National, 20 February 2025: Veer Pahariya graces the February cover issue of Filmfare, emerging as a fresh talent in the entertainment industry. With a deep-rooted passion for acting, music, and storytelling, he embodies a new generation of artists who refuse to be boxed in. As he continues to grow and push boundaries, Veer is undoubtedly a talent to watch out for in Hindi Cinema. Veer Pahariya made his Bollywood debut earlier this year, starring alongside Akshay Kumar in the film Sky Force. Filmfare, one of the country’s most prestigious entertainment magazines renowned for celebrating cinema, fashion, and emerging talents in the industry, serves as the perfect platform for Veer’s story, marked by dedication, perseverance, and a drive to redefine the norms.
In an exclusive chat with Filmfare, Veer reflected on his dream. He shared, “I think it was my lifelong dream to become an actor. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want this. When I was about five years old, I used to collect Filmfare magazines. I still have them in my collection.”
Highlighting his early hustle before stepping into the world of films, Veer recalled, “I had a YouTube channel where I built a small audience and would get paid for performing at college festivals and schools. I also worked on a few ad jingles.”
Discussing Sky Force, Veer revealed how he approached the pressures of a high-profile debut with a sense of gratitude, highlighting, “I didn’t have any fear at all before Sky Force released. I was just grateful for the opportunity to live my dream. Every day on earth is a good day.” He recounted his experience sharing the screen space with Akshay Kumar, noting, “Working with Akshay sir was overwhelming at first because he’s someone we’ve all grown up watching. But when I went on the set, he was so welcoming and comforting that he immediately broke the ice with me.”
Veer’s transformation for the role of Squadron Leader T Krishna Vijaya in the film was drastic – both physically and mentally. Recalling his transformation for the character, he shared, “On the day of the look test for Sky Force, I had long hair and a beard, and they transformed me completely. I had no idea what the film was about at that point. They cut my hair short, gave me a military-style moustache and put me in overalls. Months later, I heard the narration, and it was an easy decision.”
Cementing his stance as a disruptor in the industry, Veer said, “I know I don’t look like a typical hero. But I’m aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I’m here to bring something new to the table. I’m aiming to break barriers and change the game.”
On his self-made journey, Veer acknowledged the realities of navigating Bollywood without a legacy to lean on, saying, “I’m the first artiste in my family. So, my association with the industry is purely based on the work I’ve done. Anyone who comes to Mumbai gets associated with people from the film industry.” Talking about his early inspirations, he revealed, “Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan were my early inspirations. I also really admire Sushant Singh Rajput’s choice of roles; he had such an original voice.”
Filmfare’s February issue chronicles and celebrates all that’s hot and happening in the world of movies and OTT.