Actor Veer Pahariya never went to a film school, but banks on his own experiences to enact any role

As a newcomer to the film industry, Veer Pahariya has already made a mark with his debut in Sky Force. It’s a fresh start, not just as an actor but for his pursuit of self-discovery, blending both personal aspirations and family legacy. There’s a quiet confidence about him, a belief that sometimes the universe aligns with the path you’re meant to walk, even before you realise it.

Talking about his debut film, Sky Force, Veer shares an intriguing perspective on how the film came to him. “I don’t think I had the choice because the first film always chooses you,” he muses. “I was selected for another film, and then on the day of the look test, they kind of transformed me into this moustached, Army-crew-cut guy in overalls. I didn’t know what the film was at that point.”

Growing up in a family with strong political and business ties, the pressure to carve out his own identity was immense. Veer’s family may have achieved significant success, but it’s his time to prove his mettle in a different field. “There’s been a lot of pressure because they’ve achieved so much. None of them are artistes, and this career takes your life out of you,” he explains. “Not many understand that it’s not a nine-to-five job, and it can take a toll on your personal life, your relationships. But it’s okay.”

Veer’s mother, a producer, has been an integral part of his journey. “I was brought up by a single mother,” he shares. “She had a lot of financial struggles, but she was very drawn to creating something in the creative field. She started writing shows and now she’s a creative producer on TV and web shows. Her understanding of films and scripts is very different from mine, but I respect her journey. She only started working at 45 and single-handedly raised me and my brother. I have immense respect for single mothers.”

He went on to share his deep respect for theatre, drama and his time working as an intern in the film industry. “I never went to a film school, so I had to create my own experiences.” His early experiences were shaped by various gigs that would later shape his approach to acting. “I’ve done a lot of theatre, drama, musical theatre, and hosting. On stage, I perform a lot, but off-stage, I’m very introverted. I practice a lot in the nets before stepping into the real game,” he says.

As for what’s next, Veer is open to any and all opportunities, provided the script resonates with him. “I would love to take on roles that challenge me, whether it’s a transgender’s role, a serial killer or something completely different. Whatever I do, I need to believe in the story and the team,” he says. “I’d love to collaborate with the talented actors from Punjabi cinema, especially after being inspired by their music,” he signs off.

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