From Spine-Chilling Villain to Romantic Lead: Vijay Varma's Transformation
Bollywood actor Vijay Varma, who sent shivers down audiences' spines with his terrifying villain portrayal in the 2016 superhit movie 'Pink', has recently opened up about the challenges of playing such a disturbing character. The actor, known for his intense and layered performances, earned widespread praise from both critics and viewers for his chilling act, despite the character being widely hated.
The Difficult Transition into Pink's Antagonist
In a recent interview with IANS, Vijay Varma elaborated on the emotional and professional challenges he faced while preparing for his negative role in Pink. "It tends to take a bit of time to adjust, and it can be difficult," the actor confessed, revealing the psychological toll such characters can take on performers.
Varma specifically recalled the moment when director Sujith Da cast him in the film and the powerful yet dangerously written scene that would become pivotal to his character's impact. "It was a very powerfully written but dangerously written scene—a very gruesome one in a car with Taapsee (Pannu) and the other two boys," he shared, highlighting the intensity of the sequence that would define his character's menace.
The Director's Unusual Benchmark for Success
The actor admitted to initial self-doubt about his ability to pull off such a dark scene. "I couldn't ever imagine myself pulling that scene off because I felt I didn't have it in me," Varma revealed. However, being a trained actor pushed him to deliver beyond his perceived limitations.
The directors, Sujith Da and Anirudh Roy Choudhury, provided him with a unique and telling benchmark for success. "If after watching this, a girl doesn't feel like slapping you, you haven't done it right," was the brief given to him. Interestingly, Varma quipped that while no one actually slapped him, many viewers confessed they genuinely felt like doing so, indicating he had indeed met the directors' challenging criterion.
Embracing New Challenges with Gustaakh Ishq
Now, Vijay Varma is set to surprise audiences with a complete transformation in his upcoming release, Gustaakh Ishq. Known primarily for his intense and often negative characters, the actor steps into the world of romance as a soft-spoken lover, marking a significant departure from his previous roles.
The recently released trailer of Gustaakh Ishq has already generated buzz for Varma's understated performance, with his quiet glances and restrained expressions winning hearts and making headlines. The film promises to showcase a different side of the actor, moving beyond the intensity that has defined much of his career.
Gustaakh Ishq features an impressive ensemble cast including veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The movie marks another significant milestone as it's produced under ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra's new production banner, Stage5 Production.
Set against the evocative backdrops of Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) and the fading kothis (vintage houses) of Punjab, Gustaakh Ishq tells a passionate love story filled with unspoken desire. The narrative draws from a world where architecture preserves memory and music carries longing, creating a rich tapestry for this romantic tale.
The film boasts an impressive technical team with Vibhu Puri directing, music by Vishal Bhardwaj, lyrics by legendary poet Gulzar, sound design by Oscar-winner Resul Pookutty, and cinematography by Manush Nandan. Gustaakh Ishq is all set to release on November 28, offering audiences a chance to see Vijay Varma in a completely new avatar.
