Exclusive: Vijay Varma Opens up about Jaane Jaan and his stardom

The year 2023 surely belongs to Vijay Varma. After the stupendous success of Dahaad and Kaalkoot, he will now be romancing Kareena Kapoor Khan in Sujoy Ghosh’s next film - Jaane Jaan, which will be releasing on 21st September on Netflix.
In an exclusive chat with Adgully, Vijay Varma talks about his light and positive role in Jaane Jaan, which is different from the grey characters he had played earlier. He also shares his experience of sharing the screen with big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhat and now Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Excerpts from the talk:

After Alia Bhatt, you have worked with Kareena Kapoor Khan now. Tell us about your experience.

They both light up the frame. I just need to catch the light and reflect. They have the same amount of sincerity, passion and interest for the work they do. They are very familiar with the camera.

How was it playing ‘Karan Anand’ in Jaane Jaan?

After Darlings and Dahaad, where my characters were grey, I was looking for a role which was lighter, charismatic and witty. My character in Jaane Jaan has all these traits.

Did the dark roles in Dahaad and Darlings have any impact on your mind?

It has never affected me. I always do my roles and forget once they release and are appreciated by my audience. It leaves a lasting impression with the audience. Once I figure out the frame of mind of the role, I am satisfied. I struggle if I cannot get into the mind of the character. The moment I hear the script I start planning it in my mind.

We are seeing a new Vijay Varma in the trailer. How did you prepare for this role?

The day I met Sujoy Ghosh he showed me a picture of Bruce Lee which was in his office and asked me to be like him. My character has to move like a martial artist. And believe me I have just played martial arts and boxing in video games. So I gave time to myself for learning this stuff. Karan’s superpower is charm and I try to use that in my performance as well.

Was there any pressure when you got to know that you have to share screen with Kareena Kapoor Khan?

In my earlier years I have shared screen with Amitabh Bachchan sir in Pink. I am not being pompous but I have already faced one of the greatest actors of the world. I am deeply enamoured by big stars. So when I work with popular stars like Kareena, I just look at them and try to be inspired by them. Kareena is someone who has this perfect balance of professional and personal life. She is redefining herself every day.

Was there any healthy rivalry between you and Jaideep Ahlawat?

We have known each other from our FTII days and are very good friends. I am a big fan of his work. When I read the script of Jaane Jaan, I knew Jaideep’s role is the best and no one can play this role better than him.

Do you consider yourself an actor or a star?

I would like to consider myself as a fine actor but audience wants me to be a star (smiles)! I think acting is a prerequisite of the stardom. I know my job.

How has the struggle changed from when you started initially?

When I started it was the struggle of ‘Gumnaami’. No one used to recognise me, no one gave me a break. Now the struggle is to sustain this phase. My intention is to do my work with honesty.

What is in your wish list now?

I want to work in the West now, I want to see my potential in the global market. And I want to do a comedy role who at the same time is a dumb person. I feel that is the toughest one.

To conclude, what makes you happiest being an actor?

I get to play different characters because in real life I am a boring person. I have the same life everyday - eating homemade food, sleeping and playing video games.