Child actor Hardika Sharma has already begun shooting for her upcoming film “Chhorii 2” with Nushrratt Bharuccha. In a quick chat, she talks about her life as a child actor, her co-stars, and how she balances school. Read on:1. How did your acting journey start?
Ans: I started modelling for Firstcry.com when I was almost four years old. I got my first TV ad at the age of four. It was a promo ad for a kid’s channel. From there my journey began and it continued.
2. When was the first time you faced the camera?
Ans: As I told you at the age of 4 I started shooting. My director was impressed to see my understanding and how to perform in front of the camera at such a young age. I remember he said you are brilliant and you have a long way to go. That encouraged me and even my parents supported me and said that I can do better in this field.
3. You are a 7-year-old. How is your school helping you? How are you managing your studies?
Ans: I’m currently studying in GCC International School and my teachers and my principal ma’am are very supportive. They encourage me to do better in class. They allow me to take leaves and give me time to complete my assignments as well as work. My teachers always mention in PTMs that I miss my classes a lot and even after that my work is complete and I score good marks in all subjects. They feel proud of me.
4. Do your friends in school treat you as a celebrity? Please share.
Ans: I have many friends in my class and other classes also. They all know me. They miss me when I am absent from school due to the shooting schedules. They don’t treat me as a celebrity but yes they feel proud and happy about my projects. When my projects are released they inform me with so much excitement and enthusiasm. I feel so nice about it.
5. What are the projects that you have done?
Ans: Well, my first movie was ‘Hungama 2’ with Meezaan Jafri and Shilpa Shetty. My second movie as a lead child artist was ‘A Thursday’ with Yami Gautam. My first daily soap was ‘Rakshabandhan – Rasaal Apne Bhai Ki Dhal’ where I played the lead role of Rasaal. I also played the child part of the lead character in ‘Spy Bahu’ and ‘Faltu’. Other than this I have completed shooting for a short film ‘Mombae’. I have done a few web series like ‘36 Days’, ‘CA Topper Tribhuvan Mishra’, and Asur 2’. ‘Blackout’ is complete and waiting for its release. I have also done more than 100 TV commercials and print shoots as a lead child actor. Currently, I am shooting for ‘Chhorii 2’ and another web series.
6. Which role is closest to your heart and why?
Ans: There are two roles that are close to my heart because they are similar to my personality. One is Rasaal from ‘Rakshabandhan – Rasaal Apne Bhai Ki Dhal’, and another one is Ritu Mishra from ‘CA Topper Tribhuvan Mishra’. These two characters are confident, energetic, fearless, protective, and caring at the same time. I loved playing them.
7. You are currently working with Nushrratt Bharuccha in ‘Chhorii 2’. Share your experience so far. How is she as your co-star?
Ans: Nushrratt didi is really very sweet. When I first met her we had our photoshoot and I was a little hesitant to hold her for the picture but she made me comfortable and hugged me. Now we always hug each other when we meet on the set.
8. How much do your parents support you in your career?
Ans: My parents are very supportive and highly encouraging. My parents take care of me during the shoot so that I eat and sleep well. My mom helps me complete my school work in between the shoots. My parents shifted to Mumbai from Pune just to support my career. It’s a very big step they have taken for me.
9. When you are shooting do you miss your school fun and friends?
Ans: Yes, I do miss my school and friends. Nothing can replace them but yes I enjoy my shoots as well because crew members do play, talk and crack jokes with me. We sometimes play as well when we get time.
10. What would you like to become in the future?
Ans: Right now I’m doing what I’m best at. So hopefully a better actor. This job is so expressive and I love doing this.
11. Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Ans: Yami Gautam and Nushrratt Bharuccha because I got a chance to work with both of them. They both are so humble and nice and very good actors. I have watched them closely giving a shot.
12. What do you like to do in your off time?
Ans: When I’m not shooting I follow my daily routine. I make sure that I go to school regularly after that I complete my work. I go to play with my friends and before going to bed I read stories.
13. Any hobbies which you are pursuing now or want to take up in the near future?
Ans: I’m learning Bharatnatyam and want to become a Bharatnatyam Dancer and perform on the stage.
