It feels great to be in front of the camera: Karan Patel

“He played the role of Narendra Modi in the Modi biopic. He is more powerful than all of us!” That’s how actor Aditya Lakhia, who plays the role of child actor Karan Patel’s father in the upcoming Gujarati film Khape, introduced Karan during a recent event in Vadodara. With a shy smile, Karan replied, “As a spinner, Aditya sir was excellent in the film Lagaan. But not many know that he is pretty good at cricket in real life too.We would play cricket on the sets and he would get me out easily!” Karan’s acting career has been an impressive one so far. While the Modi biopic was his Bollywood debut, Karan has already done close to 20 Gujarati films, including the National Award-winning Gujarati film Dhh, and . Karan loves coming to Vadodara, and says, “I really love these sculptures that one gets to see at the different crossroads in Vadodara. They are really beautiful!” Excerpts from a chat:
‘It’s a good phase for Gujarati films’
Things have certainly changed for the better for Gujarati cinema, and things are a lot different now as compared to two or three years ago. We have more variety now when it comes to stories and also, there is more professionalism in the industry. It has made great progress and for me, the journey has been fabulous because I have already got to play five or six lead roles at such a young age. Gujarati films are now travelling to prestigious international festivals as well, and that really gives actors great satisfaction.
‘It was great to work with Vivek Oberoi’
I was a little nervous while doing the Narendra Modi biopic because it was my first Hindi film. Although I didn’t have any scenes with Vivek Oberoi, just watching him on the sets was a great learning experience. He helped me out with my scenes and he would explain things very patiently.
‘I have to make sacrifices for balancing studies and films’
At times, I have to be away from school for an entire month for film shoots. However, my school has been pretty supportive. Also, I do not carry my books to the sets because shoot schedules are erratic and there is no point in carrying books. So, if I am at home, I cut down on things like playing, watching TV and using mobiles. These sacrifices have to be made, so that I don’t end up neglecting my studies. But I have no complaints because I absolutely love to be in front of the camera.
‘Doing theatre has helped me a lot’
I love doing Gujarati plays and it has been more than five years since I started doing theatre. I have also done street plays in Hindi. Theatre helps in improving as an actor. So far, the journey has been a great one and life has certainly changed after Dhh won the National Award. It gave me recognition and I hope to be a part of more good films in the coming days.