From Bollywood to the Lecture Hall: Harshvardhan Rane Embarks on a Psychology Journey

Harshvardhan Rane, a well-known face in Indian cinema, is taking an unconventional path. Most actors focus on building their careers early in life, but Rane, at the age of 40, has embarked on a new adventure — pursuing a degree in Psychology (Honors)!

This decision comes from a long-held desire. Rane left home at 17 to pursue acting, but the lack of a formal education left a lingering emptiness. He expressed a sense of fulfillment despite having two more years to go, acknowledging the void he felt from not completing his education earlier. He mentioned a newfound sense of belonging within the industry in recent years, though he qualified this feeling as perhaps one-sided.

Balancing Acting with Academic Pursuits

Balancing a demanding acting career with studies is no easy feat, but Rane demonstrates remarkable dedication. He creatively utilizes his commute time, listening to psychology lectures during his 45-minute walks to the gym. Flights, car rides, airport lounges — no space is off-limits for his studies. He even tackled assignments during a government office downtime!

Exams, Recognition, and a Lifelong Fascination

Exams brought a unique set of challenges. Initially, a mask concealed his identity, but by the final exams, whispers started. He would rush to class to avoid a crowd, but afterwards, he enjoyed stimulating conversations with his fellow students.

His commitment extends beyond the current semester. He’s already begun prepping for next year’s exams, much to the amusement of his classmates! This unwavering dedication stems from a lifelong fascination with human behavior. He explained the overlap between acting, which involves studying behavior, and psychology, the formal study of human behavior. He expressed that the course has broadened his horizons and believes there’s nothing more beautiful than understanding the human mind.

Overcoming Doubts with a Smile

Rane’s decision wasn’t universally supported. Some questioned his choice to return to school. But Rane has a history of silencing doubters. From running away from home at 17 to building a successful acting career, he’s consistently defied expectations. He stated his refusal to listen to negativity and his determination to see his plans through.

Want to hear more about Harshvardhan Rane’s journey and his insights on psychology? Head over to my blog for a deeper exploration of his story!