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I have the fortune of good friends, who introduced me to Harshad a few months back...One month into KDMHMD's run.
I was fortunate to have an entire weekend to devote to becoming familiar with this character, Prem, whom I'd heard accolades about...this beautiful love story, that was being praised. So, I allowed myself to watch all of the episodes from the beginning so as not to miss even one beautiful moment.
Since then, I've been bowled over by an actor who, though early in his career, shows the finesse of a veteran. An actor who commands your attention...An actor who has an incredible presence on screen...An actor, who is self made, through hard work, determination, and the will, to follow his dreams.
The more I watched Harshad flawlessly portray a perfect Prem, the more I had to know if this actor was anything like his on-screen counterpart. I began to familiarize myself with him little by little via interviews and write ups about him, but never really felt as though I had gotten to core of what made Harshad Chopda tick.
Today, Harshad's fans here on IF started his 23rd FanClub. Today, one of Harshad's biggest fans somehow convinced me to watch one episode of Harshad's second serial, the one that took him to newer heights of fame: Left Right Left. Upon reading Daisy's message in the FC today, something inside me clicked...and next thing I knew, I had decided to turn a blind eye to all of my other responsibilities today, and get to know Harshad Chopda - as himself, Cadet Ali, and Akshat.
What I found blew me away.
A week or so ago, I came across Harshad's IF interview for the first time. The initial thing that came across to me was the inherent sweetness in his voice. Since then, I've heard the interview at least 10 times. Each time, I picked it apart even more. Each time, trying to peel away more layers, to get to the heart of this man, who had in such a short time, touched my heart.
I learned that Harshad hails from a very small town, where, its unthinkable to even dream of acting, let alone to set out and pursue it. This one fact helped me learn more about him than all the other interviews I had read thus-far.
It dawned on me then, that Harshad was no ordinary person. He had the will to fight against odds that many others would turn and run from. He had the will to chase a dream that, should he fail to achieve, would undoubtedly cause him some level of ridicule.
He went to Pune and completed his engineering as his father asked (ah...there...a glimpse of Prem). He fulfilled that responsibility. But something still tugged at his heart...the dream to achieve something bigger, the dream, to pursue something he's always wanted.
His hard work began with the Mr. Pune contest where he won for best physique...one small step in his journey to the top. While in Pune, when the opportunity finally presented himeslf, he decided to take a chance, chase his childhood dream. He moved to Mumbai and dove in. He worked on all aspects of himself as a person in order to acheive his goals. After multiple auditions, he was given his first break in Mamta - not because of his acting skills, but simply because he resembled another character on the show. In short, he got lucky, and while he prepared for Grasim Mr. India, his role on Mamta helped him hone in on his acting skills, as well as pay the bills.
Harshad faced defeat in Mr. India. He returned, feeling disappointed for having lost at something that he had spent an entire year working toward. But, that didn't stop him...he didn't give up. And then, LRL happened. Perhaps it was Harshad's ability to relate well to his character Ali that helped him reach new heights of success in LRL. Or perhaps, it was simply hard work...or maybe both. Whatever the reason, Harshad stole the hearts of many, young and old, as Cadet Ali Begh. He became televisions newest heart-throb, and mothers found themselves taking to him as if he were their own son.
When his fans (fans he didn't know existed until then) expressed a desire to see him romancing on the small screen, he obliged. Though short lived, he left a lasting mark in Sony's hatke drama Amber Dhara with his portrayal of Akshat.
Unfortunately, in the limelight, many actors face controversy. Harshad's case was no different. Through his years with LRL and Amber Dhara, Harshad faced a lot of controversy. Many critics, while appreciating his work on the one hand, argued that the actor was unpleasant on the sets. Personally speaking, knowing whatever little bit I may know about him, (and going by the sweetness in his voice that I just can't seem to get over), I just can't see him as a controversial person. I'm not saying he wouldn't stand up for himself and his rights where needed, indeed, I think he would, because, why shouldn't he - the way we all tend to? However, I can't see him being as brutal as the critics made him seem. But, gotta love the media, and their unnatural love for blowing things out of proportion, right? So, through all the controversies spiraling around him, a young Mr. Chopda brushes it off, takes it in his stride, and never once says anything negative about the people who pointed fingers. ...You see, its that inherent sweetness... In a world where people talk the talk, but are afraid to walk the walk, Harshad lets his actions do the talking, lets his work speak for itself.
