Showing posts with label Harshvardhan Rane interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harshvardhan Rane interview. Show all posts
Ram Gopal Varma has already seen the scene from ten different angles-Harshvardhan Rane
9:56 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 7, 2026)
Actor Harshvardhan Rane is going to play the character of Daya Nayak in his next directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Ask him what's it like to be on the sets of his movie, and Harshvardhan says, "Being on Ramu sir’s set feels like entering the mind of someone who has already seen the scene from ten different angles. He is not interested in making you 'perform' he watches behaviour, instinct and the smallest reactions. That keeps you alert because anything false is immediately visible to him. There is freedom on his set, but that freedom also demands complete honesty."
He goes on to admit being a fan of Varma's work, and shares, "Working with him was something I had quietly hoped for. But when it finally happened, I tried not to approach it like a fan fulfilling a dream. I approached it like an actor who had been given a serious responsibility—and wanted to earn his director’s trust every day."
He adds, "Films like Shiva, Satya and Company didn’t just entertain us; they changed the grammar of Indian crime cinema. Ramu sir made silence, fear and unpredictability feel cinematic."
On playing the cop Daya Nayak, Rane states he wanted to understand the character internally. "I studied the facts, listened to Daya sir, understood Ramu sir’s interpretation—and then tried to find my own honest version of him," he adds.
Harshvardhan Rane began his acting career with television before making his Telugu film debut with Thakita Thakita (2010). He went on to feature in films including Naa Ishtam, Avunu, Prema Ishq Kaadhal, Maaya and Avunu 2, before making his Hindi breakthrough with Sanam Teri Kasam (2016). His subsequent work includes Paltan, Taish, Haseen Dillruba, Tara vs Bilal, Dange, Savi, The Miranda Brothers and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat.
Nobody could have thought that I’d be playing Daya Nayak-Harshvardhan Rane
9:28 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 28, 2026)
It’s safe to say that Harshvardhan Rane’s career hasn’t followed a conventional trajectory. After making his mark in Telugu cinema, the actor moved to Bollywood with Sanam Teri Kasam (2016). The film failed to make an impact at the time but found a second life with its 2025 re-release, becoming a theatrical success and putting Harshvardhan back in the spotlight.
The actor, who went on to do films like Haseen Dillruba, Dange, Savi and, more recently, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, tells us that he never had a roadmap and had to constantly navigate his way through uncertainty.
‘It’s silly to complain about not having a map in a jungle’
Asked if he ever felt like giving up during those difficult phases, Harshvardhan says his circumstances made him stronger. “Having perseverance is something I think I was born with, while circumstances forced me to become bold and strong. My philosophy is that nothing is given to you; you have to find your own path. When you enter a jungle, you can’t expect a map, so it is pointless to complain about not having one. A jungle, by definition, is where you don’t know what will happen. So when I talk about circumstances, I mean finding your own way through every ordeal.”
He insists that quitting was never really an option. “Giving up is a luxury which I never could afford. It is a quirk of the privileged,” he smiles and adds, “So, let’s say, fortunately I am not privileged.”
‘Nobody could have thought that I’d be playing Daya Nayak’
Harshvardhan’s next project, Ram Gopal Varma’s Police Company, has him step into the role of a character inspired by Mumbai encounter specialist Daya Nayak — a casting choice, he admits, that even people who have known him for years would never have imagined. For him, the role is an opportunity to challenge the stereotype.
He says, “I feel actors get easily stereotyped. I believe actors are capable of doing romance, comedy and other things. I’m playing the role of Daya Nayak — nobody could have thought that I’d be playing this part in a Ram Gopal Varma film.”
What seems to excite Harshvardhan equally is the filmmaker he is working with. Having watched RGV’s distinctive cinematic language over the years, he says witnessing his process from close quarters has been an eye-opener.
“RGV has blown my mind with his artistic nature on set. There is a strange quality of following something extremely cinematic and breaking the mould. So there is this full tug of war, this push and pull between going cinematic and breaking the grammar. I love that process.”
