“The way Goldie [director, writer and producer Sidharth Sengupta] and I work is that he sends me an open file with the screenplay; I just push the space bar, create space for myself and start writing dialogues,” says actor Varun Badola, known for his work in television serials like Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani, Koshish - Ek Asha and Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand. Badola admits that he writes primarily for friends like Sengupta and hints at the organic nature of this working partnership. Besides being a well-known face in the Indian television circuit, Badola is also an accomplished dialogue writer, having worked for prominent web shows including ALT Balaji’s Apharan and Undekhi on Sony Liv.

Assisting Tigmanshu Dhulia in Haasil and Charas when he was only 22, and functioning as his additional dialogue writer helped him learn the ropes, shares Badola, now 48. It was an experience he put to good use when he was roped in to write episodes and scenes for Astitva, Koshish and Ek Chabi Hai Pados Mein later. It was his work on the latter which Sengupta came in to direct, that he believes got him the Apaharan job in 2017, a show which Badola believes holds some of his best work.

The two writing processes, however, have been starkly different. In television, Badola explains, one could be writing the same situation five times over. “When I was writing for TV, the idea was not to have the same conversation, the same words, but to think of something new which was difficult, because one needs to have more ideas.”

The writing for web shows on the other hand, needs to be taut and precise, he says. So, does he prefer one format over the other? “I have never written for personal satisfaction or achievement,” he responds. “It’s something to do with the way we’ve been brought up. The idea is to get the job done. Writing a good scene is just about that sometimes.”

Among writers he has admired over the years, the Salim-Javed pair still stands out, as the actor-writer recalls a scene from Don where the character’s release from jail is accomplished in less than 20 seconds. “Because they have already established that Don is so [influential], there is no need for explanations about security lapses, for instance,” he points out. “Bas story aage bhagao”. “If anyone has used willing suspension of disbelief to its fullest, it has to be them.”

At the same time, in spite of Hindi cinema’s dependence on such stellar writers, Badola is quick to point out how this creative sect in our country still does not get the credit or respect it deserves. Badola himself however refrains from writing screenplays and stories as those would take up too much time and prevent him from dedicating his energy to acting. “I don’t want to give up on acting as I love the craft. The idea [ultimately] is to have fun [with both].”  

The years have taught him to make the conversations he writes, more precise although he hasn’t consciously thought of growth in spite of having practised the craft for so many years. “The charm of writing a dialogue and of doing something new would be completely lost then,” he notes. At the same time, there is no strategising involved. “When I write a scene, I still write everything that comes to my mind and then we decide what stays and what goes,” he says.

For a creative individual whose simultaneous careers have frequently collided—he has spoken lines he had himself written in shows like Astitva—Badola hasn’t found one art to outweigh the other. “I am in love with the whole process,” he declares. There is also a need to disassociate oneself from one’s writing, he points out, because as an actor he may have visualised a scene differently from how another actor chooses to play it. “If everybody is acting to your whims and fancies, then perhaps all the actors will start looking the same,” he observes. “[The point is to] never get too emotional about your creation.”

Web sensation Nidhi Singh on returning to the scene with Apharan, and foraying into movies with an unlikely debut
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 15, 2019)

After becoming a web sensation with TVF’s Permanent roommates, Nidhi Singh is back on the scene with ALtBalaji’s Apaharan. In a tête-à-tête, the actor talks about going bold for the show, and her tryst with Bollywood. Edited excerpts from the interview.

You have been seen in only three projects since Permanent Roommates. Has it been a conscious move?
I haven’t been choosy; the fact is that I haven’t been selected for a lot of roles that I would have loved to do. I’m learning and trying to make up for what I lack. Having said that, I’m stubborn when it comes to my work. So, if I don’t feel challenged by a project, I don’t take it up.

Your latest show, Apharan, sees you working with Mahie Gill and Arunoday Singh. Since they have been in the industry for long, did you feel like a newbie on the set?
I’m not a trained actor, so every day was like going to school. I wanted to imbibe their positive traits. They are more disciplined and evolved as artistes. I didn’t have any scenes with Mahie, but luckily, I spent time with her during promotions. Watching the way she conducts herself was a huge learning experience for me.

Your bold role is being much talked about. Did you have any misgivings about it?
I didn’t have any apprehensions because I loved Ranjana’s journey from the word go. Those scenes did not feel forced at all. Also, I had developed trust in Siddharth sir [Sengupta, director] and Arunoday.

How did your family react to the intimate scenes?
My brothers loved the show, but my parents haven’t watched it yet. They have seen the trailer, and the scenes didn’t seem to bother them. The audience’s reaction has been positive. There’s a general curiosity about who my daddy is [ referring to the now viral scene].

How would you compare the working style of ALTBalaji with that of TVF?
TVF is like family to me. I was nervous about working with ALTBalaji since they are part of a giant studio, but they turned out to be just as warm. The common factor is that both production houses take their work seriously. Everything else is secondary.

You also forayed into Bollywood with Dil Juunglee last year.
I was eager to make my movie debut. Initially, I was apprehensive about playing such a quirky character, but I took the plunge because the role intrigued me. I was also keen to work with Saqib [Saleem] because I loved his work in Bombay Talkies ( 2013).

Last year was a trying phase for you personally.
Besides my work, a few personal challenges demanded my attention last year. My father suffered a brain stroke in the beginning of the year. After that, my mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer and underwent a major surgery. Fortunately, my parents are in the pink of health today.