Anil Kapoor's son Harshvardhan prefers direction over acting

Anil Kapoor’s son Harshvardhan says no to acting; to focus on assisting in Ranbir’s next. Harshvardhan has turned down two big offers as he wants to focus on learning the ropes at present.

If your father’s a Bollywood star, chances are doors will open easily for you as well, especially if you have shown interest in pursuing a career in films. So, a few months back, when Anil Kapoor’s 21-year-old son, Harshvardhan, returned from the US after studying screenplay writing and acting, there was immediate conjecture over what direction his career would take.

Now, we have learnt that the young man has been offered two acting roles by two well-established Bollywood directors, Rang De Basanti (2006) maker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Udaan (2010) director Vikramaditya Motwane.

While you would expect any newcomer to jump at such opportunities, Harshvardhan has (politely, we’re told) turned down both offers. The reason, it seems, is that Kapoor Jr wants to focus on learning the ropes at present. To do this, he will work as an assistant director to Anurag Kashyap on his upcoming film, Bombay Velvet.

Industry insiders say that Mehra (whose upcoming release is Bhaag Milkha Bhaag) approached Harshvardhan for his next film, Mirza, a contemporary take (written by Gulzar) on the love story of Mirza and Sahibaan (a Punjabi folk tale). However, he said no to him and to Vikramaditya.

A friend close to Harshvardhan says, “He has utmost respect for both Rakeysh and Vikramaditya and was flattered that they thought of him for their films. But right now, Harsh wants to concentrate only on assisting Anurag. He wants to experience the process of filmmaking and learn the intricacies before moving in front of the camera.”

Anurag’s film, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, will go on the floors in July. “Harsh doesn’t want to live off his father’s name. He wants to start from scratch, like his dad did,” the friend adds.

While Harsh couldn’t be reached for a comment, Anil Kapoor says, “Harsh’s focus, right now, is completely on Bombay Velvet.”

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