Scam 2003 actor Gagan Dev Riar: Getting this role for an average-looking guy like me would have been impossible without OTT boom | Exclusive

Scam 2003: The Telgi Story is one of the most anticipated series this year. Helmed by Hansal Mehta, the Tushar Hiranandani directorial stars Gagan Dev Riar in the titular role of Abdul Karim Telgi. 

In a recent chat with OTTplay, the talented actor shared his journey of filming SonyLIV's financial thriller series . He also shared his thoughts on the opportunities OTT platforms have provided to the talented actors in the industry, and more. Excerpts:

How did Hansal Mehta discover you for the lead role in Scam 2003?

So, in Hansal Sir's words only, he watched me in Son Chiriya which was my first film. And then he saw me in A Suitable Boy, which was my series with Reema Nair. He liked my performances in both of them and when he got the script of Scam 2003, he thought that I would be the right candidate for this. So I think that's that's how he discovered me.

Also Read: Scam 2003 - The Telgi Story: Release date, OTT platform, trailer, cast, poster, plot, controversies and everything else you need to know    

How did you prep for the chracter and how much weight did you put on?

There are no prosthetics. It's all, natural weight. It's all me under the clothes. I did put on around 19 to 20 cases for this role. I was asked to do that. And obviously, the role required it so I had to go with it. 

Are you a switch off and switch on an actor because when we watch the film it seems that the character can take an emotional toll on the actor?

Oh, I work with both methods. I will take my preparation time to get into the idea of it. What I will do? How will I walk? How will I talk? What is the tonality of the language and the gestures or mannerisms? Then I keep rehearsing it, I keep rehearsing it, keep rehearsing it, and then once it's in my body, then it comes to switch on and switch off. Because you can't keep living like Telgi in your house, otherwise your partner will kill you.

How much did you know about Telgi or the whole scam and how shocking was the detailed script for you?

I didn't know much about the Telgi scam, but I only knew about it, however, it came into the newspapers like the legality of it or technicality of it. I did not know the the inner details of how exactly he did the scam or how he printed the fake stamp papers, or how he got them to sell in the market. I had no idea. So it was quite a revelation for me when I read the detailed script. And I understood how he actually managed it, which was mind-boggling.

Have you prepped yourself for the comparison between Scam 1992 and 2003 as well as between you and Pratik Gandhi?

I know that people will compare, definitely. But I would request them not to see it that way. Because even when the 2020 show was based on a scam, Pratik Gandhi was playing Harshad Mehta and I'm playing Abdul Karim Telgi. They both have completely different characters. Although Pratik Gandhi did a fabulous job playing Harshad Mehta, I also have tried my best capabilities to give my best to the role. So I just hope people will give Scam 2003 also the same amount of love that they have given to Scam 1992.

Apart from your talent and acting skills, do you think that this big break has come to you due to this OTT boom?

Oh, yes, the OTT boom definitely has a hand in it. Because an average-looking guy like me couldn't have bagged a lead role in a show this way, I might had to wait for a long time. But because of OTT platforms, availability and the kinds of programs and content that have been shown on them, it has really given a chance to actors who are really good at their job, but they might not look like you know, superheroes or bodybuilders.

Has your life changed after you bagged the Hansal Mehta show?

Yeah, a lot of things have changed. Since the release is closer my phone has not stopped ringing for the past few days. On the other hand, since I started working on Scam 2003, a lot of things have happened, especially due to my weight. When you are gaining weight and you are not used to looking at yourself in the mirror as the same person, it affects you mentally, sometimes. So I had my good and bad days during the preparation and the shooting time. But thank God that it all went well. And now we have a good program in hand.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

Right now I'm just taking a very short break till this release. I normally like to do one thing at a time. So when this whole tsunami of these messages and these things go away, I think about what I don't want to do next.