When I met Harshad Chopda

My Experience in Meeting Harshad Chopda in London

Part 1-The Airport

When I saw that Harshad Chopda was attending AVTA this year, I didn't think that I would actually attend. But when I was given the right push from a friend, I realized that this might be my one chance to meet him. Without thinking, I booked my flight and hotel over night and then bought by AVTA ticket sealing the deal.

In London, I wasn't sure if I would get the opportunity to actually meet Harshad. I figured that that I will see him from afar and take a few pictures. But news spread that he was arriving in London at 11:30am. Without thinking twice, I went to Heathrow airport in the hopes that maybe I can get a picture with him.

I was waiting at the arrival gate with other fans, extremely nervous of what was to come. An hour after Air India landed, I see a glimpse of a red jacket over a white t-shirt and blue jeans, and a guy with long hair. He turned into the duty free store and I lost sight of him. A few more minutes go by and I feel my heart jump. The Harshad Chopda steps out, tall and handsome even after a long flight.

The organizers take them to the side and all I can do is stand and take pictures. I didn't know what else to do...so I simply admired how handsome he was. The red contrasted his light skin so well and I realized that this man is more handsome off screen than he is on screen.

I see him stand and wait...and I realized that this was my moment. I worked up the courage and went up to him. He gave a polite smile and I asked for a picture. He placed his arm around me and we clicked a picture. When I pulled away, I simply hand over a picture of Captain Aditya Hooda for Harshad to autograph. As he was signing the picture, I realized that I started talking. I told him, "I can't believe you are standing in front of me. I came from California especially to meet you..."

That's when he actually stopped signing his autograph and he looked at me, eyes wide, as he says, "Seriously?"

When I nodded, he realized that I was serious. The shock still remained on his face a few more seconds, processing the crazy person that I am. He asked if I will be at the event tonight and I said I will. He then completed his autograph and then I asked if I can take a picture. This next moment I will always remember...

I never expected him to actually put his arm around me again. He leaned and gave a side hug. I wasn't sure if he was welcome to hugging, but when I felt his arm around me I threw caution to the wind and hugged back tight. This moment alone was worth the whole trip to London.

Later I tried giving him my gift and because he was busy, I gave it to one of the organizers who will hand it over later. After Harshad walked away, I sat at the airport stunned at what happened. I not only saw Harshad Chopda in the flesh...he took a picture with him...I got his autograph...AND...I got a hug from him.

Part 2-The Event

I waited with the other fans at the AVTA cocktail hour, waiting to be seated. There was champagne, little appetizers, and lots of mingling. Kunal arrived first with his wife and then Raj. I didn't see Harshad anywhere yet but was still enjoying the good company.

I happened to turn a few moments later and saw the back of a tall guy in a fitted tuxedo and long hair walk inside the hall. Instantly knew that he had arrived. When guests were allowed to enter the hall, I walk in and see Harshad sitting next to his friend at the front table. He had his back turned to me, and yet I still couldn't look away as I walked to my seat. With luck on my side again, Harshad turned around and without thinking, I waved at him. He smiled and waved back.

I sit down for the event. I talk with the other fans, debating if we should go up to Harshad and ask for another picture. Every time we tried, he was busy talking to another guest, an organizer, or taking pictures. But with luck on my side, my friend realizes that the photographer's mother was seated at the same table as us. She was the sweetest lady who was also a Bepannaah fan. After dinner, the photographer approaches the table and I request if it's possible to get a picture with Harshad Chopda.