The actor with Vishal Batra

As he gears up for the next schedule of Shershaah, Sidharth Malhotra reveals he monitored script of Vikram Batra biopic for three years before pitching it to producers
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 21, 2019)

The encouraging opening box-office numbers of Marjaavaan have reaffirmed his faith in his choice of projects. Now, Sidharth Malhotra has trained his focus on what could well be the most defining role in his career so far — Shershaah. "I am hungry to cater to a bigger audience. I feel Shershaah will have a stronger pan-India appeal than Marjaavaan. After all, it's a biopic on an Army hero who fought for the country," reasons the actor.

Malhotra, who is currently gearing up for the next schedule of the film that will bring the valour of the late Captain Vikram Batra — the Kargil martyr who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra — to the big screen, says he has been involved with the story right from its inception. "I have met Captain Batra's family multiple times. They are the ones who approached me to play the part of their son. I knew this was a story I wanted to invest in and tell. I have been working actively on the script for almost three years now. When we finally had a version of the script that we could give to Dharma Productions, they saw immense potential."

The team interestingly shot in Kargil, only days after the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir earlier this year. "We had a smooth shoot despite so much happening in the state. The Ministry of Defence and the Indian Army helped us out at every step."

Sidharth Malhotra kicks off Shershaah in Chandigarh with portions involving Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra's time spent in college
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 7, 2019)

Proving his mettle as an actor isn't the only objective with his next; Sidharth Malhotra understands that playing Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra attaches itself with an element of responsibility. In a bid to not disappoint, the actor has gone to great lengths to do justice to his act as the Param Vir Chakra recipient.

As shooting for Shershaah - as Batra was reportedly referred to in intercepted messages of the Pakistan Army - kicks off in Chandigarh today, a source from the unit tells mid-day, "Today, scenes involving Captain Batra's early days, prior to his appointment in the Army, will be shot. Some scenes will be filmed at the DAV College in Chandigarh, where he studied medical sciences. It was in college that he joined the National Cadet Corps Air Wing during his first year."

Malhotra, we're told, has been training in handling arms and artillery at the Marol Police Training Ground since the last few weeks. "Given that he will also play Captain Batra's twin [Vishal], the characters will have distinct looks. Last week, Sidharth, and the cast and crew, met Captain Batra's batch-mate Colonel Sanjeev Singh Jamwal. [He] shared anecdotes of the Kargil war."

Malhotra begins filming with on-screen lady love Kiara Advani for the Vishnu Varadhan directed, and Karan Johar and Shabbir Boxwala produced film. Boxwala informs, "Colonel Jamwal met us in Mumbai last week. We begin the first schedule today in Chandigarh. Sidharth has worked hard on this role and has been attending workshops every day. An Army officer has also trained him on the nuances of his part, including the body language, [manner in which he must] salute, and shooting in high altitudes, since we will film in Leh and Ladakh."


Batra; Colonel Jamwal

And on the other hand, script, title of Sidharth Malhotra’s Captain Vikram Batra biopic greenlit, locations still to be approved; both films set in Kargil
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 26, 2019)

Janhvi Kapoor kicked off the Gunjan Saxena biopic, one of India’s first female helicopter pilots to be posted in the Kargil war, in February in Lucknow. The film is reportedly titled Kargil Girl, but is awaiting clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) before announcing it officially.

From April 28 in Lucknow the team will film family scenes with Janhvi and Angad Bedi who play siblings and their father, played by Pankaj Tripathi. “They will also shoot near Lucknow’s air force station,” informs a source. Meanwhile, the title of the Sidharth Malhotra-starrer Vikram Batra biopic has been green-lit by the MoD. “It’s called Kargil’s Sher Shah. Both the title and the script have been cleared. The team has now submitted the list of shoot locations for the go-ahead,” added the source.

Shabbir Boxwala, co-producer of the Batra biopic, explains that if you are making a film on a defence personnel, besides permission from the family, MoD clearance on every aspect is vital. “We have submitted all requisite paperwork. The title and script have been cleared,” he says The film rolls in May in Chandigarh.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 17, 2019)

On Monday, Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra wrapped up a three-day schedule of a Maha Shivratri-based song in their next film together, Jabariya Jodi. Choreographed by Bosco Martis, who has previously worked with the duo on the 2014 romcom Hasee Toh Phasee, directed the fun number in a mela set-up.

The song also marked the end of shooting for the Prashant Singh directorial, which is based on the tradition of groom-kidnapping in Bihar. The next day, Sidharth got an early start on the prep of another one of his upcoming films, the Karan Johar and Shabbir Boxwala-produced, tentatively-titled Kargil’s Sher Shah. “Sid, along with the cast, was training on army drills and learnt the use of military weapons. This exercise is to get the body language and army etiquettes correct,” informs a source close to the development, adding that the actor will begin shooting for the Captain Vikram Batra biopic in the first week of May in Chandigarh.

