Actor Gaurav Mukesh, who plays the role of Sunder in the show Imlie, says that the coming of OTT platforms has eliminated nepotism to a great extent. The actor, whose show Humariwali Good News is also air, says that nowadays budding artists have a lot of platforms to showcase their work. `There has been a lot of change over the years. Earlier, there were only star kids who got roles but now there are lots of opportunities for the outsiders too. There are so many platforms where you can showcase your talent. If I talk about the acting scenario, there is more of realistic cinema now which is loved by people,` he says.

He adds, `This is the new age and it's all about OTT and giving a lot of opportunities to many aspiring actors. Now, we have so many mediums to show our work. I feel that this is the best time to be part of showbiz. There are so many OTT platforms today and all of them have such great content.

In fact, Gaurav is also open to being part of a web series. `I am a desi kind of guy so I would love to do a series which has got a desi tadka in it. It gives you the chance to connect with the audience instantly...jaha gaali hai, script hai, drama hai and most important thing entertainment is there. Maybe something like Mirzapur, Scam, Taish and Paatalok,` says Gaurav.

The actor says that he, too, has faced his share of struggle and rough times. `I have struggled a lot and it's not easy to fit into someone's heart easily. You have to sacrifice a lot. I still remember my struggling days when I used to be rejected so many times. I was afraid of meeting people and was completely shattered. But thanks to my family, who always supported me and gave me the boost that things will change, I was able to be positive. And things did change when I got the show Suhani Si Ek Ladki. Only one thing was there in my mind that bura waqt hai, kat jaaega. I am a spiritual guy, so I always kept one quote from our religious book Geeta in my mind, 'Kaam kiye ja, fal ki chinta mat kar.',` he says.

Talking about his role in Imlie, Gaurav says, `In Imlie, I am playing a comedy character called Sunder who comes to Tripathi's house and makes Imlie insecure about her job. So, there is a sweet nok jhok between the two of them and later things will change. I am sure everyone will love this character.`

Shooting in a pandemic is not an easy feat and Gaurav hopes that things become better soon. `We are very afraid of contracting Covid-19 and are taking all the precautions required. There is a saying, 'The show must go on,' and this is what we are trying to do. I am hopeful that things will become better soon. But till then, we need to be very careful,` he says.

However, this period has taught him a lot. `I have realised the importance of savings during this pandemic. I realised one thing that never buy stuff on EMI. Also, during this time, I got the chance to spend a lot of time with my family and I realised that true happiness is being surrounded by your loved ones. They are the only ones who will support you in your worst time.`

Talking about his expectations from 2021, he says, `I always expect one thing in life, that my way of working and thinking should always remain positive. I truly believe that on must just go with the flow and things will come to you, the way they are meant to. This is why I never really plan much. Of course, I work hard to achieve all that I want.`