In a world where fiction often dominates television and cinema, bringing real-life incidents to the screen requires a unique balance of responsibility and authenticity. Actor Harry Parmar, who was recently seen in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, tackled this challenge head-on with his portrayal of Shahid Akhtar Sayeed, a role far removed from his own personality. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Parmar opened up about his approach to playing such a complex character and the deep research required for projects based on historical events.
A Different Role, a Familiar Incident
Parmar revealed that the decision to take on the role of Shahid Akhtar Sayeed stemmed from his personal connection to the 1999 Kandahar hijacking. At the time, he was still in college and followed the event closely. The series, which is based on the real-life hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 by terrorists, provided him with the opportunity to dive into a dramatic retelling of an event he already had a keen interest in.
“When the role came to me, I was very excited to play this character because sometimes you have to play a character that is very different from your overall personality. So, I was very thrilled about it,” Parmar said. He shared that stepping into the shoes of such a unique and sinister figure gave him a challenge he was more than ready to accept.
In the series, Shahid Akhtar Sayeed, also known as Doctor, plays a critical part in the unfolding crisis, adding layers of tension and complexity to the narrative. Parmar's excitement was palpable when discussing the role, “The icing on the cake for me was, with each passing day, there was something going on with Doctor's life. So, I was pretty excited to do this character.”
The Need for Detailed Research
When it comes to portraying characters in stories grounded in reality, preparation is key. Parmar acknowledged the importance of careful research, especially when dealing with a tragic and highly-publicized event like the Kandahar hijacking. He stressed that an actor cannot afford to get the facts wrong when representing such incidents, saying, “For the entire India, it was a very big mishap which happened in 1999.”
He emphasized that while the broader public may be aware of the surface-level facts of the event, the nuances of what transpired behind closed doors—particularly in crisis management groups and governmental offices—often remain unknown. To properly represent the intricacies of the situation, Parmar delved deep into the background, ensuring he could authentically portray not just Shahid Akhtar Sayeed’s motivations, but also the wider context of the event.
“For that, you need a lot of research,” Parmar explained, highlighting the responsibility that comes with portraying real-life stories. His careful preparation allowed him to capture the intensity of the situation while staying true to the facts, ensuring that audiences see an accurate reflection of the historical event.
From Laal Singh Chaddha to IC 814
Harry Parmar’s recent projects demonstrate the versatility of his talent. He starred in the Aamir Khan-starrer Laal Singh Chaddha and was also seen in Hansal Mehta’s Lootere. But it was his role in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack that offered him the opportunity to delve into a deeper and more serious character. His portrayal of Shahid Akhtar Sayeed is a testament to his commitment as an actor, especially when working on roles that challenge him to step outside his comfort zone.
In the interview, Parmar reflected on his career and his experiences working with esteemed directors like Hansal Mehta and Aamir Khan. Each experience has honed his craft, but IC 814 required a unique approach due to its real-life foundation. “When you are delving into a real-life incident, you need to do your research very carefully because you cannot go wrong with the facts,” Parmar reiterated.
The Intersection of Acting and Casting
Interestingly, Parmar is also a casting director, a role that complements his acting career. Working behind the scenes gives him valuable insight into character development, which he brings to his acting roles. His dual involvement in both casting and acting provides him with a deeper understanding of the overall filmmaking process, from selecting the right actors to bringing the characters to life on screen.
For Parmar, wearing both hats allows him to approach his roles with a unique perspective. His experiences as a casting director give him insight into the types of characters audiences connect with, while his acting work deepens his understanding of the craft. This combination has served him well in his portrayal of multifaceted characters like Shahid Akhtar Sayeed in IC 814.
Harry Parmar’s role in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a testament to his ability to bring authenticity to challenging, real-life characters. His research-driven approach to acting ensures that his portrayal of Shahid Akhtar Sayeed remains true to the events of 1999, providing viewers with an immersive experience of one of India’s most harrowing incidents.
In his own words, Parmar’s passion for his craft drives him to take on roles that push him to new heights. Whether acting or working as a casting director, Parmar's commitment to authenticity and depth in storytelling shines through. As he continues to take on more challenging roles, it’s clear that Harry Parmar’s journey in the film industry is far from over—his future roles promise to be just as c
ompelling as his past performances.