Don’t just want to push, but tear the envelope: Varun Dhawan

Basking in the reviews of October, actor Varun Dhawan says that he wants to continue seeking roles that are unique. Are we speaking to ‘superstar’ Varun Dhawan now? (Laughs) No, this is Dan (the character from October). I still haven’t come out of my character. This is that kind of an experience that I can’t just leave behind. Dan is not heroic in the filmy sense. What made you play such a character? This is what I was asked when I did Badlapur (2015). I hope this question keeps coming up in my career. Will you continue to seek out roles that push the envelope?

Not just push the envelope, but phado (tear) the envelope. I am not interested in doing unconventional roles that don’t go all the way. I don’t want to take sides as far as doing mainstream, and unconventional roles are concerned. Why should offbeat characters not be popular? When we made October, we knew it wouldn’t get the audience of a Judwaa. It was made within the required budget. And we were not disappointed with the results. Would you be doing more such ‘tearing the envelope’ roles? Yes, absolutely. But it has to be a character like the one in October, who is completely honest even about his dishonesty! We all lie to others and ourselves. But how often is the hero allowed to admit his weaknesses on screen? (Screenwriter) Juhi Chaturvedi has written the character as flawed, and yes, quite annoying in the way he pushes his opinion about everything on others. Dan is quite overbearing. He redeems himself finally. It proves there is a sensitive human being inside him. I loved my character’s journey. What is your biggest takeaway from this film? It has taught me to be more considerate towards others. It is not just important to feel for someone. It is also important to express that feeling. This film has also taught me to be sensitive to what goes on around me. People die, people have accidents, but life goes on. Nobody cares beyond a point. That’s sad. Most importantly, I want to spend more time with my family. And yet you’ve moved out of your family home into your own place? That’s because I needed more space. And my private space. Did you buy your home as preparation for marriage? Nothing like that. Of course, it will happen in good time.

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH Varun Dhawan plays Dan, ‘who is completely honest even about his dishonesty’, in October