That Vicky Kaushal is a fine actor was evident in Masaan (2015). But with Sardar Udham (2021), he showed that when given an author-backed role, he could well give a performance that was evocative and almost unforgettable. It’s not surprising then that he walked away with the Best Actor trophy at the recent IIFA Awards 2022.

“I have always wanted to be a part of Shoojit da’s [Sircar, director] films. I have got my award already by being part of his world. Anything beyond that is an honour,” said the actor, jubilant as he received the trophy at the Abu Dhabi event.

On its October release, the biopic — an ode to the revolutionary, Sardar Udham Singh — was highly praised for Sircar’s deft direction and the leading man’s restrained performance. It is widely known that the filmmaker had originally planned the period drama with the late Irrfan.

Kaushal, who had the tall order of stepping into Irrfan’s shoes, dedicated the award to the late actor, saying, “I want to dedicate my first Best Actor award to an actor whom I admired and respected all my life — the original choice for this film, dear Irrfan saab.”

The film is easily Kaushal’s most significant work to date. To him, it’s also the defining point in his career, as it made him one of the most reliable actors of the current crop. “It has been seven years in the industry for me. I remember I used to knock on everyone’s door for auditions, but never got through. I’d come back home and tell my mom that nothing is working out. She had said, ‘It’s not your job to know how it happens. It’s your job to have faith.’ That stayed with me. I did not know how this was going to happen, but I did everything in my capacity [to earn a place in the movie industry].”

While actor-wife Katrina Kaif could not attend the awards gala, she was not far from his thoughts. The actor, who tied the knot with Kaif last December, said, “People have been saying that I have a glow on my face. Everything is because of lady luck. You know who I am missing here.”

The glittering event at Yas Island saw Kriti Sanon win the Best Actor (Female) trophy for Mimi (2021), while Shershaah was adjudged the Best Film.