I feel it's tough to make friend when you're always thinking about work.
— Harshvardhan Rane
I know how to play the acoustic guitar, but I'm learning to play the electric guitar now. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience.
A rock star, according to my definition, is someone who inspires people around him with something he is best at. In my case, it's music, but I wanted audiences to realise there is a rock star waiting to be unleashed within them as well.
In 'Maaya,' I'm going shirtless for the first time in my career. My producer requested me to take off my shirt in one of the scenes. I have been working extremely hard to flaunt a perfect body for the scene.
People used to call me for donations, and I couldn't relate to that because I have spent most of my life trying to support myself.
This is not that time of a cinema where you get 10 to 15 chances. You only get two to three chances, and if you do something nice in that, then it is great. Otherwise, people are very unforgiving.
My father was like an unpolished diamond - tough outside but warm inside.
I don't naturally have the body language of a software guy.
I always wanted to do something related to the camera. When you are young, these are dreams you feel embarrassed talking about. You don't want to be made fun of. That would leave a scar on an young mind.
Don't look at a person - look into the person. Heart is the hero, not the colour. I don't stand against or for any colour; I just believe in endorsing the idea of not endorsing any colour.
After school, I started living on my own. After my dad passed away, I didn't know where to go and eventually decided to hang on here in Hyderabad.
I would do theatre till I die. Theatre keeps your honesty alive. You can't pollute yourself. You learn a lot, and you use theatre techniques in life.
I fled my home town and did odd jobs, including things like re-designing old furniture, before I became an actor. Having said that, I don't think the story of my life is in any way remarkable. What is remarkable is how acting opportunities have come my way.
There is never going to be an end point. But definitely, I am happy to complete a certain part of my journey, and that's something I want to celebrate.
I just followed my gut feeling when I went to Hyderabad in 2008.
I've learnt that there's absolutely no difference in Telugu and Hindi industries. Everything is almost identical. The only difference is that Hindi films have a wider release.
I took my time to learn the craft and procedure. I wanted to do some substantial work first in cinema.
When you have friends in the industry, you're always expected to talk about work. Seldom do you talk about stuff outside work with friends in the industry. Therefore, I don't have many actor friends, but I find lot of brotherly warmth from a few.
It's a misconception that all singers need to portray a messed up, dirty look to prove their identity.
As an actor, I want to do something I will be remembered for. I think 'Maaya' is that kind of film.
For a shot, I had to look like I've slipped on wet floor and hurt my back. My director wanted me to just act it out, but I insisted on doing it with water on the floor to make it look authentic. He was against the idea, but I did it and almost broke my back.
We are killing a living thing just so that we can wear it? I think fake leather is also beautiful and lasts longer. All I am saying is that if you like wearing leather stuff, put in some extra effort and explore the market. Take on fake leather and stop being part of this cruelty.
I want to constantly do better than my last film.
I believe there is a shallow side to every actor, who craves to be presented well.
The first thing Ravi Babu asked when we met was, did I watch horror movies? I told him it took me years to get over Ram Gopal Varma's 'Raat!'
I was in a daze in my childhood mostly - always looking out of the window, waiting for some life to happen that I wanted to live. Now I realise it is this, and that's what got me out of Gwalior.
I am stronger than yesterday and working harder than yesterday but don't know what will happen tomorrow.
I don't come from a film background, so I am free to work in any script that interests me.
I have learnt three things from Barry John which are applicable to life, too: Don't expect anything from another actor, one shouldn't judge, and one shouldn't block things.
I learnt acting in Delhi from Barry John, who also taught Shah Rukh Khan.
Accomplishments are very subjective.
Just like how you find players from different backgrounds in Indian cricket team, our Telugu industry is looking for talent, and it doesn't matter where it comes from.
Everything about 'Avunu 2' will be many notches higher than its prequel. The sequel is scarier, and there'll be more thrills and chills. I myself felt it when I was shooting.
For people like me, I think it is more about, 'When do people give you an opportunity?' rather than you deciding about when you want to make a debut. If I had a chance, I would have come as a child artist in this industry.
Whenever I meet my friends, we talk about our teachers.
Most youngsters are so well-connected with the rock music circle that they will know instantly if I attempt to imitate any rock star.
I'm not going to have a six-pack abs. I think it's a luxury to have six-pack abs, but I don't think I can afford it yet. It's extremely tough, and I think having it will be an achievement.
Water is one of the most basic and vital requirements for survival. And with the issue of water shortage aggravating every single day, it's just something I felt we had to address and spread the message on whatever level we can.
Fashion is supposed to be fun, but killing animals for fashion is definitely not fun.
When people heard my voice, they were shocked that I could speak Hindi.
Any passionate actor, if he is spoon-fed, will deliver.
My father was a doctor, but his passion was making cars, and he was also very good at carpentry. He was a gem, and I don't blame him for not understanding me. When I told him that I would be leaving, he checked his pocket and took out 100-rupee note and gave it to me. He did not like that I was leaving, yet he gave me the money.
I spent my childhood trying to express myself, and I was not very good at it. In my town, most kids would take up engineering or medicine or something else, but acting was not an option.
I believe that anyone who chooses a path and keeps walking will find a positive result some day. I didn't want to go with the flow and do any kind of film that came my way and wind up my career swiftly.
I'm half Telugu. My mom is Telugu and dad, a Maharashtrian. I was brought up in Gwalior. I was exposed to English, Hindi, and Marathi. I heard my mom speak to her family in Telugu, so I got the hang of it.
When I was a child, I got an opportunity to see all the big players in a cricket match. I was a ball boy outside the boundary line. I picked the ball and waited a bit for Sachin Tendulkar to come near me to give it to him. The sense of being in the same space was special. While thousands were watching, I was close to Sachin.
I started working in an STD phone booth where I had to note down all the numbers that were dialed - this was post 9/11 when security was a looming issue. I got Rs 10 per day for my work. Soon after, a benefactor offered me a job in a cybercafe down the road for Rs 20.
I don't think at any age I will be able to feel totally accomplished.
There's a misconception that actors with no background don't get any exposure from big production houses. I think people should start rethinking about it.
I'm happy that I could learn many things before entering Bollywood in 2015.
