Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; November 15, 2021)

Harshad Chopda is back on TV with Rajan Shahi’s Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. The show, which is the longestrunning daily soap on television, has gone in for a generation leap recently. In a candid chat, Harshad talks about his choice of roles, reality shows and his personal life. Excerpts...

With Mohsin Khan and Shivangi Joshi being the lead pair of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai for many years, it’s not easy for another actor to step in. Is there an extra effort that you are putting in to make a place in the hearts of the viewers?
Whatever I do, I give it my 100 per cent. Also, it was never presented to me as an already-running show. I see it as a new show and I am enjoying what I’m doing, and the response, too, has been very positive.

You started your career in 2006, but haven’t done too many shows. Is it a conscious decision?
It is my 10th show! It is not a conscious decision to take a break for two-three years after every show. It is actually because of a lack of choice. I am a workaholic and initially, when I wouldn’t get work of my choice, I would go berserk! But then I realised that work is not only what we do on the outside, but inwards as well. So, every time a show gets over, I work on myself and try and learn newer things. Like I have learned swimming, horse riding, yoga, guitar, drums... so many things.

You spoke about the lack of choice. What sort of roles were you being offered?
It is not about good or bad offers, just that I couldn’t imagine myself in the roles that I was being offered. At the end of the day, I am quite choosy and this is evident from the kind of shows I do and the number of shows I have done.

You have stayed away from reality shows. Why?
I see myself only as an actor. I am a very boring person in real life! Plus, I have social media platforms to reach out to my fans and do not need a reality show for that. At best, I can do a dance reality show as that requires a certain art and craft.

You have also not explored the OTT platform yet....
The kind of web shows offered to me were either too abusive in language or sleazy. Going bold is not a problem, but if the idea of a maker is only abusive language and bold scenes, then there is no scope for an artist. Of course, I have not drawn any boundaries for myself here.

What’s happening on the personal front — are you single or dating someone?
I am very much single. I myself want to know why I am still single. I hope it changes soon (laughs!). I want to fall in love, date, get married.