'Anamika has a totally different approach from Kahaani'

Harshvardhan Rane who began his acting career with the Telugu film Thakita Thakita, followed it up with Naa Ishtam, Avunu, and Prema Ishq Kaadhal.

He has done a small yet important role in Sekhar Kammula’s Anamika, a remake of the Hindi film Kahaani.  

He is now shooting for his maiden Hindi film Satra Ko Shaadi Hai. In Bhopal for the shoot, Harsh spent a few minutes talking on the telephone about his special role in Anamika and his other films.

How did you feel when you were asked by Sekhar Kammula to act in Anamika?

Sekhar Kammula is one of the top five Telugu directors. He is a cult filmmaker. If such a creative filmmaker asks me to do even a passing role, I would do it.

Creativity stimulates me and I like creative people. I was very excited and happy to get that call. Sekhar Sir is any actor’s dream director.

Have you seen Kahaani? Do you think Anamika will give that sense of deja vu to those who have seen Kahaani?

I have seen Kahaani. The last five years seems to be a time of remakes. From Don to Agneepath to Wanted, Ghajini, Rowdy Rathore and many more have been remade.

I was sure Sekhar Sir would treat it in his own way, and I was convinced that it would be entertaining.

He has a gripping story-telling style and the treatment is what matters even though the story line is known.

How has it been adapted by Sekhar Kammula?

He has changed it, even though everyone knows the basic line. His point of view is different from Kahaani.

Could you tell us what you play in Anamika?

It’s a small but important role. I want the audience to see it and pass judgement. Want to keep it as a surprise.

You have acted with Nayanathara in this film. How was the interaction with her?

It was fantastic. A beginner like me got to act with an actor of that league and professionalism.

It is great exposure. One day I was sitting with her and I asked her to give me feedback on my acting.

She said, ‘I don’t have to tell you anything. You are one of the easiest co-actors to act with. You think a lot. Your timing is apt and it helps the other actor.’ It was sweet of her and it meant a lot to me.

So, were you bowled over by her comments?

Yes. But I have learnt to stay calm and take such comments at face value and apply it however I can in future.

Even Sekhar Sir told me once after a shot, ‘Tu Hollywood jayega’ (you’ll go to Hollywood). It was the biggest compliment (laughs).

Nayanathara’s quality and work has got her here. She has great aura, she is extremely positive, gorgeous and warm. Your warmth as a star with people around is a big plus. I respect that.

What was it like working with Sekhar Kammula?

It’s a dream come true. He is child-like and also a creative genius.

I would love to work with him again. It was a great experience.

This is the smallest role I have played so far. Anamika has a totally different approach. It is a fresh film with a superstar actress and a superstar director.

Even though I have a small but important role it is special to me.

What was your reaction to your last release, Prema Ishq Kaadhal?

I think it got me accolades. I have never got such reviews from critics. I have never got so many positive responses.

People said I played a perfect and subtle role. I was also looking totally different which went down well. Musically also the film did well.

What’s the status of the Telugu film Maya directed by Neelakantha?

The shoot is over. I’m playing the solo lead along with three heroines.

He is a national-award winning director. So it’s a jackpot for me. They are waiting for me to launch the poster and first look.

I should be free in a week to go to Hyderabad. Ravi Babu called me again for a film.

You are now shooting for your debut film in Hindi titled Satra Ko Shaadi Hai. How does it feel to be part of John Abraham’s project?

John Abraham is launching me in Hindi films. It’s a great thing. I never expected to act in Hindi as one of the two leads. I don’t know whom to thank.

So many people have been wishing me well. I strongly believe in the book The Secret. What people have wished for me has come true.

I want to give credit to Times of India’s ‘Desirable List of Twenty Actors’ which listed me at number 17.

I gave a good video test. I met John Abraham, a superstar who follows his own path. I have signed a Telugu project too.

I look at the conviction of the filmmaker. How mad he or she is about the project is important for me.