Cycling is one of the best ways to cut through Mumbai traffic-Harshvardhan Rane
10:49 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; June 3, 2026)
Cycling has been a constant in Harshvardhan Rane’s life, from racing to school on a red bicycle as a child to navigating Mumbai’s busy streets today. On World Bicycle Day, the actor marked the occasion with an exclusive shoot for Bombay Times at the Worli Promenade cycling track, arriving at 6.30 am on a road bike gifted to him by John Abraham. Dressed in shorts and a tank top, he spoke about the joy, freedom and life lessons he has found on two wheels.
He recalls, “As a child, I had a red cycle. That was my first transportation capsule. I felt like I was flying. I used to race to school and once a bus driver actually caught me by my ears, brought me home and complained to my father.”
A sweet cycling memory
Harshvardhan also has a sweet cycling story from his school days. “There was a girl I liked, and she liked me too. One day, she wasn’t feeling well, so I offered to drop her home on my cycle. Sitting behind made it difficult to balance, so we awkwardly decided that she would sit on the front bar instead. I think that was the closest I ever got to her,” he says with a smile.
Years later, cycling returned to Harshvardhan’s life in a much bigger way. Today, he owns both a mountain bike and a road bike, and swears by the sport as one of the best forms of fitness. “You are working your muscles, but not hurting your joints. Cycling makes you experience the environment more than walking or running because you cover more distance. Cycle pe breeze bahut achchi lagti hai,” he says.
‘Cycling is one of the best ways to cut through Mumbai traffic’
The actor believes cycling is a smart way to beat Mumbai traffic. He shares, “I used to travel from Andheri to Bandra every day for my fitness training, and it would take me 55 minutes. Then I started cycling, and the journey was reduced to 22 minutes. Even though there aren’t dedicated cycle lanes everywhere, once you start, you figure it out. If you want to reach your destination faster, cycling is one of the best ways to cut through Mumbai traffic.”
Harshvardhan is particularly excited about Mumbai’s growing cycling infrastructure and believes spaces like the Worli Promenade can transform how the city approaches fitness. “I like this dedicated cycling track. It’s nice to see so many enthusiastic cyclists at this hour. I believe we should focus on what we can do rather than complain. Blaming has never been in my nature.”
Life lessons learnt
Perhaps the most insightful lesson Harshvardhan has taken from cycling comes from the gears themselves. The Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat actor says, “Cycling has taught me how to navigate life. If you use your gears wisely, the ride becomes easier. A bigger gear helps you move with less effort, while a smaller gear helps you pick up speed. Easy or fast — that’s your choice. I relate that to life. The distance is fixed and your strength is limited, but if you use your virtues like gears, life can become easier or faster, depending on where you are in your journey.”
A special gift
Talking about a special gift that he got from John Abraham with whom he will be seen in Force 3, Harshvardhan says, “I used to cycle every day to my fitness trainer Vinod Channa sir’s gym when John Abraham sir noticed it. One day, he said, ‘Harsh, you are the right person for this,’ and gifted me his personal road bike. That was a special gift.”
I am serving the audience, not my ego-Harshvardhan Rane
9:50 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (BOMBAY TIMES; March 26, 2026)
Harshvardhan Rane, who is shooting in Ahmedabad for Force 3, joined us for a candid chat in his “urban” campervan.
The Sanam Teri Kasam actor says, “It’s my lucky 10-seater van in which I travel across India. While I have one van specifically designed for the jungle, this one is tailored for urban life and my daily shoots. I’ve always preferred a life of efficiency over typical luxury. So, I’ve transformed my van into a mobile workspace. It’s fully insulated and quiet, allowing me to conduct narrations and meetings with directors in total comfort while on the move, without sacrificing basic comforts like a washroom or a place to rest.”
‘Not here to impose my own wishes on the audience’
Harshvardhan, usually seen playing intense, serious characters, says, “The audience always knows what they want to consume; I am simply serving it. I am not purposely choosing it, but I’ve noticed that people gravitate most towards my deep romances and intense love stories. So, I am happy to serve that.”
