It’s been fascinating, it’s been exactly the way I wanted my life to be for all these years. It’s gratifying,” says Vijay Varma explaining how his life has changed post the success of Gully-Boy. The critically and commercially successful project was one of the most loved films of 2019.
The actor is currently gearing up for the release of Baaghi 3 on March 6. Starring Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, the film is directed by Ahmed Khan. Vijay, who plays a pivotal role in the film, says that his character is quite mysterious. “When all the doors are shut for Tiger in Syria, my character comes in support of him, but no body knows why. He is a very colourful and funny guy,” says the actor.
Baaghi 3 is an out-and-out action film but Vijay says that though he won’t be seen doing any high-octane activities, he will be a part of those scenes.
He talks about how the makers were clear about the kind of film they wanted to make (an commercial entertainer) since the beginning. “They signed me because they wanted certain kind of performance. They liked my work in Gully Boy and they wanted to tap into a different side of me as an artist to get a performance I haven’t done before. It was a challenge to take it up,” says the actor whose performance in PINK was highly appreciated.
Working with the team, he recalls, was a joy ride. “Tiger is loved by the audience for the kind of hard work that puts in. A lot of effort is needed for the kind action he does. He’s been very supportive and caring as a co-star, and so has Shraddha,” he says. Talking about his director, Vijay adds that Ahmed brings in a lot of energy and fun during his narrations. “He is a gifted choreographer and he’s extremely funny. He shared a lot of inputs with me which I put in my performance.”
Vijay is happy that today he has the luxury of choosing the roles he wants to play. He adds that he is also being mindful about the projects he signs. “I need to do things that people will really like, and at same time, will be challenging for me so that it hones my skills. Post Gully Boy, I have been in talks for some exciting collaborations. I have been picking up stuff that I have always desired,” says the actor who has worked in Mira Nair’s A Suitable Boy, a series produced by BBC One, also featuring Tabu, Ishaan Khatter, Tanya Maniktala, Rasika Dugal, Ram Kapoor and Shahana Goswami. He says that after working with such established names, he has a great feeling. “When I started off my career as an actor, I wanted my journey to be educative, exciting and loving. That happens when you work with minds who are superior and have insight into stories. I become richer when I react to people I admire and it’s extremely valuable to me,” says the actors, whose next Hurdang will release later this year.
