Actor Vijay Varma has consistently showcased his exceptional talent in the film industry. He began his Bollywood journey portraying negative roles, a trend that he has consciously adhered to over time.
Now, Vijay is prepared to shed his antagonist image and embrace the essence of old-school romance in the upcoming film Gustaakh Ishq, produced by Manish Malhotra.
Breaking Away from the Antagonist Image
In a candid conversation, Vijay expressed his desire to break free from negative portrayals, acknowledging how they can weigh heavily on an actor. “It was a break that I wanted from the negative parts because they tend to weigh down on you,” he shared. He often received feedback from fans stating, “We hated you in that film; we hated you, but you are a brilliant actor.” This made him want to distance himself from the word “hate” and explore different narratives.
A Shift to Romance
Discussing Gustaakh Ishq, Vijay described it as “a sweet, romantic film” rich with themes of love and worship. “There are a lot of things in it that were there for me to explore as an actor,” he noted. He further detailed his transition from negative roles to softer, more positive characters. “Anything that you do new tends to take a bit of time to adjust to, and it can be difficult,” he admitted, recalling a challenging scene from Pink.
In Gustaakh Ishq, Vijay faced the unique challenge of delivering poetic dialogues in front of acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah, striving to remain composed and authentic. “It was a new challenge!” he exclaimed. He added, “Whenever you switch or change yourself, it can be a bit challenging. But it’s fun.”
The Journey Ahead
As he continues to explore new genres, Vijay mentioned that his next aim would be to venture into comedy. Gustaakh Ishq, set in the retro charm of Delhi, portrays the nuances of romance in Old Delhi. Vijay’s transformation from intense characters to a soft-spoken lover has pleasantly surprised many.
The film also features veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and Fatima Sana Sheikh. Produced under Manish Malhotra’s Stage5 Production banner, Gustaakh Ishq invites viewers into a love story steeped in passion and unspoken desires, rooted in the rich architectural heritage and musical longing of its setting.