Five years. Hard to believe it's only been five short years since the start of HC's career. In 5 short years, this young man's career is at its peak and he continues to excel. Over the years, he has faced many ups and downs that have afforded experience like no other and built character in a way to which seldom can relate. There have been, however, a few key traits that have remained unchanged that we, as fans, believe are the reasons for his continued success. Perhaps one of the most important among these traits is his relationship with his fans. Since the start of his career, HC has been blessed with fans that have stood by him since day one, through thick and thin. It is no secret that as he continues to build his career graph, they continue to stand by him, and will always do so. Today he has one of the healthiest fan followings in the industry with admirers the world over. While his impeccably honed craft may have much to do with this, it is the love and respect which he reciprocates towards his fans that make him stand out among the rest. Today, as we celebrate HC's birthday and the wonderful milestone of his 60th FC, we, his fans, would like to extend our utmost appreciation for the love and respect he has always bestowed upon us.
Since very early on in his career, Harshad has always held his fans in very high esteem. Always pouring gratification on the love and support he receives ' claiming he hopes to one day live up to all of our expectations. He strives not only to achieve his own goals in his career, but to never disappoint his audience, the fans, who afford him 30 minutes of their busy schedule every day.
In his early interviews, he claims having wonderful fans, like no other, and even knowing them by name. As the years have passed, he has reciprocated the love showered upon him in a way which has rarely been seen before. Be it taking time out to send a message across to the FC, or positively gushing over his fans in every interview he has done 'til date, HC has always gone out of his way to let his fans know how much they mean to him.
It is no secret that HC is an introvert and likes to keep his private life, well, private (it's quite obvious without his having to make the claim, and who can blame him, he is after all, human). It undoubtedly takes a lot for such a person to open up ' that too, to the masses. But over the years, he has always maintained an honesty about him when it came to his fans. He has never misled them or withheld information (within reason, and understandably so) that he believed his fans had a right to know. He has never pretended to be someone he isn't, and, as I have mentioned before, has always remained true to himself. This alone makes him stand apart. Taking this a step further, he has let his fans into certain aspects of his life, for which we have since been utterly grateful. For instance, inviting cameras into his home, among his close-knit family, so that his fans could be part of a very private birthday celebration. I think it is safe to say that every fan, old and new, was greatly moved and deeply touched by this gesture, for we understand how difficult it must have been for him to allow cameras into his home ' the one part of his life the media had yet to interfere with.
Speaking of gestures, how can anyone forget the message that came through in late September of 2008, FC #32 ' when news came of Prem's death in KDMHMD. The fans were perhaps at their lowest'shattered. Personally speaking, I have never been so moved as I was that day ' at a time where he personally must have been at rock bottom, when his family must have been distressed, he was concerned for his fans and took the time to send a message through to lift their spirits. Looking back, I don't know why any of us were the least bit surprised. After all, that's simply how HC is ' caring. Ask any of his fans and they will concur that he comes across as an extremely kind, caring young man. Ask the fans that have had the privilege of meeting him personally, and the general consensus seems to be that HC is "very polite and sweet, and has no arrogance". When meeting his fans, he makes them feel comfortable and treats them not as fans, but friends, generally going out of his way to tend to them. It seems only a star with his feet firmly planted on the ground could do this, and it is because of these qualities that HC gains the love and respect of millions each day.
Recently, HC was in Macau for the Star Parivaar Awards where many fans had the privilege of meeting and interacting with him personally. One fan, Poppy2009, was kind enough share her experience with the rest of us. She met many stars the night of the award show, but maintained that among the group, HC was the one that stood out. She states she had never followed TL regularly 'til date, but that after meeting HC, she planned to watch the remaining shows only for him. In her own words, "He is the sweetest, most well-mannered and gracious celebrity I have met!" Revisiting her encounter with HC at the Grand Venetian Macau, she says when someone mentioned "Onuraag's" arrival, "all the young girls went totally wild'and so did most of the auntyjis". This made me smile'HC's fan following really does span from the young to the elderly. She goes on to mention that not only did Harshad go out of his way to come outside and meet his fans despite being exhausted, he was extremely polite and dignified and carried himself with a certain grace and humility. This seems to be an ongoing theme with Harshad ' going out of his way for his fans. It seems one would have to truly value their fans to go out of his/her way for them each time'if HC's words haven't made it clear in the past as to how much he values his fans, his actions certainly do.
Poppy also mentioned that of all the artists present, HC seemed to be the most genuine and down-to-earth. Despite not being a fan of any television actors, she states that HC has truly won a fan in her. Describing HC, she likened him to Prem in KDMHMD, stating that his "polite, soft-spoken, unassuming, and very gentle." I think this is a big compliment not only for HC but also any fan of HC's. For someone who has not been a fan and has no preconceived notions or bias towards him, likening HC to Prem, who was seemingly flawless, within a few minutes of meeting him is saying a lot. Many of us would agree with you, Poppy, but then again, it could be argued that we are biased. ;) But, for those of us who have been ardent fans for a few years now, it's easy to see how and why you were so quickly persuaded to tag yourself as an HC "fan". That said, it's nice to have another member join the family.
One thing that Poppy said about HC truly resonated with me, and that is that "there was nothing fake or forced about him". It's so nice to have someone make this observation upon meeting him. He has always come across as someone who is, as I said before, completely honest with and about himself in every aspect. No pretense. Add to that humility and simplicity that is so rarely seen in any star these days, and HC creates for himself a league of his own. A star personality that would be hard not to admire and respect.
With his feet firmly planted on the ground, no starry airs about him, he seems to know exactly who he is, where he is, and where he strives to be. After winning the ITA best actor award this year for his role as Anuraag in Tere Liye (CONGRATULATIONS, by the way!!), the world sees him as being on top, but he seems to think he has a long way yet to go. We, his fans, believe he will reach even higher plateaus with each new chapter in his life. With such amiable characteristics and genuine honesty, there is nothing holding him back.
So, on your 28th birthday, Harshad, we simply want to say, THANK YOU, from the bottom of our hearts, for the love and respect that you have showered upon US these past 5 years. As for achieving your dreams, keep working hard, but do it for you, and no one else. We will simply be here to support you and wish you well along the way. Rest assured, we'll see you there one day.
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