Gagan Arya – A Navi Mumbai kid on the block

Published in Vashi2Panvel.com  – April 2006 – © Manali

Gagan Arya, 24, a new kid on the block and a resident of Belapur, Navi Mumbai is on his way to make it big on television. He is making his debut in a serial named ‘Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao’ on Sony entertainment television which premiers today. Ask him how he feels about his first debut and he excitedly chirps, “The feeling is great. I mean, in such a short span I have hit a big platform – I feel elevated.”

Sudeepa Singh, Gagan's co-star in the television series Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao

So is his character based on atypical lines of Saas Bahu soap opera’s? “No, my character is not based on a boring family drama and this serial has no connection to Ekta Kapoor’s ‘K’ series too. Infact, I play a very fun loving character. Here, a rich guy who lives  life on his own terms is in search of a ‘perfect girl.’ Though, he is very scared of his father,” claims the lead of this serial.

If you think this is his debut on screen, you are remorsefully mistaken. He had worked in a Star One series ‘Family Business’ which was telecasted two years back. This handsome hunk has also done a music video called ‘Tammana’ which was a gazal, and has also appeared in Dairy Milk commercial. Too add more in the list, he has also played a very minuscule role in the hit movie Sarkar too. With such decent experience in past, what makes this soap so important? “Well, this is my first lead role and that’s what makes it’s special. I am really exited about it,” says Arya, who aims for Bollywood and idolizes Mr. Bacchan and King Khan.

This good looking guy has completed his graduation from S.I.E.S College, Nerul, and  today cherishes fond memories of college days. He beams, “College was truly fun. I was rarely to be seen in the classroom, in fact I was always more inclined towards extra curricular activities. I use to choreograph fashion shows and act for ad films that were made by college students. I was also a sports person.” With good reminiscences, he also recollects a ghastly incident, “Once my college professor asked me what I was going to do in my life and I right away replied ‘I want to act in movies’ and she made a big mockery of it in front of whole class. But now I am very much sure, she must be proud of me.” He further adds, “Despite the fact that my college was strict, it was no less supportive of my dreams either.”

Banking on so many projects that he has done, seems like he is already getting celebrity status, and he laughs, “Friends do tease me sometimes and give me that celebrity grade. Yet at the end of the day, I am the same Gagan – mischievous and down to earth.” So which was his favourite hanging-out point in Navi Mumbai and he gleefully says, “Me, along with a huge gang use to go to Pandavgada, a waterfall in Kharghar during the rains. It used to be a lot of fun. But I would personally recommend not to try this adventure as out of the catastrophe, one of my friends has lost his life.” His also enjoys hanging out at Quickies in Vashi and of course Center One – the only famous mall in Navi Mumbai.

He truly loves his hometown, however he is not much appreciative about one thing in this twin city. “Everything is great about Navi Mumbai: the roads, the station, the soothing atmosphere but somehow this city is lagging behind.” He feels that this city is a bit socially aback. According to him, socializing should be further encouraged and there should be more number of coffee shops, go karting, game parlour and clubs to boost up the crowd of Navi Mumbai. Nevertheless, due to work, he is currently lives in a rented house at Andheri, but keeps visiting Navi Mumbai whenever he gets time. “I definitely miss Navi Mumbai,” he says and signs off.