She doesn’t have a godfather in the industry, but she has weathered its ups and downs through sheer grit and perseverance. Harshita Gaur confesses that “there was a time when I was depressed, but back then, in 2017, mental health was not openly discussed”. It took time to come to terms with it, but the actor has now found her footing and is on a high. Her next project is Mirzapur: The Movie, starring Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Rasika Dugal. It marks the first Indian series to be adapted into a film. In conversation with mid-day, Gaur reflects on how her character Dimpy Pandit has evolved, the anticipation of watching herself on the big screen, and shooting in Mirzapur.
Excerpts from the interview:
What do you feel when you look back at your career?
That can encapsulate a lot of things. I’m very grateful for whatever steps that I have taken till now. To be an actor, I left my city without knowing anyone or anything. I see this journey as something that evolved for me as a better human being. I feel regrets get you nothing. I don’t regret doing anything that came my way. I’ve only had learning on this journey.
Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Harshita Gaur, and Shriya Pilgaonkar on the set; (right) The team of ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’
You’ve played Dimpy Pandit for nine years. What does taking her story to the big screen feel like? Did you imagine the series would ever become this big?
No, this was not on anyone’s mind when we started at all. We just wanted to make a good project. And by God’s grace we reached here. Now, scaling up to 70mm, of course, it’s going to be big in terms of experience because from your mobile and TV screens, it’s suddenly gone to the cinemas. I feel with this you could actually experience it [more closely]. We’ve not had any show converting into a film in the middle of the series, so, I am more excited to watch Mirzapur on the 70mm as the audience.
The film was also shot in Mirzapur. Did that help you understand and perform the role better?
A lot of these places where we shot offer that small-town feel. The moment you move to Varanasi or Mirzapur, that helps way more than maybe shooting in Mumbai for something like this. But, for an actor, it’s ultimately about the imagery in your mind.
There is speculation that the film is a prequel to the series. Is that true?
This is something very interesting, though I probably shouldn’t say anything. You will know about it in a month or so. [But] it’s not a prequel.
How has Dimpy evolved in the film?
I have done something different, which when I started out as Dimpy [in 2018], she would have not thought of doing. But obviously, I can’t share more details on it. Let the trailer come, all your questions will be answered.
You’ve also ventured into production this year with your first short film, Rang De, based on Holi. What sparked that inspiration?
I’ve grown up on stories. I didn’t know the starting steps. I am taking it slow. Because Rang De got a lot of love, it motivated me to do more. I know the kind of stories I want to bring to audience. I want to create a space where my stories don’t force you to feel. [It should be a] place where the audience can breathe with the story. That’s what is in my head right now. Let’s see where it goes.
13
Number of years in the industry
Plans of direction?
Harshita Gaur says that “direction requires a different skill set.” For now, the actor has written a few stories. “My next step is to try and make those. I am still building my thoughts towards it. I want to travel with my stories,” she says.
