I WANT TO WORK WITH MY FATHER: VICKY
Vicky Kaushal says high expectations make him push his boundaries
Although he did small parts in films such as Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012) and Bombay Velvet (2015), Vicky Kaushal came into his own and shone bright with his solid outing in Masaan (2015). Three years later, as he emerges as one of the most promising actors around, we catch up with Vicky to talk about working with Alia Bhatt in Raazi, the pressure of expectations, and more.
Raazi’s release is just a day away. How do you feel?
The feeling is that of excitement and happiness. It feels great to be a part of such an important subject and a beautiful story, especially because I got an opportunity to work with two amazing women who have constantly inspired me. I deeply adore and admire them for their body of work and also for the kind of people they are.
This is first time that you have worked with a female director (Meghna Gulzar). Is there any difference between a male and a female director in terms of sensibilities?
To be honest, I didn’t notice any differences as such. Be it male or female, a director’s only agenda is to make a good film to the best of their knowledge and ability. Sab ek acchi film hi banana chahte hai. There shouldn’t be any difference [between a male and female film-maker]. At least, I didn’t feel any vis-àvis Meghna in terms of the energy or her approach towards making a film.
What was working with Alia like?
It was fantastic. I think she is one of the most spontaneous and organic actors we have in India today. Alia is extremely good at her work, but she doesn’t take it for granted. She puts in a lot of effort into her characters. I feel that this is her toughest part, but she has performed it to the T. She is also one of those actors who help their co-stars elevate their performances. Plus, it’s easy to bond with her on a humane level, since there isn’t even an ounce of fakeness, or baggage of being a star. She was a great energy on the sets.
Alia is the main protagonist of the film. Did that matter to you when you signed the film?
What matters to me is the story. With Raazi, when I read the script, I couldn’t believe that such people exist and that there are anonymous people who are doing such brave acts just for the security and safety of their countrymen. It’s such a selfless, but thankless job. I felt it was an honour to be part of such a story. Also, when names like Meghna Gulzar and Karan Johar are associated with this movie, you know they will handle the subject with a lot of sensitivity and responsibility. So I just took the plunge and followed my heart.
After Masaan, people now expect solid performances from you. Do you ever feel the pressure of high expectations?
I look at expectations in a healthy way. If I am aware that good work is expected from me, then it motivates me and makes me push my own boundaries. I don’t treat it like pressure. I would always want people to expect good work, because that’s a good sign for me as an actor. Also, if I keep exploring myself as an actor, venture into new territories and constantly look to work with good directors, then I get to grow as an artist.