He adds, “This is a commercial space, and my main goal is to get the audience into theatres. If I ever feel the need to express something deeply personal, there’s Instagram for that. Here, I don’t want to impose my own wishes; I want to deliver what works. People often ask me about my dream role, and I always tell them that my dream role is to be a profitable actor, someone who brings success to a project.”
‘There’s an intrinsic connection between an actor’s inherent qualities and the roles they attract’
Talking about onscreen image vs real personality, Harshvardhan, who is pursuing Psychology (Honours, currently in second year), says, “Concepts like the framing effect explain why audiences naturally associate an actor’s performance with their true character. Viewers once believed on-screen villains were genuinely bad people, and actors portraying mythological characters are treated like deities. I’ve accepted that storytelling creates its own reality. I believe there is an intrinsic connection between an actor’s inherent qualities and the roles they attract. Ultimately, certain traits are already within you, which is why those specific characters come to you and stay with you.”
‘I am getting good opportunities, need to respect that’
Harshvardhan started his career with Telugu and Tamil films. Is he open to doing south films now? He says, “Focusing on one thing at a time helps me stay sharp and do my best work. While multitasking works for some, I feel giving a single project my full attention is the only way to do justice. Even when a brilliant script comes along, it is difficult to say yes because a film isn’t just about the 30 days of shooting — it requires your presence long before and after the cameras roll. It’s amazing that people like Dhanush, Dulquer Salmaan, and Rana Daggubati manage so much at once. That level of commitment is incredibly tough.”
And what about OTT projects? He says, “Right now, I am getting good work and don’t want to disrupt the flow of what I am receiving just to satisfy a personal whim. When you are getting good opportunities, it is important to respect that and not just jump to something else for the sake of it. I am not here to chase every platform or medium just because I can.”
‘We must stay honest with our viewers’
Asked about how to bring more audiences to theatres, Harshvardhan laughs, “If anyone knew the secret to guaranteed success in this industry, they would be as wealthy as the world’s top businessmen. This business is very unpredictable. The most important thing we can do is to stay honest with our viewers. If you work based on genuine emotion, you have a much better chance of connecting with people. If you overthink everything and try to manufacture a hit, the audience will see right through it because they are very smart. They don’t want to buy a 'fake' product; they want something real. That’s how even social media works today. A video filmed on a basic phone from a remote place, without any fancy lights or cameras, can still go viral because it has a sense of reality. If your work is honest, people will gravitate towards it.”
‘Honesty and good content have worked for me’
Talking about Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), which didn’t do well at the box office initially, becoming a success after its re-release last year, he says, “There was a phase of re-releases where several films were back in theatres; but only some of them did well. So, people have not found out what is working. Honestly, I came to understand a great deal—because for eight years, I saw it reflected in people’s eyes wherever I travelled. My producer wasn’t sure about re-releasing the film. I told him, ‘Aap kuch mat karo, bas movie release karva do. I will just announce it on Instagram.’ We got just 25 theatres across the nation. But the next day, it was released in 1500 theatres, and within 24 hours, the ticket sales skyrocketed. I simply connected honesty with reality.”
He adds, “People rightly say that social media following has no connection with ticket sales. But in my case, that changed. Some people called it history, but some even called it a fluke until Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat entered the Rs. 100 crore club. Honesty, a realistic approach and good content have worked for me.”
‘The warmth I experience in Ahmedabad is unbelievable’
Harshvardhan, who has a good fan following in Ahmedabad, says, “This is the second time I’m experiencing this (fan love) in Ahmedabad. We came here on an unplanned visit after Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat was released to thank people for their love. The response we got here pushed us to do a whole tour. It may be because of the sweetness of the food, but the warmth is unbelievable. It keeps us motivated.”
