28th March 2023, Mumbai: The Netflix original series “Rana Naidu” has been a popular topic of conversation on social media since its release over three weeks ago. The Hindi-language show has achieved a high level of success, ranking fourth on the global charts of the streaming platform. The series has gained attention for its stylish treatment, as well as the performances of actors Venkatesh Daggubati and Rana Daggubati. However, it has also generated controversy due to its sexually explicit scenes, gory sequences, and vulgar language. Despite this, “Rana Naidu” has become one of the most successful Hindi-language titles on Netflix to date.
Actor Gaurav Chopra’s portrayal of Prince Reddy in the Netflix series “Rana Naidu” has attracted attention due to a scene depicting him engaging in physical intimacy with transgender actor Siya Malasi’s character, Chandni. The scene hints at Prince Reddy’s sexuality, which contrasts with his alpha-male persona. In an exclusive interview , Chopra expressed no apprehension about performing the scene, stating that he is committed to his roles and does not overthink or hold back. He also suggested some scenes himself and is focused on enhancing the show’s overall quality, rather than personal gain.
Gaurav Chopra shared that his only concern regarding the intimate scene he filmed with Siya Malasi was to ensure that it did not come across as desperate or gratuitous. He acknowledged that such scenes can serve creative purposes, but he and the show’s creators did not want it to appear as though they included the scene solely for shock value.
The show “Rana Naidu” has been commended for casting transgender actor Siya Malasi to portray a transgender character. Actor Gaurav Chopra, who plays Prince Reddy in the series, expressed his satisfaction with being a part of a groundbreaking move in the industry. He explained that for the intimate scene to be effective, he had to be genuinely comfortable with the situation. He stressed that pretending to be okay with something would be noticeable to the audience. He clarified that he had no reservations about working with a transgender co-actor, as he was focused on portraying a character in a fictional story and making a statement through his work.
In today’s entertainment industry, inclusivity is a major focus, and Gaurav Chopra believes that his character in “Rana Naidu” subtly reinforces diversity without drawing unnecessary attention to it. He explained that viewers may interpret his character’s actions differently, but for him, he was portraying a character who treats everyone equally. In a particular scene, his character apologises for his aggressive behaviour and encourages the other character to be true to themselves. Chopra commended the writing of the scene, stating that the lines were well-crafted and held meaning, rather than being incidental.
Gaurav Chopra played the character of Prince, a flamboyant and self-indulgent film star who rises to the top in the nepotistic industry, in Rana Naidu. The actor has been receiving positive feedback for his portrayal, which has boosted his confidence in his craft and convinced him that he is capable of playing challenging roles. According to the 43-year-old actor, the role was not just about glamour and power but required him to showcase his acting skills. He considers himself fortunate to have been given the opportunity to prove his abilities and believes it will help him in future projects