Harshvardhan stars in "Mirzya", directed by Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra. The film is inspired by the Punjabi folklore of 'Mirza-Sahiban'.
When asked which Bollywood actor inspires him, Harshvardhan told reporters, "Aamir is a very big influence. When my generation was growing up, in 2001 'Dil Chahta Hai' came, then 'Lagaan', then 'Rang De Basanti'. Those were defining films for us, our generation.
"That time actors were doing so many films at one time. He (Aamir) decided to work in isolation and focus on one thing at a time...I (look upto) Aamir for his choices and determination, and Ranbir (Kapoor) for his ability to be spontaneous...," the 25-year-old newcomer said.
"Mirzya" marks veteran poet Gulzar's return to screenplay writing after 17 years. He last wrote the screenplay for Tabu and Suniel Shetty starrer "Hu Tu Tu".
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"Mirzya" also marks the Bollywood debut of Saiyami Kher, who is the niece of National award-winning actress Tanvi Azmi.
Harshvardhan first heard about the film after Mehra mentioned it to him way back in 2008, when Gulzar was writing it. He was an 18-year-old college student when the story caught his fancy.
It was, however, in 2013 when Harshvardhan heard a 15-page narration from the director and was blown away by the subject. He plays the dual roles of a stable boy and a warrior in the film.
"But this is the most contemporary romantic film ever. It's romantic, complex, you get to play two characters, it is poetic, visual, so it is like a fever dream," he added.
Co-produced by ROMP Pictures and Cinestaan Film Company, "Mirzya" is scheduled to release on October 7.