Harman Baweja at Indo-Pak border

Mumbai, April 27: After seeing soldiers from close quarters, he is quite kicked about playing one on the big screen. "I hope someday I have a chance to essay such a role," he says.

Lingering memories
The Love Story 2050 actor along with his father, producer Harry Baweja, was visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar. "We hadn't planned the trip to the Wagah border. It was a spur-of-the moment decision. The place gave me the goosebumps and memories still linger."

Harman Baweja with the guards at the Wagah border

Says Harman, "My family is from Chandigarh, but we had never visited the border area. Nor had I encountered any jawans as my family is not associated with army life. It was our driver who suggested that we also visit Wagah as it would be an experience for us. The best time to visit the place is when the change of guards takes place."

Seeing it for real
Harman reached just in time to witness the guards in action in the evening. "The Wagah border is about a half- hour ride from Amritsar. All this time, I had seen snapshots and TV images. Seeing it for real was a singularly distinct experience."

He adds, "The whole area was surcharged with emotion. There were several tourists and onlookers. Stands have been erected to witness the change of guards. On the Indian side we were all chanting Hindustan Zindabad and Vande Mataram and across the border we could hear Pakistan Zindabad."

Later, the actor secured special permission to visit the protected areas behind the gates at the border. "Civilians are not allowed in this special enclosure," he informs. HB also posed with the jawans for snapshots. "On the way back, I had this feeling of being pumped up. All this while, I only saw or heard what patriotism meant, at the border I experienced it firsthand. The zeal and dedication of the jawans is unmatched."

Truck of taters
The Victory and What's Your Raashee actor also had another feast for his eyes enroute. "There was this huge convoy of trucks; there must have been at least 200 trucks laden with potatoes! It was some sight of this trade deal!"

Back in Mumbai, Harman is now looking forward to the release of his film It's My Life which has Genelia D'Souza as his co-star.
 
 

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