Main Vaapas Aaunga actor Harshul Kaul on working with Imtiaz Ali in his debut film: The moment I met him, Nadaan Parinde started playing in my head

Mumbai: Imtiaz Ali’s recent release, the epic romance Main Vaapas Aaunga has been garnering love from all over. The intensity of the story and the heartfelt performances by the cast have struck a chord with the audience, who have forced a rarely seen upward change for the film in terms of ticket sales. While the lead cast has been receiving praise for their work, actor Harshul Kaul has also made a place in the audience’s heart playing Vedang Raina’s best friend Aftab in the film.
The young actor is basking in the love coming his way and he credits Imtiaz Ali for giving him this opportunity. “It was a dream come true to work with Imtiaz sir. Like every actor, I had always dreamed of working with him someday. But I never imagined it would happen in my very first film,” he says, adding that when he got the call for the film, he was most excited about the prospect of meeting Imtiaz.
“The moment I met him, it honestly felt surreal. Kun Faaya Kun and Nadaan Parinde suddenly started playing in my head,” Harshul laughs, adding, “I had tears in my eyes because I couldn’t believe I was standing in front of someone whose films I had admired for years. Then came the script reading sessions with him and the team. And every moment felt like a masterclass in acting on set.”
One of his favourite memories on set is also associated with the filmmaker. “During a scene between me and Vedang, Imtiaz sir came up to me and said, ‘You are very well behaved and a very good boy’. I immediately started smiling like a little kid and said thank you. But then he said, ‘This compliment is not for you but for your parents who gave you these values’. That moment touched my heart and is something that I will cherish forever,” he recalls.
Harshul credits Imtiaz for bringing out the best in every actor on the film set. “That is his biggest strength. He has given me so much to learn as an actor. Just listening to his instructions and watching him work was a dream come true and an unforgettable learning experience. He has this incredible ability to touch the soul of every actor and bring out emotions you didn’t even know existed within you. That’s what makes him so special as a director,” he insists.