We were lucky to catch up with Harsh Kumar recently and have shared our conversation below.
Harsh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I still remember the moment like it happened yesterday. I was just a teenager when I got cast in a local theatre production—Deepdaan of Panna Dhay. I played Chandan, the son of Panna Dhay, and it was a role that demanded vulnerability, strength, and heart. As I stood on that stage, delivering my dialogues under the glow of stage lights, I felt something shift inside me. The audience wasn’t just watching—they were feeling every word. I could sense the silence, the stillness, the tears. And in that moment, I realized this wasn’t just a performance. This was power—the power to move people through art.
After the show, something unexpected happened. The head of Dainik Jagran approached me. He told me, “You didn’t just act—you left a mark.” That one conversation changed everything. He offered me my first live hosting opportunity, and that opened the floodgates to the world I had only dreamed of—voiceovers, acting, hosting big stages, and connecting with audiences across India.
That was the moment I knew: storytelling wasn’t just a hobby or talent—it was my purpose. Whether I’m lending my voice to a beloved animated character or standing in front of thousands at an event, I carry that same feeling with me—that the art we create can change lives, starting with our own.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Absolutely. My name is Harsh Kumar—I’m a professional voice actor, actor, and live performer born and raised in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. I stepped into the creative world not through film school or big studios, but through the raw energy of local theatre. My first major role was playing Chandan in Deepdaan of Panna Dhay, and that performance opened the doors to my professional journey. A representative from Dainik Jagran noticed me that night and offered me a live hosting opportunity. That single event changed the course of my life. Since then, I’ve been blessed to work with major platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Moj, Blinkit, Domino’s, and many others—both as a voice artist and a presenter.
Today, I provide Hindi voiceovers for animated characters, commercials, films, and promotional videos. I specialize in character voices—from mischievous kids like Bunty Batra in Chikoo Aur Bunty, to mystical creatures like Rangda in Chhota Bheem ( Rangda Ka Mayajaal ), and even animals like the Baby Opossum 10 in The Wild Robot. My voice adapts across age groups, personalities, and even species! I also perform as a host, folk singer, and actor, bringing vibrant, live energy to stage events across India.
What sets me apart, I believe, is the emotional depth I bring to each voice. My performances are not just technical—they’re deeply personal. I treat every script like a story that deserves to touch hearts, whether it’s a one-minute ad or a full-length animated film. And because I started from the grassroots, I never forget the power of connection—with the audience, with the client, and with the character.
I’m most proud of my journey—from a small-town theatre artist to a nationally recognized voice in over 55 advertisements and shows. I’ve been part of events like Gorakhpur Mahotsav for three consecutive years and was honored with the Adiyogi Samman for my cultural contributions in the entertainment industry for 3 years.
To anyone discovering my work for the first time: I want you to know that I represent the voice of persistence, passion, and purpose. Whether you’re a brand looking for a memorable voice, a fan who loves animated worlds, or someone chasing your own creative dream—I’m here to show that with heart, even the quietest voice can make the loudest impact.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
There’s one chapter of my journey that I hold especially close because it tested me in every way possible.
In 2022, I got an opportunity that felt like a dream—my first film cameo in Sangharsh Ki Udaan. It wasn’t a big-budget movie, but for me, it was huge. I had rehearsed endlessly, poured my heart into that role, and imagined how it would feel to see myself on the big screen for the first time. But just weeks before its scheduled release, the project was shelved due to technical issues and funding constraints. It never saw the light of day.
I remember sitting alone that evening, thinking, Was this it? Was all my work for nothing? But something inside me whispered, You didn’t come this far to give up now.
Instead of quitting, I pivoted. I went back to my roots—voice acting. That same year, I landed the Hindi dubbing for Jake Sully’s childhood in Avatar: The Way of Water. That opportunity lit a new fire in me. I realized that the setbacks weren’t roadblocks—they were redirections. The failure of one dream gave rise to another, even bigger one.
Since then, I’ve voiced over 55 characters in ads, shows, and films—including iconic roles like Bunty Batra in Chikoo Aur Bunty, and Rangda in Chhota Bheem. Each character I voice is a reminder that resilience is not about never falling—it’s about rising louder every time.
So when people ask me what keeps me going, I say: The silence after a closed door is where I found my real voice.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Definitely—and I say this with love and understanding. One thing many non-creatives may struggle to fully grasp is that in this field, the work doesn’t always show up on the surface. Success isn’t always visible. It’s not always about the number of followers, awards, or viral moments. It’s about how much unseen effort goes into one second of magic.
People often see the final product—an ad on TV, a character’s voice in a cartoon, or a perfectly delivered line—but they don’t see the long nights behind a mic, re-recording lines until my voice cracks, or the silent days waiting for callbacks that never come. They may not realize that creative success isn’t a straight line—it’s a rollercoaster of self-doubt, rejections, rewrites, and rebuilding your confidence again and again.
Sometimes I’ve voiced three characters in a day and still gone to sleep wondering if I’m doing enough. That’s the emotional tax of this industry—you have to believe in yourself when no one else is clapping yet.
What I want people to understand is that creativity is not just a skill—it’s a commitment to vulnerability. It’s about showing up even when the world doesn’t understand your vision yet. And if you’re someone who’s ever felt “different” because you dream differently—you’re not alone. I’m living proof that with passion and persistence, even the quietest voice can become one the world remembers.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harshkumar_actor?igsh=MWgxeWs2Mjl1d2RnMA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/199zLFArqj/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-kumar-41b40427a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@harshkumar_actor?feature=shared
Image Credits
Harsh Kumar & Utkarsh Desai