Rising new talent Harsh Nagar was recently in town to promote his debut film, “Always Kabhi Kabhi”. Nagar, born and brought up in Noida, is excited about his recent Bollywood introduction with the film, produced by Shah Rukh Khan's production house, Red Chillies Entertainment. The young actor would also be seen in films like “498A – The Wedding Gift” and Yash Raj Film's “Mujhse Friendship Karoge”. In a chat, he elaborates on his budding acting career. Edited excerpts:
You are getting work from good banners in Bollywood. Tell us about how you began? The struggling period is the most difficult part about getting into Bollywood. In my case, since my father is the legal advisor to Amitabh Bachchan; my dad already had an office there before I shifted to Mumbai. So I had the advantage of a car, a driver and a house. I didn't have to search for a house and I never had to travel in trains. Rest was a struggle, I had to go for the screen tests, etc.
Have you been inclined towards acting in your school days? Yes, I used to do a lot of plays. As a kid I was always into extracurricular activities. I use to play taekwondo at the national level. I loved horse riding and dancing too.
One of your upcoming projects includes a serious movie like “498A – The Wedding Gift”. How has been your experience working in it?
What I liked about the movie was firstly because it is of people of my age. The role I play is very much like I am. It is a single hero film, the protagonist is against the system. It is a very hard hitting film and an actor has a lot to do in it. Your first movie was more of a commercial kind. Given a choice, what kind of cinema would you like to work for? Thankfully, now there is a possibility of making a good Bollywood film which can be a commercial success too. Take the example of “Lagaan”. Who would have imagined a guy in a dhoti, by playing just cricket and speaking a rural tongue would make a success?
You have been chosen the brand ambassador of The Rotaract club. It pursues social causes and would require a lot of time. How do you plan to balance the busy life of an actor with social work?
I was in Noida shooting for “The Wedding Gift” when I came across the local Rotary Club secretary. Till then I had not much idea about what it does. After hearing him about the various activities the club does, I thought of being a part of it. Now I just have to give time and try and spread awareness about the various causes they endorse.