Going off the grid teaches me how simple life can be-Harshvardhan Rane
9:58 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; November 20, 2025)
While many Mumbaikars like spending their weekends at malls or unwinding over long brunches, a growing number of people are choosing the outdoors instead. They drive toward forests, lakesides, and quiet trails for some silence, fresh air, and a sense of escape. Some take their 4x4s into slushy paths, while others park their camper vans beside hidden water bodies. What unites them is the need for a break that feels grounded and real. Actor Harshvardhan Rane is one of them.
Ask him how he disconnects from the relentless pace of Mumbai, and he shares, “I love getting into my camper van and driving to a place where there is a water body, some trees and mountains at a distance. The sound of birds and the breeze is always welcome. I get busy setting up my van and then cooking. The entire day goes by observing nature, cooking, cleaning, and clicking pictures. It is the simplest joy.”
For Harshvardhan, the perfect weekend is simple. Give him a van, a patch of wilderness, and a few quiet hours, and he is content. For him, adventure is not a break from life; it is the way he resets. He shares, “Going off the grid teaches me that humans have complicated their lives with things they do not really need to survive. Being out of my comfort zone is actually my favourite thing to do because that is what makes me grow.”
His connection with nature is both emotional and biological. The Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat actor says, “Simple things like walking barefoot in the sun and touching rocks and water have a scientific effect on our biology. It is the most underrated form of self-care one can practise.”
And when it comes to choosing between a luxury getaway and a rugged detour, he chooses the latter every time. He shares, “Maharashtra is full of beautiful getaway options. Karjat, Rajmachi, Shrivardhan, Kamshet... you can drive a hundred kilometres in any direction and find a stunning spot with homestays, camping sites, local food and a bunch of outdoor activities.”
Even though many outdoor enthusiasts travel in groups, Harshvardhan admits he is a lone wolf. “I am not part of any outdoor groups. I am not a great team planner, and it drains me to watch people debate about where to go and when to leave (laughs). I prefer leaving within thirty minutes of finding a two- or three-day window with no work. But one day I want to work on this weakness and plan a trip with people who love nature as much as I do,” he signs off.
I study for at least five hours every day-Harshvardhan Rane
8:16 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 18, 2024)
Art, we know, has the power to inspire and transform people. In Harshvardhan Rane’s case, it motivated him to pursue an old but cherished dream – to continue his studies! The actor, who had put his education on hold to pursue a career in showbiz, has enrolled in a Psychology (Honours) programme. He says, “After I became an actor, I felt I had achieved whatever I wanted to, but the desire to finish my education remained unfulfilled. So last year, when I found some free time after completing all my work commitments, I decided to become a student again.”
Interestingly, his character in ‘Dange’ inspired him to choose psychology. He elaborates, “I have always been interested in human behaviour. As actors, too, we have to delve into the minds of various characters. My interest in psychology deepened during the shoot of a film, as the character I played required me to do a lot of research on the subject. I was so engrossed that I was certain that if I pursued graduation, it would be in psychology.”
Harshvardhan is as committed a student as he is an actor. “It’s been seven months since I enrolled for this long-distance course, and I study for at least five hours every day. The exams are scheduled for June. My current syllabus is all about Biopsychology – the human body, neurons, sections of the brain, and reflexes. Let’s see what’s in store in the second and the third year,” he shares excitedly.
How does he find the time to study during gruelling shoot schedules? “I utilize every spare minute; for example, I study in between shots, while waiting in the vanity van. Instead of spending time on social media, clicking pictures, and chatting, I try to learn a new chapter every day. Even when I am travelling for the promotions of my films, I call my tutor on the way. So, if you spot me with my headphones on, please understand that I am listening to lectures (smiles). In short, whenever I get an opportunity, I pick my book or listen to online lectures. In fact, I have started loving Mumbai’s traffic, as it gives me more time to study. Toh mujhe traffic se bohot pyaar ho gaya hai (laughs!). I revise even at the gym,” he answers.
The ‘Haseen Dillruba’ actor says that his life experiences have enhanced his perspective as a student of Psychology and vice-versa.
