Harshad's characters
Harshad bagged his first project Mamta (2006) after auditioning for the role. It was the first step towards fulfilling his dream. He played a negative character called Karan Srivastav.
Later, Harshad got his first major acting break in television as Cadet Ali Baig in the army show Left Right Left alongside established actors like Rajeev Khandelwal and even though Ali’s character was not as strong as that of the others, it was here that he first proved his mettle as an actor. He ensured that the audiences took notice of him right from his very first scene where he introduced himself as “Hum hain Ali, Kanpur se”. He played the role to perfection, nailing all of Ali’s emotional, comic and romantic scenes. Harshad left an indelible impression on viewers with his sincere portrayal as the memorable Cadet Ali, and never looked back…
Harshad's next project was Amber Dhara the story of conjoint twins. In Amber Dhara, Harshad played the role of a protective and caring friend Akshat Mehra. This project was Harshad's first lead role. However, Harshad's portrayal was short-lived.
“Koi haath laga ke dikhaye, himmat hain toh maar ke dikhaye…gar dunga yahaan par!”
This was the dialogue a handsome man dressed in a sherwani was saying while holding a weeping girl in his arms. The show was called Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil it was a massive success globally and made Harshad a household name. The iconic scene where Prem saves Heer from Daljeet Chachi made people stop and watch what was happening. It proved that better things come to those who work hard and have patience.
In Prem viewers saw an actor that portrayed immense talent. An actor that was speaking volumes through his eyes while he protected the girl watching, what society would think, and what his family would say. He held on to the girl he loved and he protected her from injustice. It was this scene that connected many viewers with Prem Juneja. It was a simple role. A man that was the obedient son, a role model brother, and the kindest person you will encounter; someone who could do no wrong. Prem Juneja was a character that always fulfilled his responsibilities to the T. He was perfect in every way. The character was loved due to the intensity of his emotions.
Seeing someone so perfect fall in love with his Heer and the pain of not being with her is what made me a fan. Prem Juneja how Harshad Chopda played Prem Juneja that made this character so iconic. We got to see Prem go from being this shy and against family and society when his Heer was harmed.
Seeing Prem Juneja’s journey is what made Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil such a treat to watch. Prem was no less than a legend.
When Prem’s character was killed off, fans crossed the globe cried like a baby. Though Prem was just character, but it felt like fans lost someone special when Prem died. It was then fans realised how much we all truly fell in love with Prem. We missed his simplicity, his passionate eyes, and his subtle glances at Heer. That is when fans kept requesting Harshad Chopda to return to the show. We wanted Prem Juneja back in our lives to light up our TV screens.
A character that was supposed to die in the original script was brought back by public demand because Harshad Chopda made us fall in love with Prem. This was the effect character; he was someone fans fell in love with just like Heer.
We want to thank you Harshad Chopda for giving us Prem Juneja. A character is only a sketch on paper, but it is the actor who gives it life. You breathed life into Prem. Prem could have been a very boring character due to his perfect ways, but your portrayal is what made him the much-loved hero. Prem Juneja was LOVE.
Fun fact:
Harshad won millions of hearts as Prem. The show is still loved and watched across the globe even after being off air for more than a decade.
Awards:
• Naya Sadasya (Male) – Star Parivaar Awards 2008
• Favorite Yogya Jodi with Additi Gupta– Star Parivaar Awards 2008
• Best onscreen couple with Additi Gupta –New Talent Awards 2008
• Favorite (hottest) Jodi with Additi Gupta– Star Parivaar Awards 2009
• Favorite Jodi with Additi Gupta - Star Parivaar Awards 2009
In 2010, Harshad was roped in as the lead in the show Tere Liye, where he played the role of a Bengali boy named Anuraag Ganguly, who falls in love with his childhood best friend and neighbor Taani. Betrothed to one another as teens but separated later for 8 years, Tere Liye was the story of Anuraag and Taani eventually realizing their deep love and finding themselves to one another after a lot of ups and downs. Harshad essayed the role of the playful yet intensely romantic and sacrificing lover brilliantly, nailing the character once again. Harshad is exceptional in emotional scenes and his scenes as a mentally challenged patient were heartbreakingly perfect. Tere Liye is a show that was popular at the time and the title track is unforgettable.
Awards:
• Best Actor (Male) –Indian Television Awards(ITA) 2010
• Gr8! Face of the Year (Male) –Indian Television Awards(ITA) 2010
• Best actor in a lead role TV –Global Indian Film and TV Honours 2011
In 2011, Harshad essayed the role of the charming, complex and determined Mohan Gala, who dared to dream in a family that was rooted in strong Indian values where the patriarch of the family had the final word and there was no concept of free will. Mohan was a flawed character with his own weaknesses and vulnerabilities and grey moments that he hid behind his confident and rebellious approach towards tradition. Mohan was sarcastic and witty often saying funny one-liners. Harshad played him with utmost perfection. Harshad made Mohan believable and real with his attention to detail and his understanding of the character which enabled him to nail Mohan’s various emotions and shades to perfection, with his expressions, mannerisms, body language and voice modulation. With Mohan, Harshad proved his talent and brilliance as an actor yet again.
