Telugu actor Harshvardhan Rane and the Pakistani model, VJ and actress, Mawra make their Bollywood debut with the film Sanam Teri Kasam. Directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, the film is slated for the release this Friday. Excerpts from the interview with the actors.
Can you tell us about the film and your characters?
Harshvardhan: When I approached the directors for this role, they had already cast the actor. I kept insisting them to take me in. I auditioned and convinced them that I am the best suit for this role as the character has some of my father’s qualities. Even the actor who was cast saw the tape and loved my audition. Inder, my character is raw and rough from outside but he is genuine. He is an introvert and has a warmth inside which only a few can tap.
Mawra: It is a love story with practicality of modern times, yet classic. I play the role of a South Indian girl who is simple, compassionate and honest.
How was the experience working with two directors Radhika and Vinay for your Bollywood debut?
Harshvardhan: I have grown up watching their films. They have 70 blockbuster songs. They have worked with stars and are known for the
Dabangg songs etc. They present people so differently. They always have something new to offer to the audience. I might sound overconfident here but this is my hard core belief that this film will be one of the top 3 love stories of 2016. They treated me like
family and hence the pressure was less. They are responsible for the transition in me.
Mawra: It was a learning experience. I am not the same person I was earlier. They groomed me as an actor. They told me to keep it real and organic. They made me realise how special I am. They had more faith in me than I had in myself. It’s an honour to do it with seven songs in my first film.
Which is your favourite song from the film?
Harshvardhan: Tera chehra by Arijit Singh. I auditioned on that song. He made it so easy for me to perform.
Mawra: Kheech meri photo. The directors told me that it’s my song. It was great shooting the song.
Harsh, Mahesh Bhatt has announced the remake of your Telegu film Maaya in Hindi. What do you have to say?
Harshvardhan: He has now just made an official statement. He is a master and an institution in himself. It is a great project to work for. I am looking forward to it.
Did you always wanted to be an actor?
Harshvardhan: I always wanted to be an actor. I ran away from my house at 16 with just Rs 100 in my pocket. I did several odd jobs. I worked at a phone booth, cyber cafe, sold CDs and furniture in Hyderabad.
People never considered acting as a choice of career then. I couldn’t explain anyone either. My parents got divorced when I was 10. I didn’t have a mother and I was not close to my dad. So, I just decided to go with my gut feeling. Your heart is always right.
Mawra, being a Pakistani, how do you feel being a part of Bollywood?
Mawra: I have always been part of it as an audience. It doesn’t matter where you are from. Bollywood is very close to me. It is as mine as yours. It is a huge privilege and honour to be a part of this 100 year fraternity.