“Dono cheezon ne ek doosre ko help kiya hai. I ran away from home at the age of 16. I didn’t read books, I read people. Studying and analysing human behaviour and understanding what leads them to behave a certain way…logon ko padhna hi mera survival ka ek tareeka tha. That has made me extremely observant. This helps me in my performance, and now in my studies,” he signs off.
We plan to send a concentrator to an old age home too-Harshvardhan Rane
8:09 AM
Avid biker Harshvardhan sells his Royal Enfield to donate oxygen concentrators to Cyberabad police, orphanage
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 14, 2021)
Earlier this month, Harshvardhan Rane had posted pictures of his gleaming Royal Enfield Continental GT on Instagram, informing that he intended to sell the bike to raise funds for oxygen concentrators. Two weeks on, the avid biker may be missing his first love, but he is glad to have lent a hand in this time of crisis.
The actor, who battled the infection last October, says he can understand the acute suffering of patients, owing to the scarcity of oxygen. “I couldn’t look at my Royal Enfield bike, knowing that someone is not able to breathe, [and decided to put it up for sale]. Luckily, I found a buyer in Hyderabad. It has yet to be transported, but the buyer was kind enough to make the payment so that we could get the oxygen concentrators. One concentrator has reached the Cyberabad police, and another, donated to NGO Cheers Foundation [that provides shelter and food to underprivileged children]. We plan to send a concentrator to an old-age home too,” he says.
It was heartbreaking for Rane to part with his first bike. “I had bought it with my earnings from a South film. It was like my baby, and I used to lavish care on it. It was a part of me, but now, it is serving a bigger purpose by helping people breathe.”
I will forever be indebted to Minnakshi Das-Harshvardhan Rane
8:20 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 4, 2021)
His sister, Rohini Rane, who lives in Goa, too, wanted to come to Mumbai to be by her brother’s side, but the actor stopped her. He shares, “Both Minnakshi and I dissuaded my sister from coming, as I was petrified of her getting infected.”
Harshvardhan says that phase taught him who his true friends are and who will stand by him always. “I will forever be indebted to Minnakshi for taking care of me while putting her health at risk. I feel sad that she had to suffer from COVID-19 because of me. For me, the word family isn’t just restricted to those who are related to you by blood, but also those you choose on your journey of life. I feel that the bond between two friends becomes stronger when life throws a challenge and catches you off guard. Minnakshi has always shown how strong she can be in difficult times,” he signs off.
Harshvardhan Rane to give away his bike in exchange for oxygen concentrators
8:32 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 3, 2021)
Every help counts — at least in the given scenario where people are not even getting a chance at survival due to lack of oxygen and basic medical facilities. Every day, thousands of people are making appeals on social media and many celebs have already pitched in and are doing their bit. Coming forward to help, actor Harshvardhan Rane has decided to give away his bike in exchange for oxygen concentrators for people in need.
An avid biker, who took to social media to post pics of him with his two-wheeler, tells us, “My upbringing, which was on my own after I ran away from my house, has usually been around solving a problem. I try to find a solution rather than focusing on how did it go wrong and who’s responsible.”
The 37-year-old noticed his bike parked in his garage, which he had not been able to take out for a ride owing to the circumstances. “I’d just look at it, parked — like everything right now in my life looks like. I felt it could be used for something or someone. I don’t come from a background where I could just write huge cheques. I feel horrible if something is kept next to me, and someone isn’t able to breathe. I was going through this for the past few weeks, and that made me think of letting this motorcycle become oxygen for somebody,” shares Rane.
Offers have started pouring in, and the actor just wants to make sure he gets the maximum oxygen concentrators in exchange for the bike.
“I never thought I’d spend so much time on direct messages. People are coming forward and offering their best price. We’re trying to see how many concentrators we can get. Hopefully, in a day or two, we’ll find someone who’s able to give us the maximum,” he ends.
