BOLLYWOOD NOW FOCUSSING ON TEAMWORK: VICKY KAUSHAL

That’s how the focus is shifting in Bollywood today, says Vicky Kaushal

Vicky Kaushal, who will be seen in Sanju, says he does not take much pressure before the release of his films, because he believes that each project has its own destiny and that a lot depends on team work. The cast of Sanju, a biopic on the life of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, is led by Ranbir Kapoor. But it includes a host of other well-known names including Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala, Sonam Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Vicky and more.

Each film is different

Asked if performing in an ensemble cast eases the pressure of an actor like him, Vicky said, “I think all my films have a different journey. Therefore, I take it as it comes. Of course, when I am playing the protagonist of the film, before the release, I feel a certain pressure, because I become the face of the film then and I have a major responsibility. But then, every film has its own fate. Since I am also new in the industry, I am learning from experience. I know that in Bollywood there is this constant talk on which actor’s film is minting how much money, but we are living in a time where the focus is shifting from ‘actor’s responsibility’ to the result of a a great team work. I believe filmmaking is about that.”

The prep test

For his role as Kumar Gaurav in Sanju, Vicky underwent physical transformation. He says it helped him perform better. “I think this is one of the films where I went through so many look tests because getting the right look was very important for me. It helps me as a performer to get into the mind frame of the character that I am portraying because losing and gaining weight also brings a change in the body language,” he said.

The actor, who has worked under Rajkumar Hirani’s direction for the first time, was overwhelmed about this collaboration. “We tend to say that some films are made for multiplex audience, and some for single screen theatres. And then there is Mr Hirani who manages to find the balance to cater to everyone. It is amazing to see how he approaches a story, how he conceptualises a scene and everything around filmmaking,” said the Masaan actor.

Ranbir, the hardworker

Since Vicky is playing the role of Sanjay’s friend in the film, he got a chance to spend quality time with Ranbir, who plays the title role. “RK (Ranbir) is one of those actors who work on his craft silently. He put so much effort and makes the character as his own, that when we watch him on-screen, it looks effortless. An actor has to really work hard to achieve that and that is what he brings on the table.”

Karan calling

Fresh from the success of Raazi, Vicky also features in the anthology Lust Stories — both of which have Karan Johar’s name attached to it. He feels a certain sense of validation to work with Karan, whom he has admired since childhood. “It is a great feeling to work with Karan because I have grown up watching his films. I admire him as a filmmaker. So getting those opportunities to finally work with him makes me feel really good and validated,” said the actor, who has finished shooting Kashyap’s Manmarziyaan and is gearing up for the film Uri.