Veer Pahariya on shooting a key scene in 'Sky Force': "The film was being taken away from me and I....."

Veer Pahariya, the promising new face of Bollywood, recently sat down with India Forums to discuss his debut film Sky Force. Sharing screen space with stalwarts like Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan, and Sharad Kelkar, Veer opens up about the experience, the emotions of finally seeing his dream come true, and how the landscape of acting and film promotion has evolved.

Veer, how does it feel now that your debut film Sky Force, has finally been released?

Veer: It feels surreal. I think I’ve waited my entire life for this moment. Becoming a professional actor has always been my dream, and I’m incredibly grateful to God and my parents for their blessings, which helped me get here. It’s a big day for me, and I’m happy to be part of a film that will resonate with audiences and evoke emotions about family, loved ones, and our country.

What kind of response have you received from your family and others so far?

Veer: The best compliment came from the family of the war hero depicted in the film. They told me I performed so well that they now consider me their grandson. That really touched me.

There’s one scene in particular where your character confronts Akshay Kumar’s character about a key decision. It’s quite intense. Can you tell us about shooting that scene?

Veer: That was actually the first scene I shot for the film and the first time I faced the camera. Because I didn’t have much on-camera experience at that point, I imagined a scenario where the film was being taken away from me, and I was pleading with the director to let me stay. It helped me tap into the layers of emotion needed for that scene. I’m glad it stood out to viewers.

You've previously worked as an assistant, and now you’re acting. Do you see yourself directing or producing in the future?

Veer: I love everything about filmmaking—the creative process, writing, production, post-production, and release. While my first love is acting, I’m open to exploring directing or producing in the future. You never know!

How do you feel about how the industry and PR strategies have changed over the years?

Veer: I think what really matters is being good at your work. Every film comes with its destiny, and what ultimately stays with people is your work. While PR can help, it’s your performance that leaves a lasting impression.

Watch the Full Interview Here

Do you have a specific process in mind for selecting scripts in the future?

Veer: Not really. I want to explore everything—commercial films, art films, regional cinema, and even Marathi films. Big roles or small, what matters is creating something meaningful and finding a voice in the industry.

Many new-age actors like Khushi Kapoor, and others say they don’t feel like they’re competing with each other. Is that the case for you too?

Absolutely. My peers and I are passionate about movies and performances. We often talk about films, but it’s never competitive. In fact, I think everyone today is excited about multi-hero films, and I’d love to see more of those being made.

Do you think it’s important for actors to maintain a strong social media presence?

Veer: For me, yes. Nobody knows me yet, so social media helps me connect with people. With platforms like OTT and reels, you never know what will resonate with audiences. That connection can be invaluable.

When you saw the film for the first time, did you watch it as an actor or an audience member?

Veer: I watched it as an audience member, enjoying every moment. In fact, I haven’t seen the entire film yet, just certain parts, but I’m looking forward to watching it in full.

Veer Pahariya’s enthusiasm for acting, coupled with his determination to make a mark in Bollywood, is evident in his words. As he embarks on this exciting journey with Sly Force, his openness to exploring diverse roles and genres promises a bright future.