I felt blessed in 2019: Vicky
Films in 2019:
Uri: The Surgical Strike 2020 lineup: Bhoot — Part One: The Haunted Ship and Sardar Udham Singh
For you, the year started with the big success of Uri, and ended with receiving the National Award...
This year, there was a feeling of being blessed. I felt something worked really well — whether it’s due to the result of my karma or blessings of my wellwishers. Honestly, I could feel that something special was happening. I worked hard and gave my best every year, but I feel it was destined that after all the hard work — of giving multiple auditions and being assistant directors etc., — there is a year when I am like, ‘Arrey, yeh kya ho gaya’. But I pray it’s just the start of my journey, and that I keep working as hard and with as much truth and honesty. Bas upar waala meherbaan rahe.
Personally, what was the biggest takeaway for you?
I remember since Uri was the first release of the year, we were like, ‘yaar, log bas film dekhne aa jaayein’. But the response went beyond our wildest imagination. One learning was, that you have no idea what a Friday will bring — it may or may not be in your favour. And I feel that it’s a beautiful thing that you don’t know what a film’s destiny is going to be. You shouldn’t plan about becoming a part of a certain film. You should just go by your gut regardless of whether that film fits into the trend or not. Also, remember that only if a film gets love will you be appreciated, and not vice versa. That clarity is important. Bas pair zameen pe rahe aur dil, dimaag sahi jagah pe rahe. The idea is to keep moving ahead with every film.
Last week, you received your first National Award for Uri: The Surgical Strike. How was the entire experience?
It was a beautiful and surreal feeling. I was on the flight throughout December 22nd (travelling back to India from Russia where he was shooting for Udham Singh), and reached Delhi only on December 23rd morning. But there was so much excitement that I couldn’t sleep the entire night (on December 22). The whole thought, I think, kept me charged all the time. Being a part of the whole event was like living a dream. I had also taken my mother along so it became all the more special. Sometimes, you only dream about certain things ke, kaash aisa ho jaaye’ but when that actually happen, you don’t know how to react o it (smiles). It all felt extremely nice.
2020 also looks very interesting or you. How do you see it?
I will start work on Takht around February end. In terms of releases, there will be Bhoot followed by Sardar Udham Singh. I don’t know how it’s going to pan out. Firstly, I feel I am very new to understand ki (year) kaisa rahega and secondly, I believe a lot in destiny and karma. So, my entire focus is on, ‘ke abhi main kya kar raha hoon’ and so, let me focus only on that. The only idea is , ‘ke sacchi neeyat se kaam karte raho.’ I don’t know how a film is going to perform at the box office but it would be great to have as many people connect and resonate with it, as possible. If that happens, the box office part will be automatically taken care of.
Now, audiences have a lot of expectations from you. Do you ever feel pressured due to it?
Not at all! I look at it as a great thing. Meri toh hunger hi uss expectation ki hai. I wish that people’s expectations only go up — and never goes down — with my each film. If they have expectations from me, it’s like a compliment to me. It only means that my work is resonating with them, they are enjoying my performances, and that they are hungry for more of me. I really pray that god blesses with me so much talent, that I keep living up to people’s expectations.