Yudhvir Ahlawat on cinema, Haryana stereotypes, and Agniveer

Actor Yudhvir Ahlawat, who won praise for his role as Harpal in Kartavya, is not afraid to speak about subjects many in the film industry avoid.

In this conversation, Yudhvir traces his journey from a small village in Haryana to Mumbai’s film world – surviving his early days in the city with the help of strangers, spending nights in gurdwaras, training in theatre, and eventually acting in films such as Saand Ki Aankh, Love Hostel and Kartavya.

He speaks openly about the controversy over Haryana’s portrayal in Kartavya, the realities of honour killings, childhood bullying, and the role his family played in shaping his life. He also shares his views on the Agniveer scheme, paper leaks, India’s education system, and contemporary politics.

Yudhvir recalls working with Saif Ali Khan, Vikrant Massey, Sanya Malhotra and Sanjay Mishra, reflects on why artists should not be driven by insecurity, and explains why he believes Indian cinema must stop copying and start telling more original stories.

A conversation on cinema, society and politics, with no scripted answers.

Watch the full interview.

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