Mirror had earlier reported (April 1) that Sidharth would undergo month-long training to get into the skin of his character. The film will be shot in approximately 70 days across Chandigarh, Palampur, Kashmir and Ladakh. 

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 1, 2019)

Sidharth Malhotra, who recently wrapped up shooting for Milap Zaveri’s Marjaavaan, has started prep for his turn as 1999 Kargil war hero, Captain Vikram Batra. The Karan Johar and Shabbir Boxwala production, which is directed by Vishnuvardhan, goes on the floors by April-end and the actor is undergoing a month-long training session to get into the skin of his character.

“Sidharth will sport different looks for different timelines of Vikram’s life. He has already spent some time with the captain’s family to know him better and is attending workshops to learn the use of military weapons,” said a source close to the development.

Mirror has learnt that the film is likely to be titled Kargil’s Sher Shah, a moniker given to the officer in the intercepted messages of the Pakistani army. “The film will be shot in approximately 70 days across Chandigarh, Palampur, Kashmir and Ladakh, beginning with DAV college, where Vikram studied. However, it won’t be a marathon schedule, as Sidharth has to take a break in-between for the promotions of his next film, Jabariya Jodi,” the source informed.

Alongside the training session for the biopic, Sidharth is also scheduled to wrap up pending work on other projects. “He has allotted a few days to shoot one song each for Jabariya Jodi and Marjaavaan at a city studio,” the source shared.

Sidharth told Mirror, “I am excited to play this real-life heroic story of sacrifice and valour as this is something I have not done before. I am looking forward to shoot at all the real-life locations.”

Captain Vikram Batra was 24 when he died and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his courage during the 1999 Kargil war.

Sidharth Malhotra will start the shoot at a college in Chandigarh
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 25, 2019)

Sidharth Malhotra’s Vikram Batra biopic is gearing up to go on the floors in April. It will take off in Chandigarh. “Sid will start off shooting the college portions at DAV College where Vikram studied. From there the shoot will move to Palampur where the captain lived with his family,” informs a source close to the development, adding the film is likely to be titled Kargil’s Sher Shah, the title given to the officer in the intercepted messages of the Pakistan army. The war potions will be shot in Kashmir and Leh towards the year-end with the actor going in for a look change. Sidharth will also be playing Vikram’s twin brother, Vishal.

Debutant director Vishnu Varadhan has completed his recce and got the necessary permissions. His leading man will be training with real army men once he wraps up Nikkhil Advani’s Marjaavaan which he is currently filming in Mumbai.

The makers are scouting for an actress to play the role of Vikram’s girlfriend Dimple Cheema. Dimple along with Vikram’s family has been helping the team with their research. The project is being co-produced by Dharma Productions and Shabbir Boxwala. Captain Vikram Batra was 24 when he died in the Kargil war. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; January 19, 2019)

Sidharth Malhotra, who turned 34 on January 16, celebrated his birthday by walking the ramp for his friend, designer Rohit Bal, whom he has known since his college days in New Delhi. The actor, who wore a pleated tunic teamed with an angarkha, said he couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift.

Speaking to us on the sidelines of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, the good-looking star threw light on his upcoming films and the change in his approach towards picking up scripts.

Going back to his roots
Last year was not so great for Sidharth, who had only one release, Aiyaary, which was a tepid fare at the box office. But he has a lot to look forward to in 2019. He has two films lined up this year, Jabariya Jodi that reunites him with his Hasee Toh Phasee (2014) co-star Parineeti Chopra and Marjaavaan, which will see him sharing screen space with Riteish Deshmukh again after Ek Villain (2014). Post that, the Delhi boy starts work on the Vikram Batra biopic, which has him essaying the role of the Kargil war hero.

“Yes, there are a lot of exciting things happening this year. I have new films and new characters to essay. In Jabariya Jodi, I play a Patna boy, a flamboyant and colourful character, while Marjaavaan is a larger-than-life actioner in which I sport a completely different look. It’s a fresh zone for me,” says Sidharth.

For his role in Jabariya Jodi, the actor had to prep a lot to get the accent right. “I am not speaking Bhojpuri or Maithili, it’s Patna ki Hindi. While doing that, I realised there is so much history in that state — many poets have come out from there, it’s culturally rich. I was familiar with that Hindi since I am from Delhi and we speak so much of the language at home. It is close to Bihar and UP where this kind of slang is spoken. I will explore this zone again as I am going back to my roots and playing a desi boy, which I haven’t done so far,” he enthuses.

