Gujarati cinema's rising star, Karan Joshi, has shared heartfelt insights into his transformative role in the blockbuster film Laalo, which has remarkably crossed the 100 crore mark at the box office. For Joshi, portraying an auto-rickshaw driver was not just a professional assignment but a profoundly personal journey that resonated with his roots.
Immersive Preparation: Living the Life of an Auto Driver
To authentically embody his character, Karan Joshi undertook a unique and dedicated preparation process. A week before the shoot commenced, he travelled to Junagadh and spent his days actually driving an auto-rickshaw, immersing himself in the local environment and lifestyle. This hands-on experience was crucial for understanding the nuances of the character's daily life.
Joshi praised director Ankit Sakhiya for the creative freedom he was granted. "Ankit told me to buy whatever I feel is right for the character," Joshi revealed in an interview. This trust extended to choosing his character's wardrobe and accessories, allowing Joshi to build a more organic and believable persona. He described Sakhiya as a deeply understanding director who fostered a collaborative environment.
A Film That Felt Like Home
For Karan Joshi, Laalo transcended the boundaries of a typical film project. "More than professional, this film is personal," he stated emphatically. He views the movie as an honest representation of the Gujarati film industry and believes that such personally crafted stories are key to gaining national recognition for Gujarati cinema.
He expressed immense pride in being part of a core team that is representing Gujarati culture on a national platform. "In the entire India, the four of us (he along with director Ankit Sakhiya and actors Shruhad Goswami and Reeva Rachh) are representing Gujarati industry. What can be more blessed than this?" Joshi remarked, highlighting the collective sentiment of achievement.
Navigating Emotions and First-Film Jitters
Joshi described his character as emotionally challenging, requiring him to navigate a wide spectrum of feelings throughout the narrative. His approach was instinctive and natural. "I had full freedom in acting. So, I enjoyed it," he said. Instead of rigid pre-planning, he relied on a character graph and his spontaneous reactions on the shooting floor, enriched by a detailed backstory he developed.
Despite the eventual success, Joshi admitted to initial fears as Laalo marked his debut film. "I was scared as it was my first film but at the end everything was on point," he confessed. He felt a strong sense of responsibility from the beginning, determined not to take the opportunity for granted and to give his all to the role.
The monumental success of the film, entering the coveted 100 crore club, has been an overwhelming experience for the actor. "It's very overwhelming and a proud feeling that my first film has crossed 100 cr," Joshi shared. He feels particularly blessed by the celebratory response from the Gujarati community and the film fraternity, who are treating this milestone as a personal achievement for the entire region.
