Don't compare me with Hrithik:Harman Baw

By Subhash K Jha

Harman Baweja, Voted The Most Anticipated Newcomer Of 2007 In A Filmfare Poll, In His First Formal Interview...

How was it working with Priyanka Chopra in your very first film?
She's an extremely challenging co-star….and a seasoned trouper in front of me. She's worked with the likes of Shah Rukh, Salman and Hrithik. She's a very helpful co-star. A lot of the credit for what I've done in Love Story 2050 goes to her. She always pointed out my mistakes.

And did you listen to her?
Of course I took her advice, and my dad and my cameraman's. I've been brought up to be obedient.

How do you react to being compared with Hrithik Roshan?
I find these premature comparisons very immature. It's extremely unfair to me to be compared to a guy who is 8 years and 25 films ahead of me. I'm just a new kid on the block. Hrithik knows all the tricks of the trade. I've just started..

Maybe you're compared with him because your debut Love Story 2050 resembles Krissh?
Wait and see, Love Story 2050 is nothing like anything we've never seen. On the script level it has even been registered at the American Guild Of Writers as a totally unique experience. My dad (producer-director Harry Baweja) wrote this script long back.

He wanted to make it with another actor in 2000, just like I believe Hrithik's dad wrote his debut Kaho Na…Pyar Hai for another actor, ha ha. Maybe it was meant to be the perfect rain check for me. I've always been pampered by my parents with the most lavish gifts. Dad always spoilt me silly. But this one beats them all.

It's a sci-fi thriller, isn't it?
Sort of. When we tossed the idea at our friends everyone was like, 'Dude, what are you attempting?'. Luckily we knew what we were doing. Now when the film is ready everyone is saying, 'Dude, it's a great idea. Why didn't we make it first?'

You've been voted the most promising newcomer, ahead of Ranbir Kapoor.
I'm surprised, very surprised. Ranbir is being launched by that magician Sanjay Leela Bhansali whereas I'm being launched by my father. Of course Harry Baweja is a big name. But people don't take doting fathers seriously. I'm lucky to have my dad launch me in a film as huge as Love Story 2050.

It's definitely one of the most expensive films produced in this country. It's your typical hardcore commercial film…but with a twist. Half the film is F-X, all done internationally. We're ready to release towards the end of the year.

Frightened by the expectations?
Expectations only add another engine to my rocket. I always feel there's room for improvement. My mom taught me one thing. It's easy to achieve ninety percent of your potential. It's the last ten percent that needs real working on. The last lap is a mammoth task.

Your dancing skills are being compared with Hrithik Roshan?
All my dances in my debut film are choreographed by Ganesh Hegde and Ahmed Khan. I believe I've developed my own style of dancing, and it's very different from what the other A-1 dancers Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapoor do on screen. I'm sure I'll be able to create my own dancing and acting niche.

You've assisted your dad through many of his films…
Yes I have. I helped me dad first with his Deewane. But that doesn't mean I'm equipped to direct a film. Yeah maybe a decade from now I'd direct a film. I've a long way to go as an actor. By being knowledgable about behind-the-camera goings-on I certainly didn't become knowledgable as an actor. You can watch a movies all your life, it doesn't mean you can direct films.

Final thoughts?
Still lots to do. Each time I sit down on the editing of Love Story 2050 I feel I could've done better.