Meet the newest star-kid in town. Anil Kapoor’s son Harshvardhan Kapoor is as intense and passionate about his work as his father, and a lot more focused. Unlike Anil, Harsh won’t do more than one film at a time. But he will work uninterrupted. Now that he has finished shooting for his debut film Mirzya, Harshvardhan is already shooting for his second film, Vikramaditya Motwane’s Bhavesh Joshi.
As D-day approaches, we look at unknown facts about the extremely reclusive Kapoor scion.
1. On Landing His First Role
When Harshvardhan, called Harsh by family and friends, was offered Mirzya by director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra three years ago, he said no to the offer. That was when Harsh visited his sister Sonam on the sets of Mehra’s Delhi 6. At that point of time he wanted to be a filmmaker and even assisted Anurag Kashyap on Bombay Velvet. But Mehra waited. He knew Harsh would come around to his real vocation in life.
2. His Prep For Mirzya
Harsh was sent to South Africa to learn acting from Tina Bertina, an acting coach. She taught Harsh how to hold a frame for the longest time without losing concentration. She also taught Harsh to surrender completely to the characters he plays.
3. His Perfectionist Streak
Harsh had to learn horse riding, archery and polo for Mirzya. Not satisfied with the training facilities available in India, Harsh was sent off to the US. In Seattle on a ranch Harsh lived, slept, ate and worked with horses. He now claims he knows more about horses than about human beings.
4. Harsh is a certifiable recluse
“I am in the habit of disappearing for a few weeks and my family is used to that,” he tells me without fuss.
5. His Lack of Diplomacy
Harsh won’t lie, come what may. It doesn’t matter if his honesty gets him into trouble. But he won’t bullshit about anything. If he doesn’t like a filmmaker’s work he won’t work with him and it doesn’t matter if that filmmaker is a self-styled Spielberg. In his lack of diplomacy Harsh is a complete opposite to his dad. “I can’t be nice to anyone just to get in that person’s good books,” he says.
.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&fmt=webp&width=720)
6. His Equation with His Sisters
The actor dotes on his two sisters Rhea and Sonam and has their names tattooed on his back. He admits to being closer to Rhea. “She is a home bird like me. Sonam is more outgoing. She spends a lot of time travelling. Rhea and I would rather be curled up at home with a book,” Harsh confesses.
7. Harsh’s Favourite Films of His Dad Anil Kapoor?
“Parinda, My Wife’s Murder, Dil Dhadakne Do, Slumdog Millionaire.” Admits to not sharing a close relationship with his father during childhood. “Dad was busy working. We siblings were completely brought up by Mom.” Growing older Harsh came closer to his father for their shared passion for cinema. “But I don’t consult Dad about the roles that I do. I’ve chosen my first two films on my own and I’m about to sign a third.”
8. On Signing His Second Film
Harsh’s second film, Vikaramditya Motwane’s Bhavesh Joshi, was first offered to Harsh some years ago. Harsh felt he was too young and inexperienced for the part. Motwane went to Imran Khan and then Sidharth Malhotra and finally came back to Harshvardhan. “I guess every role has its own destiny,” says the wiser-beyond-his-years youngster.
.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&fmt=webp&width=720)
9. Harsh’s Favourite Actors
Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, Cate Blanchett, Brit Marling, Jennifer Lawrence, Felicity Jones, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Jared Leto.Harshvardhan Kapoor, Actor
10. His Wishlist of Directors
I don’t have a wishlist because I’ve already worked with the directors Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Vikramaditya Motwane who were on my wishlist. But yes , I’d like to work with Rakeysh again.Harshvardhan Kapoor, Actor
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)