After graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), actor Vijay Varma did a few indie films like Chittagong and Monsoon Shootout before getting his big break with Pink (2016), in which he played the antagonist. His role as Moeen, the friend of Ranveer Singh’s character in Gully Boy (2019), sealed his reputation as a talented actor. He hopes his role in the just-released Baaghi 3 will introduce him to a wider audience.
Q\ Why act in a masala film like Baaghi 3 after taking up such unconventional roles in films like Monsoon Shootout?
A\ It means a new market, a completely new sensibility and a completely new set-up. You will be exposed to an audience that you probably would never have otherwise. It is a great achievement, I feel. Just look at how the views for the trailer have gone through the roof. It is crazy. For people who wanted to see me do something new, there it is. I have given it to them. It also means that you have to surrender to the vision of the director in a different way than you would to that of another director. I won’t really push my opinion in a project that does not require it.
Q\ It has been a while since you started your career with the short film, Shor (2008).
A\ Yeah, it was a very slow and steady journey until Gully Boy. But it kind of skyrocketed after that, in terms of the kind of projects that are coming my way, the ones that I have shot for, and the ones I am going to be shooting now.
Q\ Are you now feeling pressured by the high expectations?
A\ Not at all. I think I have geared myself for it. I waited [long] enough. I was taught patience by many delays and failures. Sometimes, it got really difficult. And now I am here to use all my capabilities to further my craft.
Q\ You left your business family to become an actor. Have your parents come to terms with it?
A\ I think they are happy to see me in the place where I am now. But at the same time, they are emotional Rajasthani people who feel it does not make sense to leave home. Somewhere, they still want me to come back. They are proud of me, but they must be thinking that he has done what he wanted to do, and now he should come home.
Q\ You are also working on Imtiaz Ali’s digital show and Mira Nair’s drama miniseries, A Suitable Boy.
A\ The Imtiaz Ali show—She—on Netflix should be out soon. Working with Mira Nair has been one of the best experiences [of my life]. She was one of my dream directors.