Veer Pahariya graces the February cover issue of Filmfare, emerging as
a fresh talent in the entertainment industry. With a deep-rooted passion for
acting, music, and storytelling, he embodies a new generation of artists who
refuse to be boxed in. As he continues
to grow and push boundaries, Veer is undoubtedly a talent to watch out for in
Hindi Cinema. Veer Pahariya made his Bollywood debut earlier this year,
starring alongside Akshay Kumar in the film Sky Force. Filmfare, one of the
country’s most prestigious entertainment magazines renowned for celebrating
cinema, fashion, and emerging talents in the industry, serves as the perfect
platform for Veer’s story, marked by dedication, perseverance, and a drive to
redefine the norms.
In an exclusive chat with Filmfare, Veer reflected on his dream. He
shared, “I think it was my lifelong dream to become an actor. I can’t remember
a time when I didn’t want this. When I was about five years old, I used to
collect Filmfare magazines. I still have them in my collection."
Highlighting his early hustle before stepping into the world of films,
Veer recalled, "I had a YouTube channel where I built a small audience and
would get paid for performing at college festivals and schools. I also worked
on a few ad jingles."
Discussing Sky Force, Veer revealed how he approached the pressures of
a high-profile debut with a sense of gratitude, highlighting, "I didn’t
have any fear at all before Sky Force released. I was just grateful for the
opportunity to live my dream. Every day on earth is a good day." He
recounted his experience sharing the screen space with Akshay Kumar, noting,
“Working with Akshay sir was overwhelming at first because he’s someone we’ve
all grown up watching. But when I went on the set, he was so welcoming and
comforting that he immediately broke the ice with me.”
Veer’s transformation for the role of Squadron Leader T Krishna Vijaya
in the film was drastic – both physically and mentally. Recalling his
transformation for the character, he shared, “On the day of the look test for
Sky Force, I had long hair and a beard, and they transformed me completely. I
had no idea what the film was about at that point. They cut my hair short, gave
me a military-style moustache and put me in overalls. Months later, I heard the
narration, and it was an easy decision."
Cementing his stance as a disruptor in the industry, Veer said, "I
know I don’t look like a typical hero. But I’m aware of my strengths and
weaknesses. I’m here to bring something new to the table. I’m aiming to break
barriers and change the game."
On his self-made journey, Veer acknowledged the realities of navigating
Bollywood without a legacy to lean on, saying, "I’m the first artiste in
my family. So, my association with the industry is purely based on the work
I’ve done. Anyone who comes to Mumbai gets associated with people from the film
industry." Talking about his early inspirations, he revealed, “Shah Rukh
Khan and Hrithik Roshan were my early inspirations. I also really admire
Sushant Singh Rajput’s choice of roles; he had such an original voice.”
Filmfare’s February issue chronicles and celebrates all that’s hot and
happening in the world of movies and OTT.
