Actor Aryan Prajapati, who plays Hritik in &TV’s gharelu comedy, Happu ki Ultan Paltan, has come a long way as a child actor. With his character Hritik, the overly intelligent and sarcastic son of Happu (Yogesh Tripathi) and Rajesh (Kamna Pathak), he has been tickling the viewers’ funny bones. Aryan has appeared in films and television and collaborated with many well-known Bollywood artists. In this interview, Aryan gets candid about his journey in the entertainment industry, his current show, his dream roles, and his upcoming projects.
- How did your acting journey start?
I used to imitate it in front of the mirror and with my friends when I was three. They all used to compliment me and say I was a “Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka.” My mother identified my talent and worked hard to improve my skills in front of the camera. She also quit her job to support my acting dream. Although I was a child, I recall her accompanying me to production houses and advertising agencies, carrying me all day, and surviving on one meal after my nursery classes. I believe that no journey in life can be successful unless your parents support you. My first break was in a television commercial, and I gradually worked my way up to television and film. - How did you get your recognition in the TV industry?
I did a lot of commercials but didn’t get much fame initially. Whenever I used to go for any audition, even after liking my auditions, the casting directors used to not cast me, telling my mother that I looked too small for any role. After months of hard work, I was allowed to make a cameo appearance in one of the most popular shows, with Ravi Dubey sir and Aishwarya Sakhuja mam. It was the role that launched me into the television industry. People noticed my talent, and I received offers for various shows, particularly in the comic genre. - What is the best thing you like about your character in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan?
I would say the name of my character. I am a huge fan of Hritik Roshan, sir, and I was overjoyed to learn that my role would be called that. Happu Ki Ultan Paltan has made me a household name, making me happy when people refer to me as “Hritik”. I sometimes don’t respond when my friends call me “Aryan” because I forget my real name (laughs). My character is a mischievous young man who is close to his mother. He frequently takes her side in the feud between his mother and his grandmother, but only for his benefit. - How is your bond with your on-screen siblings?
On the sets of Happu ki Ultan Paltan, I share a great and amusing bond with my buddies Zaara Warsi (Chamchi) and Somya Azad (Ranbir). We are the three trios and have spent a lot of time together. When we are around, it doesn’t feel like we are shooting a scene, and I think our great chemistry is also visible on screen. We are just ourselves on screen and do not have to work hard to act like siblings because we have this strong sibling bond. We all three have great taste and share an amazing bond over music. I listen to western rap and love pop culture, whereas Zaara is a big BTS fan, so we keep teasing or quarrelling about which music is better. - How does it feel to work with Bollywood stars at this young age?
So far, I have done four films, and all have gotten amazing reviews for all my characters. I am extremely fortunate to have worked with actors such as Salman Khan, Tiger Shroff, Kunal Khemu, and Varun Dhawan at such a young age. I’ve had a great time shooting all my projects and hanging out with these amazing people. However, I have a special bond with Tiger Shroff and Kunal Khemu Bhaiya. I refer to them as Bhaiya. They have supported me greatly and guided me in all aspects of my life. I am currently working on another film with Kunal Khemu Bhaiya, and I can’t wait for it to be released. Also, I am learning Taekwondo and gymnastics nowadays, as I got very much inspired by my co-star Tiger Shroff when I was shooting with him, and now I would love to do an action role in the future. - Any dream role?
I love writing poems and rap. I have written many poems and received a lot of praise for doing a lot of rapping and singing in my school and my show, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan. Just like doing an action genre film, I would also love to play a rapper on the big screen; it is one of my biggest dream roles, and it would be a dream come true if I got selected to play a legendary rapper in any biopic.
Watch Aryan Prajapati as Hritik in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