I was on oxygen support in the ICU for four days-Harshvardhan Rane
8:39 AM
The actor talks about his recent battle with COVID-19
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 25, 2020)
Actor Harshvardhan Rane missed out on the promotions of his upcoming film Taish, which has been directed by Bejoy Nambiar. It turns out, he was hospitalised and in a serious condition after testing positive for Coronavirus. The actor says, “I was on oxygen support in the ICU for four days. I feel bad that I couldn’t promote the film at all. In fact, I still feel weak. It started with a severe headache and a slight fever. When the headache didn’t subside even after four days, I went to a hospital, where they dismissed it as viral fever. However, they did a COVID-19 test, which turned out to be positive. When I didn’t get any relief from fever and headache even after two days, I went to the hospital once again, and they admitted me to the ICU immediately. It was only after eight days that my fever subsided aur headache kam hua.”
Harshvardhan says that his film’s team was extremely worried about him. He shares, “Bejoy would check on me two-three times a day. It’s a strange coincidence that I had locked myself up for a week to prepare for my character in Taish. And, when the trailer was launched, I was again in isolation, but for a different reason. I would continuously watch the teaser of the film and even messaged Bejoy, saying, ‘Dawai kaam nahi kar rahi hai, but aapka teaser is making me feel better’.”
Taish worked as an anti COVID drug for me-Harshvardhan Rane
8:38 AM
Harshvardhan Rane on dubbing for the Bejoy Nambiar directed-venture from the hospital
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 25, 2020)
The pandemic has compelled everyone to think out of the box—from conducting remote shoots to seeking digital premiere of movies. Harshvardhan Rane has taken it a notch higher—the actor, who had tested positive for Coronavirus earlier this month, dubbed for Bejoy Nambiar's Taish from his hospital bed.
In his bid to meet the October 29 deadline, Rane recorded a few lines on his phone, at the director's behest. "I made a small studio in the hospital with 12 blankets when I was in the ICU," explains the actor, adding that the medical staff initially found his sudden requests for blankets rather worrisome. "The nurses felt I had lost my mind when I told them it was to create a small dubbing studio. I made a little den to minimise the external noise to ensure clarity. They had to work on the sound professionally after I sent them the recording. Taish worked as an anti-COVID drug for me."
A firm believer in doing his homework, Rane got into the skin of the character before shooting for the ZEE5 project. "I had locked myself up [to channel] the character's rage," says the actor, who had then temporarily shifted his base to the outskirts of Mumbai. He also credits Nambiar for giving him a free hand to interpret his character. "Bejoy has this great quality of not spoon-feeding his actors. He also acknowledges the audience's intelligence and serves [content that gives them a window] into his thoughts." Taish has been developed in two formats— a two-hour film and a six-part series.
Ready to bounce back to work, the actor will resume shooting for the Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey-starrer Haseen Dillruba later this month. "We were supposed to finish [the schedule] in March. We returned from Haridwar, and in the next 24 hours, the lockdown was announced."
I ran away from home when I was 16; had only Rs 200 in my pocket-Harshvardhan Rane
7:53 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 7, 2017)
Success is sweeter when it
follows a gut-wrenching struggle. Harshvardhan Rane would know. For,
there was a time when even survival was a battle for the Bollywood
actor. Fuelled by the ambition to enter showbiz, Harsh ran away from
home (Gwalior) at 16 - that was his second attempt at fleeing, by the way
- and landed in Delhi with just Rs 200 in his pocket. Soon, the teenager
realised that dreams won't fill an empty stomach. He recalls, “I couldn't
relate to the mindset of people in my hometown. Since I had no
educational qualification, I only got menial jobs in Delhi. Soon, a PCO
hired me for Rs 10 a day to maintain their call log. Within a few days, a
cyber cafe owner offered me a job with a 'hike' of Rs 20 per day.“
It was then that Harsh became aware of a major handicap he had - he didn't know English. “I started watching English news channels and would repeat after the anchor. Since coaching classes were expensive, I joined a call centre where, after undergoing training for a month, I quit. I followed this strategy in 15 BPOs. I could earn money and learn English at the same time. I also assisted a DJ around that time and replaced him after he fought with the club owner,“ the actor says.
