‘Lads in hick towns will identify with my persona in Gullak’

In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, Harsh Mayar—who is now garnering a lot of attention for his role as Aman Mishra in Gullak—shares his sources of inspiration for his comic skills as well as some observations from the most recent season.
Shraddha Neware
Gullak season 4 has won the audience over once more after garnering a fan base after the first three seasons. Harsh Mayar, who plays Aman Mishra in this lighthearted comedy blended with family drama, has won a lot of praise for his portrayal of the likable character.
In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, the actor reflects on how his character has changed over the years and his approach to playing him. He says, “I look at the set, the scene, how the director is guiding me, and what he wants from me. Over the seasons, Aman Mishra’s persona has developed; we have witnessed him being both humorous and occasionally sentimental. He has several levels, and the writers deserve all the credit for that. I’m not sure what my real strategy is yet because I think acting is a lifetime skill.”
The series effectively conveys its audience’s feelings through a blend of humour and profound emotional resonance. An actor’s method for switching between these scenarios is different from everyone else’s. The I Am Kalam fame then says, “I sometimes listen to good music to set the tone of emotional stuff while I’m switching between these moments. Additionally, I try to make use of the set’s surroundings when I’m in a humorous scenario.”
“I have been doing this for a long time now, and I’d like to think that my humour is a little better in real life too,” the former child actor continues. “I find inspiration in the roles played by Kader Khan, Govinda, and Priyadarshan.”
Since the start of the web series, its popularity has grown, and viewers are undoubtedly thrilled with the latest season. The National Award-winning actor says of the reception he has received from the public, “The feedback I’m receiving even now is crazy. People always look forward to seeing what’s new and applaud each new season as it arrives. Some people compliment your acting, while others commend the work you accomplish.
However, when fans establish a personal connection with you, that’s a different story. You show up on the set, follow instructions, or wing it, but you never realise how many lives these actions have impacted. While many TV shows and movies come and go, I think it’s significant when something like this sticks with people and they find it relatable.”
When discussing how viewers connect to the show, the comic actor recalls that his upbringing was not as similar to his character as one might assume. “I was a mischievous child. But not too much, as my parents were kind and laid back with me. I therefore did not have to deal with the same difficulties that Aman Mishra confronts. They are much more independent and occasionally less likely to listen to authority than Gen-Z kids. I believe that young boys from small-town places in India will relate to this character,” the former child actor continues.
The show has a great ensemble cast, and it’s educational to work alongside seasoned actors. Especially, an actor like Jameel Khan! Among those portrayed are Gitanjali Kulkarni and Vaibhav, who each contribute something distinctive to the screen. “Gullak is a difficult role, and you must be very special to get it. And my favourite moments are always when Vaibhav plays “Anu Bhai.” The set is a happy place to be, with a talented ensemble providing cameo roles and participating in jam sessions and inside jokes. Eight minutes without a break were spent filming a scene on a bus platform. It’s one of the most memorable scenes for me, and it received accolades for its emotional component,” the versatile actor said.
In season one, he played a young adult who was inspired by his younger sibling. He drew inspiration for the second season from those in his immediate vicinity and the way they went about their daily lives. “Aman Mishra is unpredictable because he is a combination of several people that I looked up to in my everyday life. I get to keep things interesting and changing as he goes through his arc because his age changes with the seasons,” the musically famous Paighamber remarked. The energetic actor also declares, “I want to explore many roles in my upcoming endeavours. I used to do serious roles before switching to comedy a few years ago, but right now I want to try something new. Taking on personas such as Spider-Man, something in Marvel would be fascinating for me.”
After experimenting with musicals and pushing limits, Harsh made his singing debut with the song Feeling Nayi Hai, which has music by Anurag Saikia and lyrics by JUNO. With this song debut, he is entering a new genre!