The global success of the series Maxton Hall has catapulted its young cast into international stardom, but for German actor Damian Hardung, the journey has been particularly profound. From Mumbai to Mexico City, fans are celebrating him, yet Hardung remains grounded, focusing on his craft and a special connection he feels with India. In an exclusive conversation, he shared his thoughts on spirituality, fame, and the unique allure of Indian cinema.
A Spiritual Bond With India: From Childhood Memories to Dal Makhani
Damian Hardung's fascination with India isn't new. He visited the country as a child, and those impressions have stayed vividly with him. For him, India represents more than just a destination; it's a place of deep spiritual resonance. He vividly recalls the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and, of course, the exceptional food. He describes Indian cuisine as simply "the best food there is."
Hardung cherishes the spontaneous and profound conversations he remembers, whether in a tuk-tuk or a car, where discussions would effortlessly drift to world politics and spirituality. "India has always struck me as a place where there is more of that spiritual connection that I sometimes miss in other places," he revealed. When asked for his favourite dishes, his answer was immediate: Dal Makhani and Chana Masala.
Fame, Craft, and the 'Global Crush' Label He Ignores
With sudden fame comes labels, and the tag "global crush" seems to follow Damian everywhere. However, he maintains a healthy detachment from it. He sees it merely as another label people play with and chooses not to attach his identity to it. He is acutely aware of the pitfalls of fame and is determined to avoid a familiar narrative.
"I don't want to be self-indulgent and play that role of the fallen artist who got to be famous and now is struggling. That's the tale I don't want to retell," he stated emphatically. For Hardung, the pursuit of fame and money is a hollow goal. "If it's fame and money that you're chasing, it'll never be enough," he advised, emphasizing that one must be the master of their own destiny.
He is fiercely protective of his privacy for the sake of his art. He believes that an actor must preserve a part of themselves to believably transform into different characters. "I've always hated that when the actor behind the role grows larger than the role itself. I always want to serve my role and not the other way around," he explained. This principle guides his approach to his career in the spotlight.
Family Ties and a Dream to Work in Bollywood
Hardung's bond with India is also a family affair. His mother spent half a year living in the Indian countryside, working on a farm, and she passed on her love for the culture through stories and food. "Growing up, she cooked a lot of Indian cuisine. Maybe in my last life I was there," he mused.
This connection fuels his desire to one day work in the Indian film industry. The idea instantly lights him up. While he laments not speaking the language, he is open to an international English-speaking role. He is captivated by the stories his parents told him about the unique movie-watching culture in India, where audiences connect emotionally and passionately with the story on screen. "They emotionally connect to the story. And I love that," he said, expressing his admiration for the vibrant cinematic experience.
True Love Beyond Ownership in Maxton Hall Season 2
Looking ahead, Hardung values the exploration of love in the upcoming second season of Maxton Hall. He appreciates the show's depiction of true love not as ownership or responsibility, but as a deep, selfless connection. "Loving someone so deeply that if their path doesn't align with your own path, that's fine for you as well... really wanting the good for the other person, is something that I truly value," he explained. This mature perspective on relationships is a theme he is proud to help showcase.
As Damian Hardung navigates his newfound global recognition, his heart remains tied to the spiritual warmth of India, his commitment to authentic acting, and a clear-eyed view of what truly matters beyond the glare of the spotlight.
