to speak about the film, Gurjar shared his joy at working with a stellar cast. “Ayan is a great director and a great human being,” he said. “Ranbir is a jolly good guy. I was a little awed to be shooting with Bachchan sir. After all, he is Amitabh Bachchan.”
After winding up the shooting for Brahmastra, Gurjar will head off again to the WWE. He expects his big WWE debut to come before the film hits theatres on 25 December.
Gurjar had first arrived on the scene as a contestant on the talent-hunt reality show Entertainment Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega. He went on to play Bheem in the Star Plus show Mahabharat (2013-2014).