Preparation for a role often demands emotional depth, physical effort, and an ability to understand a character’s world from the inside. But few actors go as far as Adarsh Gourav did for The White Tiger. To portray Balram Halwai—a young man born into poverty, determined to break free from the cycle of servitude—Gourav immersed himself fully into the character’s life. His preparation wasn’t limited to reading scripts or attending workshops. Instead, he stepped into the real world to experience the life his character lived.
At the Sahitya Aaj Tak 2025 event, the actor revealed that he worked as a daily wage labourer and washed dishes for just Rs 100 a day to prepare for the role. His revelation not only surprised audiences but also offered a glimpse into the extent of dedication required for an internationally acclaimed performance. Joined at the event by actor Anya Singh, Gourav discussed the challenges, experiences, and emotional transformation he underwent while preparing for one of his most powerful roles.
Understanding Balram: A Character Born in the “Darkness”
The White Tiger, based on Aravind Adiga’s Booker-Prize-winning novel, narrates the story of Balram Halwai, a village boy who rises from servitude to become a successful entrepreneur through unconventional—and morally complex—means.
To portray Balram authentically, Adarsh Gourav believed he needed more than imagination. He needed exposure to the lived realities of people from economically weaker backgrounds. This belief led him to Mumbai streets, small dhabas, and cramped living spaces where daily wage labourers spent their days and nights.
The character of Balram lives in a world marked by poverty, inequality, and limited opportunities. Gourav’s challenge was to reflect not only the external circumstances but the internal emotional landscape—fear, frustration, aspiration, and survival instinct.
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A Transformative Experience: Earning Rs 100 a Day
To truly understand Balram’s financial constraints and lifestyle, Adarsh Gourav took up dishwashing work in shops where daily labourers earned between Rs 100–150 per shift. He washed utensils, mopped floors, and cleaned tables—tasks Balram might have done himself.
This experience exposed him to the hierarchical dynamics common in low-income jobs. He observed how employees were treated, how hard they worked, and how little they earned. These insights helped him build the emotional core of Balram, a character who feels trapped yet constantly dreams of breaking free.
The difference between pretending and living a character became clear. Standing behind a pile of vessels, sweating through hours of labour, and earning a mere Rs 100 wasn’t part of a scripted rehearsal—it was reality. That’s exactly what Gourav wanted—to understand Balram’s desperation and resilience from within.
Living the Character Beyond the Script
Gourav didn’t stop at dishwashing. His preparation also involved:
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Living in cramped accommodations similar to what migrant workers share
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Observing body language, speech patterns, and etiquette of daily wage earners
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Eating the same food and following similar routines
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Riding crowded buses and sharing spaces with labour communities
These experiences helped him blend into the socio-economic environment that defined Balram’s world. Instead of “acting poor,” he picked up subtle behavioural cues that later contributed to his powerful on-screen presence.
Why Method Acting Matters
Adarsh Gourav’s preparation reflects the intense discipline associated with method acting—a technique where performers deeply internalize the character’s psychology and lived experiences.
Actors like Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix, and Christian Bale have famously used method acting to embody characters with remarkable authenticity. Gourav’s approach places him among actors who prioritize immersion over comfort.
This intense dedication paid off: his performance in The White Tiger earned global praise, award nominations, and recognition as one of India’s most promising actors.
Sahitya Aaj Tak 2025: A Candid Conversation
During his session at Sahitya Aaj Tak 2025, hosted in Delhi, Gourav opened up about how intimidating yet fulfilling the process was. Alongside actor Anya Singh, he highlighted the importance of research and empathy in storytelling.
He explained that understanding the socio-economic background of characters helps actors portray them responsibly, especially when the story addresses inequality and exploitation—central themes of The White Tiger.
Anya Singh added that such dedication represents a new generation of actors who are guided not just by glamour but by craft, authenticity, and social awareness.
Challenges He Faced
While recounting the experience, Gourav admitted that the hardest part wasn’t the physical labour—it was the emotional weight.
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Witnessing the struggles of workers
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Realising how economic inequality shapes identity
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Understanding how dreams are suppressed by reality
These insights helped him portray Balram not as a caricature but as a layered individual shaped by his circumstances.
Gourav also revealed he had to balance this fieldwork with filming commitments, auditions, and the pressure of performing in a globally anticipated project produced by Netflix. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to portraying Balram with dignity and precision.
Critical Acclaim and Global Impact
Once The White Tiger premiered, critics praised Gourav for bringing a raw, unfiltered portrayal of Balram to screen. Many international reviewers noted his ability to express vulnerability and ambition simultaneously—a quality that set his performance apart.
His dedication drew attention not only from Indian audiences but also Hollywood filmmakers and global platforms. The role became a turning point in his career, establishing him as an actor capable of handling both emotional depth and socio-political complexity.
A New Benchmark for Young Actors
Adarsh Gourav’s journey with The White Tiger serves as a powerful example for aspiring actors. He proved that success in storytelling depends not only on talent but also on deep research, empathy, and willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.
In a film industry often driven by glamour, his grounded approach stands out. He showed that authenticity can take a performance from good to unforgettable.
Conclusion
Adarsh Gourav’s revelation about washing dishes for Rs 100 a day to prepare for The White Tiger highlights the profound dedication behind his breakthrough performance. His willingness to embrace the hardships of his character’s life allowed him to portray Balram Halwai with unmatched sincerity and depth.
More than a preparation method, his journey is a reflection of how storytelling becomes powerful when actors connect deeply with the realities they depict. Gourav’s performance reminds us that cinema is not only entertainment—it is a mirror to society, shaped by the lived experiences of its characters.