Harsh's Delhi stay ended quite unexpectedly. “The idea of being associated with Bollywood prompted me to get into DVD distribution. So, when I got a similar offer from Mumbai, I was excited because I had heard stories about people landing opportunities, just like that. So, in 2006, I left for Mumbai with my girlfriend,“ he says.
But tougher times awaited him in Mumbai. “When I learnt that I will have to pay a deposit of Rs 55,000 to rent an accommodation, I put up my girlfriend at a friend's place and returned to Delhi. I worked at two call centres simultaneously for a couple of months and headed back to Mumbai with sufficient money. Then we started staying on rent,“ he elaborates.
Once settled, Harsh decided to pursue acting, and bagged a TV show after his first audition. He also joined an acting class. However, his wait for making it to the big screen continued. “One day, I went to meet a film producer and entered the wrong flat. It was a casting agency and they suggested that I audition for a four-hero Telugu film. I was confirmed a month later. Interestingly, it's not easy down South for a newcomer to bag positive roles, but I was adamant. For three years, I kept rejecting negative characters and took up carpentry instead. I used to refurbish old furniture and sell it. I also painted a restaurant or two. Suddenly in 2013, I started getting many positive roles down South and in 2015, I bagged my first Bollywood film, Sanam Teri Kasam,“ he says.
Looking back, the actor says he has no regrets whatsoever. “I have always followed my heart and don't regret any decision,“ he says. Well, that's not completely true, though. As Harsh confesses, “I am single since nine years. My only regret is that I let go of the girls I connected with on an emotional level.“
It was then that Harsh became aware of a major handicap he had - he didn't know English. “I started watching English news channels and would repeat after the anchor. Since coaching classes were expensive, I joined a call centre where, after undergoing training for a month, I quit. I followed this strategy in 15 BPOs. I could earn money and learn English at the same time. I also assisted a DJ around that time and replaced him after he fought with the club owner,“ the actor says.
Harsh's Delhi stay ended quite unexpectedly. “The idea of being associated with Bollywood prompted me to get into DVD distribution. So, when I got a similar offer from Mumbai, I was excited because I had heard stories about people landing opportunities, just like that. So, in 2006, I left for Mumbai with my girlfriend,“ he says.
But tougher times awaited him in Mumbai. “When I learnt that I will have to pay a deposit of Rs 55,000 to rent an accommodation, I put up my girlfriend at a friend's place and returned to Delhi. I worked at two call centres simultaneously for a couple of months and headed back to Mumbai with sufficient money. Then we started staying on rent,“ he elaborates.
Once settled, Harsh decided to pursue acting, and bagged a TV show after his first audition. He also joined an acting class. However, his wait for making it to the big screen continued. “One day, I went to meet a film producer and entered the wrong flat. It was a casting agency and they suggested that I audition for a four-hero Telugu film. I was confirmed a month later. Interestingly, it's not easy down South for a newcomer to bag positive roles, but I was adamant. For three years, I kept rejecting negative characters and took up carpentry instead. I used to refurbish old furniture and sell it. I also painted a restaurant or two. Suddenly in 2013, I started getting many positive roles down South and in 2015, I bagged my first Bollywood film, Sanam Teri Kasam,“ he says.
Looking back, the actor says he has no regrets whatsoever. “I have always followed my heart and don't regret any decision,“ he says. Well, that's not completely true, though. As Harsh confesses, “I am single since nine years. My only regret is that I let go of the girls I connected with on an emotional level.“
I am envious of the women who can run marathons. Because I cannot-Harshvardhan Rane
7:43 AM
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; March 22, 2017)
Harshvardhan Rane is one of the fittest actors we have today. The actor is very strict about his diet — he follows the caveman diet, which is also considered one of the toughest diets across the world. With a great body and drive for fitness, he does the fit talk with us...