This year, Harshad got his big break from Balaji Telefims, as Ekta Kapoor's new "chocolate boy" - the lead protagonist of her story of eternal, and predestined love: Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil. Within just a few months of his portrayal of Prem, Harshad bagged three awards for the same.
Recently, Harshad has also joined the cast of Ekta's Kahani Hamare Mahabharat Ki, where he will fulfill the role of Arjun.
All of the above, "Harshad's work outline" if you will, everyone already knows about him. So, what did I learn thats different from what you'll find in the obvious?
Today, I watched my first episode of LRL. It took merely one episode, and Harshad, as Cadet Ali Begh, had me convinced...had me crying with him. That one episode led to a subsequent viewing of approximately 15 more. What struck me most about Cadet Ali was the honesty with which Harshad portrayed the role. An honesty that almost forced you to fall in love with him.
After watching all of the LRL episodes I could find online - all the links that still worked anyway, I found myself craving for more. So, I followed Harshad in his journey, and caught up with a few episodes of Amber Dhara. No surprises here, I fell head over heels for Akshat. His unbiased love for Amber was touching. His childish tactics were cute, and his flirting melted my heart. As Akshat in AD, I saw Harshad dance, really dance, for the first time. It was just one more thing to add to his kitty of things he does well...(maine suna hai voh acha gaate bhi hai).
So, after a spending a day immersed in Harshad research, I find I've finally gotten to the core of what makes him who he is.
He is, a devotee that is true to his religion and his God no matter what turns his life takes. A son who could appreciate the day when his parents were finally supportive of his work (because in an age where children weigh their own desires in higher regard than their parents, it was important for Harshad to have his parents' approval); a son, who doesn't forget to take his parents' blessings before leaving the house every morning. A brother, who adores his younger sister and speaks of her in the highest regaurd, claiming he's so very lucky to have her in his life. A man, who is unafraid, to venture into the unknown. A person, who knows that the key to success is hardwork (and a good relationship with the Almighty), and that there are undoubtedly, numerous obstacles in the way. And a wonderful human being, who believes in being humble, and staying true to his work.
What does all of this say about him? It says that this is a man that deserves Respect. Respect, because he took a chance, followed his dream. Respect because he didn't have a helping hand in Mumbai that could easily give him his first gig. Respect because he is, at such a young age, self made, and successful. Respect, because of his never say never and never give up nature. Respect because he worships his work. Respect, because at age 23, this young man could proudly say he bought himself his very own, first car. Respect, because he believes in letting his work speak for itself. Respect, because though he's reached the heights of fame in such a short time, and at such a young age, he's still the humble, down-to-earth, small town guy he was years ago. Respect simply because he is the wonderful person he is. Respect because of the wonderful human being he continues to be.
Harshad Chopda is a person that everyone can look up to. His hard work and dedication make us feel as though we should push ourselves harder with each new day. His determination makes us feel as though each defeat should only make us more determined to do better next time. His outlook on life makes us give thanks for each day, take full advantage of the opportunities it presents, and make the most of every situation that comes our way.
Harshad stole my heart in his portrayal of Prem. He won my adulation with each new quirk I learned about him. Today, as I watched him play Cadet Ali, I found I was in awe of his true ability as an actor. As Akshat, he proved he is multifaceted. In such a short time, he has played multiple roles, each very different from the other. Undoubtedly, I was bowled over by his portrayal of Prem when I was first introduced to him, but today, I couldn't help but think that he's always had a knack for this. He's always been a brilliant actor since the very beginning, and now, as Prem, he's simply fine tuning those skills.
Soon, as Arjun, he will tackle yet another role, unlike the ones he's played before. As he ventures into the unknown, I wish him success, and hope that in Arjun, he finds a new sense of creative fulfillment.
My only regret is not being able to find old episodes of Mamta with which I could complete my tracking of Harshad's career. Well, that, and not finding him sooner. Not being a fan of his in his earlier stage when he needed all the support he could get. In the end however, I am simply glad to have found him at all.
Harshad Chopda is someone I have come to love, not only as small-screen Prem, whom I adore, but also as a person. He is someone who I can truly say I Respect, in every form of the word.
Love,
~Payal
[Disclaimer: My most heartfelt Thank You to Kashish and Nupur who introduced me to Harshad - I love you both very much; and, to Daisy, who unknowingly gave me the push to write this.]
Jhanak
