Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; May 2, 2018)

For the longest time, there was a huge divide between mainstream heroes and actors who would thrive on unconventional cinema. Today, the gap between the two is slowly merging. And that’s what Vicky Kaushal is proud of. He admits, “I don’t know if I want to create a separate space for myself. I don’t think that way.” Three years after his much-talked-about debut in Masaan, the actor is now part of some big-banner films, two of which — Raazi and Lust Stories — are being produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.

In a candid chat, the young actor tells us why he wants to play an out-and-out villain and how working with KJo in two back-to-back films has boosted his morale further.

People are quick to stereotype actors. How difficult has it been for you to not be typecast?
It has been easy as well as difficult. After Masaan, I got eight to 10 scripts in a row where the makers wanted to cast me as a UP boy. I consciously didn’t want to take up any of them. I was just one film old but I wanted to explore myself as an artiste. That’s my constant quest — to try out new territories. I have been blessed, also because I got calls from Dharma and Raju (Hirani) sir and received these opportunities to work with them. At times, I feel humbled thinking yeh sab ho raha hai mere saath. It’s pleasantly surprising to me. These are not frivolous but content-oriented stories for the masses. I’ve never planned my life. I only believe in giving 100 per cent to my present. I don’t know what’s right and wrong at this stage. I’m just a kid trying to walk. I might fall, run or even fly but right now, I’m just trying to see how the floor feels like.

But with films like Raazi, the lines between mainstream and unconventional cinema are blurring...
Yes, of course. It’s a great time to be part of the industry as an actor. The reason why this bend has happened is that we have sensed that the audience has matured and now, they want stories that they can relate to. They like watching real stories with real emotions.

We are catering to them and that’s a responsibility. There was a time when they wanted the stars to just appear on screen, but now they want them to challenge their intelligence. I guess I am part of the industry at the right time, where I am getting opportunities like these and writers are penning such roles.

How did Raazi happen?
I got a call from Karan (Johar) who asked me to come and meet Meghna (Gulzar) as she felt I was suitable for the part. She gave me a gist of the story, narrated two scenes and wanted me to film them so that she gets an idea of how Alia and I looked together. It was more like a screen test. Next day, I got a call from them and they told me I was on board for the film. I was bowled over after reading the script because rarely do you turn to the last page and feel ki yeh sach much hua tha? Do these people really exist who live in ambiguity to protect their own countrymen? I feel that’s so selfless and brave of them — as their duty demands that we don’t come to know of their heroism. It’s a story that the whole nation will be proud of.

You are playing a character with grey shades...
(Cuts in) I would want you to see the film. That’s the beauty of the story. It’s not just an India-Pakistan story. It breaks the law and universal mindset that we have — that people on this side are heroes and those on the other side are villains. It’s a more human story. I’m playing someone in the Pakistani army who loves his family. It’s where duty comes first and relationships are secondary. At such crossroads, the decisions you take not only affect your life, but also your country’s future.

But would you be comfortable playing an out-and-out negative character?
Raazi blurs the lines between heroes and villains. Having said that, I would love to play an out-and-out villain. It’s exciting to be the antagonist.

Did you ever think that this film might catapult you into the big league?
It could be! My decision is never based on that, but simply the story. Of course, you think about that because Karan and Raju sir have the power to make the film reach out to a huge audience. It’s obviously an added bonus. As an actor, you want to reach out to the masses. But when you have a film which does that and also gives you creative satisfaction, then it adds value.

Does it give you more confidence that someone like Karan has offered you an anthology, Lust Stories, already?
When a director like Karan trusts you and calls you back for another film, it boosts your morale further. I had so much fun shooting with him for Lust Stories. We shot for six days in December and we had a blast on the sets. Karan has such a good sense of humour. I wasn’t even aware of it. We were always in splits. I can’t tell you the details of the story, but it deals with contemporary relationships.