Dieting=Discipline
I maintain my physique, thanks to my diet. For me, 51 per cent credit goes to diet and 49 per cent would be exercising. It was one of my biggest weaknesses. I love eating rice. Pehle, I used to give in and indulge. The result was right in front of my face and sometimes, even on my face.
(Smiles) So for me, to overcome one of these challenges is something I really enjoy. Dieting is something I enjoy because it teaches me discipline.
Workout without distraction
I work out 50-55 minutes every single day with one day break in a week. I work out without looking at my phone. If you are WhatsApping and doing all that, you need to work out for two-three hours and still not get the desired results, which is the case with many people today. The reason is you are taking way too many breaks and longer breaks which is not good for you. You need to break your muscle within a particular time frame and that’s the only time you get to break your muscle.
My fitness is very physical
Fitness means everything to me. There are a few core beliefs which I religiously work on because I want my beliefs to be aligned or close to what my dad used to be. I feel good thinking or behaving like my father. After that, the most important thing is fitness for me. Because my beliefs are in my head. But my fitness is very physical — I can see it in the mirror or when I run or when I’m working out. Physical fitness is the second most important thing after spiritual fitness, maybe!
Outdoor sports helps!
I have started playing football for a film down South. I have played a lot of badminton in Hyderabad. I have also played cricket for Telugu Warriors.
Not a marathon runner
So, let’s get this correct. There are two types of muscle fibers. Slow twitch and fast twitch muscles, also called type 1 and type 2 respectively. So if you are a marathon runner, you will be type 1. If you are a sprint runner, you will be the second type. People who sprint can’t run longer and people who run longer can’t run fast. So I am the sprinter type. I can run really quick. My body is not of a marathon runner. I am a very big fan of 100 metre sprint because everything is clear within 12 seconds – where you stand. It’s the quickest way to know where you stand in life. Plus, it’s a sport you can afford.
Women need to be as fit as men
Men or women everyone needs to be fit. We are living because we are surviving and to survive, Darwin’s theory — survival of the fittest — applies. So if you aren’t fit, maybe you won’t diminish but as a race, your whole gene pool will diminish.
It’s a great initiative
I am envious of the women who can run marathons. Because I cannot. I envy people who can play guitar, sing and run marathons, to be precise. I have a few friends —women who run marathons and I am really inspired by them. I think they glow a little more than normal people. And yes, this is a great initiative by DNA. I hope and wish the team all the best for the endeavour.
I don't really care about the rumours-Harshvardhan Rane
7:25 AM
Telugu actor Harshvardhan Rane is all set to make his Bollywood debut; talks about his friendship with badminton player Jwala Gutta
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 7, 2016)
Telugu actor Harshvardhan Rane who has been in the news for his closeness to glamorous badminton player and Hyderabad girl, Jwala Gutta, guffaws when prodded about their relationship. "Unfortunately, I have been single for the last eight years. The only girl I have ever dated is now my best buddy's girlfriend. The three of us actually live together," he states matter-of-factly.
Harsh admits that while he loves playing badminton, he values his privacy and makes very few social appearances. "And since all these appearances were with Jwala, people have linked us. I don't really care about the rumours. Jwala's a wonderful person to be around. She's just won two more medals for the country. I enjoy her company and I'm not going to stop playing badminton because people are talking about us," he asserts.
The actor has featured in nine Telugu hits and is set for a Bollywood debut this year along with Pakistani beauty Mawra Hocane in Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao's romance drama, Sanam Teri Kasam. He recalls how he ran away from home at 16 and worked at a cyber cafe-cum-STD booth; eventually moving to Mumbai to sell DVDs. "Finally, I landed a role in the TV show, Left Right Left, which reminded me of Shah Rukh Khan and how he too had debuted on screen with a TV show," he reminisces.
Harsh has also wrapped up a John Abraham production, Satra Ko Shaadi Hai. Prod him on whether he plans to juggle Telugu and Hindi films and he retorts, "I don't plan so I don't know what's next. The popcorn everywhere is the same, right? So Telugu, Hindi or Marathi film, it makes no difference to me," he retorts.
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