In 2012, Harshad joined the show Saubhagyawati Bhava as the fierce and pure-hearted Raghavendra Pratap Singh who fearlessly stood against injustice in his own selfless and kind way. Harshad essayed the character of Raghav beautifully by doing it full justice and playing the various shades of Raghav to the T. Raghav was a much loved character of Harshad’s and is still remembered for his trademark checked shirts and his rough and strong demeanor, coming to the rescue of anyone that was faced with oppression by empowering them to fight against their adversaries. His bond with the character of the little boy Krish, who is Raghav’s nephew scarred with the loss of his father and later on his mother, is still cherished by audiences of the show.
Then 2015 saw Harshad make a comeback to television after a self-imposed hiatus in the role of the formidable Sahir Azeem Chaudhary. A man of few words, the moody, brooding, suave and handsome fashion tycoon Sahir, was unlike any of the characters Harshad had essayed before. A poet, temperamental and deep, a good son and brother, a dutiful husband, Sahir had a soft side that he kept hidden from the world while dealing with demons from his past all by himself, with a mission to fulfill a promise he made to his first wife. Harshad made Sahir’s character memorable by working on the nuances that the character required including his physique and voice and made Sahir relatable despite his grey shades. Another diverse character perfectly essayed by Harshad.
Harshad's Bollywood debut was 2016 The End where he portrayed Rahul, the son of a rich businessman. The film depicts the life of four friends who find 10crores in their car. They embark on a journey which changes their perspective towards life.
He came, he saw…and he definitely conquered. Harshad Chopda took a 3 year break from acting before Bepannaah. This was to be his comeback show…and many forgot who he was. Being out of the limelight for years and also being absent from social media. Viewers were stunned for a few moments after the Bepannaah trailer our hero had returned. And what a character it was.
“Jab mein vaar kaarunga…toh na haath bache ga…na chuda..na niyat.”
Captain Aditya Hooda was madly in love with his wife, Pooja, who he considered his best friend. He was funny…he was childish…he had a mean temper….and he loved with his whole heart. In a matter of one scene, we saw this character change multiple shades. The heartbreak he portrayed from losing his wife and learning about her infidelity is still remembered by fans now. This character was heartbroken…he was angry…he was vengeful. At times one wondered how can this character ever be likable.
And then we saw Aditya Hooda give some of the funniest one liners as well:
“Immigration mein koi problem nahi hogi. Seedha swarg jaayegi nahi?”
“Cheater ne cheater ko Agni di.”
“Mera wife tumhara husband saath milke honeymoon swarg jaraahe hai."
Harshad Chopda has always been a fantastic actor, no doubt. But he really excelled as Aditya Hooda. Fans of all ages waited for Bepannaah episodes to start people fell in love with this character. And the beauty of this character was his growth. He was perfect…he portrayed all of us in our daily lives. He acted out because he was hurt…he seeked revenge because that is how he coped…but mostly…he was just trying to mend his broken heart and find a little bit of peace.
What started off as a hateful relationship with Zoya Siddiqui…soon turned to friendship..which then bloomed into true love. He went from wanting to punish Zoya to loving her endlessly. He protected her without realizing it…he defended her against others…and he pushed her to face her fears and make her stronger in the process. “Zoya….tum nasook ho…kamzor nahin…”
We saw a man that was so broken from his wife’s infidelity slowly heal and come out stronger and more mature than before. That was the beauty of Aditya Hooda’s character. He wasn’t the perfect ITV hero. He was flawed. But his scars were unique…they were relatable…and they were beautiful. He made you cry with him…he made you laugh with him…he made you cheer for him.
It’s clear to see that Harshad Chopda won hearts as Aditya Hooda. He won multiple awards for his portrayal of this character…and all these awards were won after the show went off air. This is a testament to what an impactful character Aditya Hooda was.
Aditya Hooda has now set the bar for future ITV male leads.
Fun Fact:
He won awards for this character after the show went off air.
Awards:
• Best Actor (Male) – Indian Telly Awards 2018
• Most Favorite TV Actor – Dada Saheb Awards 2019
• Best Actor (Male) – AVTA 2018 & 2019
• Best Actor (Male) - Lions Gold Award 2018
• Favorite Jodi with Jennifer Winget – SBS Awards
writeup is by JC, Sara and me
Edited by priya185 - 9 months ago
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