EXCLUSIVE: Harshad Chopda’s first interview on YRKKH, playing Abhimanyu, and the pressure

For a show that has been running for 13 years, it is a feat in itself to reinvent itself almost every 2-3 years. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is a textbook example of doing just that. The show which was earlier headlined by Hina Khan and Karan Mehra and successfully taken forward by Shivangi Joshi and Mohsin Khan has now reached another peak with a completely different story. Harshad Chopda has now taken the baton to take the legacy forward and the response so far has been good. Harshad plays doctor Abhimanyu in YRKKH.

Amid his hectic schedule and overwhelming response, Harshad has been focused to make his fans happy with the one thing he does best, performing. After following up relentlessly, I finally found Harshad give the much-needed 10 mins over call before he returned for his shot. “I have just been working throughout,” Harshad said as he picked up the call and shared how overwhelming this entire experience is.

Excerpts below:

Taking forward a legacy of sorts. What do you think of the response so far? How will you describe your character?

Honestly, you tell me, what do you think about my decision? I was promised a new show, a new season and everyone has described it as a new show and that is exactly what I have gotten.

The character is very different, he is an eccentric person, who has learnt from people’s experiences and has no experience of himself. Worldwide whatever he has seen, he has made a perception seeing all the hurt and disturbing things, he kind of has made his own parameters to protect himself. He is a doctor, to a certain extent there is a certain wanderness and wildness to him. He finds his centre around his mom. He is a loner in madness.

How much of the aspects of Abhimanyu do you identify with as Harshad?

I don’t know. How I look at characters is by the possibility, I look at it from the point of view of that do I have the capacity and capability to do it. As far as relatability is concerned, I feel it is a process and giving your all to it. Sometimes, the characters also shape the way you play it.

 

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A post shared by Harshad Chopda (@harshad_chopda)

How does it feel to know that the response so far has been good?

The response has been good. Eventually, we work for that. There are people who look upto you, they want to see you. Abhimanyu as a character I felt had everything. I was sold when they explained me the character and what the show is all about moving forward. I was like wow, let’s do this. Honestly, so far it has been delivered and people are liking it.

Were there any apprehensions you faced or any pressure knowing that you have heavy shoes to fill in?

There was no pressure but yes, i was sure that people who know me would know there must be a reason why Harshad is doing this. I like that my work speaks for me.

What is it like on sets with the new cast?

It is fun. I don’t know how to explain in words, it is an experience in itself. I am excited to be on sets, maza aa raha.

 

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A post shared by Harshad Chopda (@harshad_chopda)

Does it feel like to return to sets after a small break that you wanted to take?

I don’t want to take break as such. I like to do what I like to do. I have my certain preferences. I don’t feel any work is good or bad as such. It is only about how much that project excites me. Rest, when I am not excited, I say no.

Is it easy or difficult for you to say no?

After working for so long, I have got used to it. I think I am where I am because of the No’s i have said and I am in a happy space. I don’t know if it is right or wrong but i follow my instinct.

 

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A post shared by Harshad Chopda (@harshad_chopda)

Message to fans?

I am happy, I am seriously happy and from May, I am trying to reconnect with them on social media. I am making an effort to appreciate their love. I am happy that I am doing something I like and I know it will make them happy. That’s my way of giving back their love.

Also Read: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai SPOILER: Akshara gets a panic attack but Abhimanyu calms her down

Bhavna Agarwal

Assistant Editor at Bollywood Bubble. An ambivert who is currently high on K-dramas and K-Pop. A forever Bollywood fan, who continues to gush over solid stories and characters. Hit me up for a fine conversation over chai.

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