Vir Das takes a dark, intense character head on

Actor and stand-up comic Vir Das is always at ease when it comes to facing thousands of people and tickling their funny bones in a way no one else can. However, what he is not used to is keeping himself aloof from people, but that’s exactly what his next onscreen character is all about. To bring out the best, the actor-comedian has taken up the challenge with utmost zeal.

Vir has been travelling the world with his stand-up comedy show Abroad Understanding. Now, that he is back in India, he is working on his next web-based show which is a dark and intense script.

Vir will be playing the titular character of Hasmukh for filmmaker Nikhil Advani’s series. The character is dark, intense and keeps himself away from socialising. This was particularly difficult for Vir, who is the exact opposite in his real life.

A source close to the actor says, “To get into the skin of the character he’s playing, Vir went into complete isolation by even cutting down on public appearances, stage shows and even cutting down on attending family functions and gatherings. Vir instructed his close associates to ensure that he shouldn’t be disturbed at any cost. He didn’t wanted to leave any stone unturned to play his part with perfection.”

The idea of playing an alien character has definitely given Vir some kick.

“When I read the character of Hasmukh, I knew he is absolutely the opposite of how I am as a person. This is exactly what encouraged me to take up this project. I want to see how far can I push myself and make the audience believe in a completely fictional character which I would manage to bring alive on the screen. This is the most interesting thing about being an actor. I would never leave such a chance to play a different personality and experience life through a different character’s mind,” he says.

PHOTO:FOTOCORP To get into the skin of the character, Vir Das went into complete isolation by cutting down on public appearances