‘TO EACH HIS OWN’

Says actor Harshad Chopda, who feels it’s important to enjoy your work, even if you do only a few projects

I am mainly about my roles. If that doesn’t excite me, I don’t take up offers. Perhaps, that’s why, I do less work. HARSHAD CHOPDA, ACTOR

After having been part of nine TV shows, popular actor Harshad Chopda is now transitioning to films. He is excited about his debut movie, which is set to release next month.

While many of his peers have tried to make a breakthrough in Bollywood, with the exception of Sushant Singh Rajput and Ayushmann Khurrana, most haven’t been as lucky or achieved the success they expected. This does not faze the Humsafars actor, who says, “We are all working, wherever and whatever that might be. To each his own. The rest is not in our hands. One can’t plan, but [one can] take up the offers that come to you. I don’t have a take on why their movies didn’t work as expected or didn’t work at all,” adding, “It’s good that many successful professionals from TV including actors and technicians, are doing movies. For me, it was a smooth transition. After my last show ended, I got this offer and things worked out.”

Harshad, who has been quite choosy in his 10-year career, follows the mantra that one should do what one enjoys. He says, “I don’t take a break after a show intentionally. I need time to shake off that show and the routine I followed for that particular series. One has to wait for the next good project. I look at the work I am offered. I am particular about my roles. When those don’t excite me, I don’t take up offers. Perhaps, that’s why, I do less work. Whatever I do, it is the stuff I want to do. It is important that you do limited but enjoyable work. In between projects, I feel free as I can be myself — sleep, work out and be happy.”

The 33-year-old actor is unfazed that his debut film isn’t a big banner production or has an enormous budget. “It is a fun, entertaining film, which is a mix of science fiction, drama and romance. I hope people enjoy it. Kiku (Sharda), Divyendu (Sharma) and I had a lot of fun shooting in Moradabad (UP) and Goa. I will cherish the experience of making the film.”

Harshad is having a tough time keeping up with the movie’s promotional activities due to an injured leg. “I want to stand up on my feet, literally. I thought I knew what pain was, but this experience has taught me more,” he says.