When it comes to talent, the Queen of the Suburbs is nothing short of it. In fact, Bandra is full of it – right from sportspersons to actors to business tycoons. We decided to meet one such talented personality – Sai Gundewar. An actor, model, voiceover artist and entrepreneur, Sai shot to fame in 2010 after his participation in the hit TV show MTV Splitsvilla. He is also recognised for his participation in Survivor, the Indian franchise of the American hit reality TV show. He has also been a part of numerous TVCs and a fair few films in Bollywood. Here are a few excerpts from the tête-à-tête:
Talk to us about your childhood
I moved to Bandra when I was around 9 years old and studied at St. Aloysius School. Prior to that, I lived in Andheri and loved it there and it took a while for me to get settled here because I had all of my friends and family there. My parents wanted to admit me to St. Stanislaus, but I couldn’t be in a boys-only school, and convinced my parents to get into a co-ed school. Haha. I enjoyed taking part in elocution, drama and dance competitions. I went to R.D. National College and during my time there, I participated in various dance competitions for a number of college fests and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
You’ve been to Australia, and then the US . . .
In the year 2000, a couple of close mates and I moved to Australia and lived in a country town called Wagga Wagga to pursue Masters in IT. During my university days, I did a lot of part time student jobs such as waiting tables, fruit picking on farms, sweeping and mopping supermarkets…etc. the whole works… ha-ha. Post my studies, I moved to Sydney and started working in Media and Advertising sector. While I was good at my job and happy with it, a part of me always longed to pursue acting as a career. That’s when I enrolled myself at The Actors Studio where I was trained by Clarence White. Apart from him, I was fortunate enough to learn from some great acting coaches in Australia. I used to work till 6 in the evening and then rush to my class. During my time in Sydney, I also took part in a theatre festival called Short and Sweet and acted in numerous short and student films, which was an amazing experience. This went on for 3 years and by then I decided that my next step was L.A., if I wanted to move ahead. Apart from studying at the reputed TVI Actors Studio, I also did various short term acting workshops in L.A. That was one of the best and most memorable times of my life. I was living in one of the biggest film industries in the world; Hollywood. The feeling was surreal and I loved every bit of it. Sadly it wasn’t long before I had to return back to Australia as I couldn’t obtain a green card or a work visa. I used up most of my savings and maxed out all my credit cards… haha. But I had gained a lot of experience, knowledge and wisdom, which gave me the confidence and impetus to try my luck in Mumbai (Bollywood) and that’s when I moved back in the year 2007 to pursue my dream.
What’s your latest movie called?
I’ve just finished shooting for this Marathi film called ‘a Dot Com Mom’, where I play the lead actor. The film, which is hopefully set to release shortly, is about a mother and a close bond she shares with her U.S. settled son. Her trip to visit her son results in a huge cultural shock and a few comical incidents, combined with some twists and turns forms the crux of the story. It’s the first ever Marathi film to be shot in the U.S. and my first ever Marathi project, that I am quite proud of. J
Has anyone told you that you closely resemble Jason Statham?
Haha.. I get that a lot. Not just Jason Statham, but mostly Vin Diesel and even Herschelle Gibbs at times.
Which was your first break?
My first break in an Indian movie was a cameo in the film, Yuvraaj back in 2008. I had auditioned for the part and got selected. It wasn’t a major part, but I got recognised and it helped me land roles in films [David (2013); I, Me Aur Main (2013); PK (2014)].
If you weren’t an actor, you would have been . . .
Fortunately for me, I am not in that situation. I act as well as run a business in the food sector. I have always been a foodie and love cooking and eating different cuisines. The name of our company is Foodizm, which is a 101% Vegetarian and a healthy meal delivery service, co-founded in 2011 by me along with a partner, who’s also a close friend. We deliver variety of healthy and nutritious meals across the city. I consider myself lucky enough to be able to pursue both my passions.
What is it that sets you apart from other actors?
Hmm… My hair style! Maybe you should ask my wife. Ha-ha. I think I am ethnically ambiguous and that works for me more often than not. For example, when I was in Australia, most people couldn’t believe I was Indian, and hence I could take up roles of various ethnicities and same was the case in L.A. too. In India, at times I don’t get picked for being a Maharashtrian and when people hear me speak chaste Marathi, they are flabbergasted. (Laughs). To be taken seriously by the industry people, I had to lose my Aussie twang and speak English in a neutral accent, which I have managed to do over the years. I reckon, my fit and athletic physique also adds another dimension to my personality and that’s a huge plus.
When you’re not in front of the camera you are. . .
I love to read spiritual, motivational and inspirational books. I also practice yoga, meditation, mixed-martial arts. I love spending time with my family and friends. Besides, my wife and I also watch a lot of movies and American TV shows as and when time permits.
What is your biggest challenge in acting?
I’ve never really taken on a full-fledged negative role, and that for me could be a challenge. I’d love to take on such a role because I’d want to step outside my comfort zone. In my latest movie, my role reflects ‘me’ as a person, and hence, I was quite comfortable portraying that character.
Tell us about your fitness regime.
I do weight training, calisthenics and functional training four times a week. MMA also forms a major part of my training sessions, which is about thrice a week. I also take good care of my nutrition, and I am quite disciplined when it comes to my meals. Although, sometimes I let my hair down (not literally) and go all out… ha-ha.
What would you say is your ultimate goal in life?
My ultimate goal in life is to be the best version of myself. I always aspire to be successful and happy in everything that I do. If I manage to be a successful son, husband, father, friend, actor, entrepreneur while consistently giving back to the society in some way, shape or form, I would have achieved my goal. For me success is doing what you want to do, when you want to do it and doing it effortlessly. That’s my ultimate goal. As an actor, I know I’m going to get noticed, and if I’m going to get noticed, it’d better be for the right reasons; I believe in the adage live and let live.
Do you have a word for aspiring actors?
Be realistic about your expectations. Know what you can and can’t do. You know yourself best. Keep learning and upskilling yourself. There will be those who are going to tell you that you can’t do this or that, but you don’t have to believe what the world says. You should believe in yourself and believe in God.
How has Bandra changed since your childhood?
Bandra has transformed over the years. It has become a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicities and that’s what makes it so interesting and diverse. It is like an international town within Mumbai. I found my wife in Bandra. Haha. I don’t have to go too far if I want to eat out or party or even do a little shopping; I have plenty of choices. It is also very central. The people around here are more open and the lifestyle here in Bandra is really very close to that back in Australia. If Australia is my second home, Bandra is my first. I am a quintessential Bandra boy and proud to be one. J
Valerian D’Costa
