Harshad Chopra exposits on 'Dharampatni'

Harshad Chopra exposits on 'Dharampatni'

Harshad Chopra began his acting career in Zee TV's 'Mamta' where he played a negative character, followed by 'Left Right Left' and the short-lived 'Amber Dhara'. However, his main lead role was in 'Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil' where he played Prem Juneja and 'Tere Liye'. Harshad will now be seen in 'Dharampatni', which airs from August 16, Monday to Thursday, 9:30 pm on Imagine TV. Sandeep Hattangadi spoke to him about his latest venture.

What is the graph of your character in the show?
I play Mohan, a foreign educated guy who has adopted a western lifestyle and looks down upon his own culture. He has wasted all his money in casinos and lives his life to the fullest, he doesn't complete his degree either. Mohan is also a drunkard and a womanizer, he is forced to return to India because of some financial mess created by him abroad.

Why is the show titled 'Dharampatni'?
The idea is based on the thought 'Behind every successful man there is a strong woman, her contribution might not be taken into account but her actions continue to shape the man'. The story enters the phase where Kastur and Mohan are married even after their dissimilarities and beliefs, and how Kastur motivates Mohan to make a positive change in his life and create a success story.

Is it a co-incidence that the characters are called Mohan and Kasturba?
Not really. We have adapted Mahatma Gandhi'd marriage with his wife Kasturba but we have contemporised it. 'Dharampatni' is my wife played by Asiya Kazi who is known from her show 'Bandini'. Her character is loosely based on Kasturba Gandhi.

There have been so many plays and films based on these iconic characters. Have you been influenced by them in any way?
No. Our writers have scripted entirely different character sketches and the tele play is entirely original as is the era in which the show is based.

How has your journey been as an actor?
I hail from a completely non-entertainment based family from Gondia in Vidharbha. I came to Mumbai just a few years ago before I could complete my college education and worked as a part of the unit of a show, where, luckily, I was spotted because of my looks and that show became my learning ground and after the popular show 'Mamta' on ZEE TV. My career took off and producers Deeya and Tony Singh from DJ's unit gave me a significant role in the popular army show 'Left Right Left' which brought me fame and now I have bagged the main protagonist show on Imagine's 'Dharampatni' which will be my sole show now.

What was it like working with Asiya Kazi?
She is a really sweet girl but we haven't shot much of the footage yet but we gel and understand each other well. I am looking forward to shooting with her in the episodes to follow.

Are you open to films?
Yes, I want to be the next 'Salman Khan' who's my idol.
Harshad Chopra is the
boy on the marquee to watch out for!

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