7 min readNew DelhiOct 16, 2024 12:34 PM IST
First published on: Oct 16, 2024 at 12:30 PM IST
For Harry Parmar, essaying the intense character of a hijacker – the one who was labelled the “most brutal” aboard the Air India flight hijacked in December 1999 – in the web series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a pivotal moment in his career. Despite previously working with industry heavyweights like Aamir Khan in Laal Singh Chaddha and Hansal Mehta in Lootere (TV series), it was this role that truly brought him recognition. In this exclusive interaction with indianexpress.com, Parmar opens up about his passion for acting, his first project, his career-defining role, and not fearing the industry’s tendency to typecast. Read the edited excerpts below:
Q: When and how did your tryst with acting begin?
Harry Parmar: I had a passion for acting since school, but I hadn’t considered it a potential career then. I’ve always been drawn to film and storytelling and used to create and improvise scenes independently. It wasn’t until I joined a theater group in college that I realised acting was more than just a hobby for me—something I wanted to pursue professionally. Then, I trained at the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts in Delhi to learn the craft.
Q: How did you bag your first acting project?
Harry Parmar: Like many actors, it came after many auditions and perseverance. I was lucky to have caught the attention of casting director Mukesh Chhabra, a dear friend now who saw potential in me. Though my first role wasn’t a big one, it gave me a taste of life on set and fueled my passion for the craft. That initial experience opened doors to more opportunities.
Q: You’ve done several projects over the years. Would you agree that IC 814 is what brought you into the limelight?
Harry Parmar: Absolutely. IC814 gave me the recognition that other roles hadn’t, especially for playing such a complex and intense character like “Doctor”. While I’m proud of my work in Laal Singh Chaddha and Lootere, IC814 allowed me to explore a dark, multifaceted role that resonated with audiences. It’s one of the most pivotal roles in my career so far.
Q: After playing such an intense villain, have you ever faced any strong reactions from viewers?
Harry Parmar: Yes, I’ve had quite a few people reach out, particularly on social media, expressing their strong emotions about the character. Some said they couldn’t stand me after watching IC 814! It’s interesting to see how strongly people react to a well-played villain. It is sometimes challenging to process those emotions directed at me, but it’s also a massive compliment because it means the character made a lasting impact.
Q: What drew you to the role of ‘Doctor’? Did you fear being typecast in negative roles?
Harry Parmar: The character’s complexity drew me to it. He’s not a stereotypical villain—he’s calculated, driven, and has an unsettling depth that makes him terrifying and fascinating. I’ve never feared being typecast; I believe that every role brings something new. In fact, I’ve played vastly different characters in Laal Singh Chaddha and Lootere, which shows my range. For me, it’s about constantly challenging myself as an actor and trusting that the versatility will come through.
Q: Tell us about the creative process: what went into preparing to play Doctor?
Harry Parmar: To play “Doctor,” I had to dive deep into his psychology. He’s always a step ahead, utterly devoid of empathy. I researched real-life events, read books on the hijacking, and worked closely with my director, Anubhav Sinha Sir, to bring the character’s nuances to life. Balancing his calm exterior with the chaos he creates was one of the biggest challenges.
Harry Parmar in a scene from IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. (Photo: PR handout)
Q: The most exciting anecdote or moment from the shooting days
Harry Parmar: One of the most memorable scenes was a high-tension moment where everything around me was in chaos, but “Doctor” had to remain calm and collected. Keeping that menacing, stoic composure in such a heated environment was challenging but also incredibly thrilling and rewarding. After the take, even I was surprised at how still I’d managed to stay. It’s a moment that reminded me of the power of the character.
Q: What is your take on the controversy that followed the release of the series?
Harry Parmar: When portraying real-life events – especially ones that carry such emotional weight – there’s bound to be controversy. IC814 is about a profoundly traumatic event, so I understand the strong reactions. As an actor, my responsibility was to approach the role with respect and authenticity, making sure the story was told truthfully while being mindful of the sensitivities involved.
Q: Rejection is part of every profession. How have you dealt with the lows that may have come your way, ensuring you prioritise mental health?
Harry Parmar: Every actor has to deal with rejection. Over the years, I’ve learned not to take it personally. It’s about continuously improving my craft and staying focused on the bigger picture. A robust support system—family and friends—has kept me grounded. I make it a priority to take care of my mental health, whether through exercise, meditation or simply spending time with loved ones.
Q: What is the most physically challenging thing you have done for a role?
Harry Parmar: For IC814, the challenge wasn’t just in the intense physical action but in balancing that with the emotional depth of the character. The action sequences were demanding, but it was the character’s psychological intensity that pushed me the most. Conversely, roles like those in Laal Singh Chaddha and Lootere required entirely different approaches, each with physical and mental challenges.
Q: You have worked with some established names in the industry. Does it ever get daunting or overwhelming?
Harry Parmar: Working alongside seasoned actors and directors has been an incredible learning experience. It can be daunting at first, but I see it as an opportunity to absorb their knowledge and apply it to my craft. The chance to collaborate with names like Aamir Khan Sir, Hansal Mehta Sir, Jai Mehta Sir, and Anubhav Sir has only pushed me to grow as an actor. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I try to focus on the learning.
Q: Despite being around for a while, do you feel your potential as an actor has not been explored, and you are still expected to prove yourself? How do you deal with such moments of frustration?
Harry Parmar: There are moments where I feel like there’s untapped potential within me. It can be frustrating, but I turn that frustration into motivation. Every role is a chance to prove myself, and I believe suitable projects will come along. Persistence is key in this industry.
Whenever you’re portraying real-life events, especially ones that carry a lot of emotional weight, there’s bound to be some controversy, the actor said. (PR handout) 
Harry Parmar in a scene from IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. (Photo: PR handout)
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