The intrusive pap culture has been a hot topic of discussion, especially after actor-MP Jaya Bachchan’s recent remarks. Actor Vijay Varma, who returned with Gustaakh Ishq after a 14-month break, says the gap feels bigger because he once had frequent releases — and the pap culture is one reason behind the break.

Ask him if he took the gap deliberately avoid to the media overexposure, Vijay agrees: “The work wasn’t coming out, so the conversation was about everything else.” His relationship with actor Tamannaah Bhatia had also dominated headlines.

He says, “I would have liked complete silence but that’s not possible… I have not spoken to the press since IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024), not given a single interview, yet the presence is all over and it’s beyond my control.”

Calling it a generational issue, he adds, “Your lives are being scrutinized every single day… I did need a gap, I needed more silence. But that’s something I didn’t have any control over.”

The actor—who started off his career with minor and antagonistic roles before becoming a leading man, and now is a romantic hero with Gustaakh Ishq — laughs when told he’s in his “lover boy” era. He says, “It was a by-product of being in the spotlight for being in a public relationship. People saw me in a certain way.”

Reflecting on his journey, Vijay says, “I never worried about being in any box... even when supporting or negative parts were what people were remembering me by, I knew I would grow out of it. I have a lot more to offer. I spent a few years without work or doing minor parts. Because of my sincerity and the relentless pursuit I have for the craft, I knew I deserved to be a leading actor and I worked towards it.”