Title tattle
Interestingly, it was Sidharth, who came up with the title of Jabariya Jodi. Ask him where he found it and he replies, “Oddly it was while doing workshops for learning the Patna slang that I got the title. They use a lot of slangs and stretch their words like ‘badhiya hai bhaiyya’. Jabariya is not a word, it’s a slang. Jabar cheez means fantastic and jabariya can mean jabar as well as forceful. I just felt it’s fun and interesting enough to put it in a title.”

The film revolves around pakadwa vivah — kidnapping the groom and forcefully getting him married.

In action mode
While Sidharth is not new to the genre, having done Ek Villain and Brothers earlier, he tells us that in Marjaavaan, it’s a different kind of maara-mari. “I’ve always done action — my first was Ek Villain, Brothers was more intense, then came A Gentleman; and now this. I grew up watching actioners whether they were Amitabh Bachchan’s movies from the ’70s or that of Sunny Deol and Sanjay Dutt in the ’90s. I enjoyed seeing them and doing them as well. In Marjaavaan, we will explore a new kind of action, which is larger-than-life and in the massy zone,” says the former model.

Going massy
With his last couple of releases — Aiyaary and A Gentleman —  not faring well at the box office, looks like the 34-year-old actor has decided to have a different approach in picking up scripts. He wants his movies to be massy entertainers. “The common thread between Jabariya Jodi, Marjaavan and the Vikram Batra biopic is that these are not small in terms of concept or writing, they will work pan-India. They have enough entertaining elements to cater to everyone in the family — kids, mother, father, wife and husband,” he states.

About his earlier projects, too, the actor shares that he has always tried to choose scripts that are well written. “Some work, some don’t, nobody can predict that Friday. But my attempt is to do new things. I have never repeated a character or film in my career, I will continue to do the same thing, but the way the scripts are written or approached will be for a larger audience. That’s the new change — like Jabariya Jodi with a concept but flamboyant and entertaining, Marjaavaan; with Riteish and me coming back but the action and love story is in the massy zone and Vikram Batra, an India-based story, which I hope caters to everyone,” he signs off.

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; January 2, 2019)

They say that the handsome never go hungry. Sidharth Malhotra has had a tough time at the movies, but he’s kept his chin up and has taken life lessons from the experiences of working in movies like Ittefaq (2017) and Aiyaary (2018). In a heart-to-heart with BT, the young actor talks about dealing with life’s curve balls, his struggling days as a newcomer and how he has tried not to fall into the trappings of the industry. Excerpts...

You were a rank outsider in Bollywood when you made your debut with Student of the Year (2012). Since then, you have been seen in nine films. Looking back, what is your understanding of the film industry? Tell us about some of your learnings and revelations.
I have learned more from the films that didn’t go my way. The ones which didn’t work helped me understand that what works at the script level might not necessarily work on screen. With experience, I have also been able to understand what kind of roles interest me. I like doing roles that challenge my craft. I have always mixed up the roles I have chosen — from playing aggressive characters in Ek Villain (2014) and Brothers (2015) to playing the boy-next-door in Kapoor & Sons (2016). There have been good films and bad films, but growing with each film has been an enriching experience. I have also learned a lot, having worked with a variety of filmmakers. I am still equally excited about every film I embark on, as I have never repeated my roles on screen and that is a tough thing to follow.

You have two big releases in 2019, these roles appealed to you because they made you come out of your comfort zone?
I am currently shooting for Marjavaan and have wrapped up the shoot of Jabariya Jodi. Both these films will see me in avatars that the audience has not seen me in before. In Jabariya Jodi, the audience will see me playing a rustic character for the first time. He is a Patna boy, who carries out pakadua vivaah (forced marriages). I was aware of forced marriages taking place in Bihar. I did my own research on the subject as well and came across a large number of such incidents that also happen in UP. Come to think of it, these are only the cases that were reported. When I heard the story, I was excited about it and took it to Ekta Kapoor (producer), she loved the concept and even added to the humour quotient of the film by bringing in some writers on board. When we narrated the script to Parineeti (Chopra), she loved it and quickly came on board. Marjavaan’s backdrop is the underbelly of Mumbai. It is an intense action film, which revolves around a love story. I haven’t done massy and masala films before, so this was a new experience.

You were supposed to start shooting for the Vikram Batra (Kargil War hero) biopic after Aiyaary. Has there been a change of plans?
Vikram Batra’s family approached me for the film two-and-a-half years back. They wanted to talk about their son and his story. According to them, there was a physical similarity between their son and me. He has a twin brother, who was also actively involved in the process. I met the family and was touched by the story. We didn’t have a bound script because there was a lot that we had to incorporate. He was heroic in his professional as well as his personal life. It took time for the script to be penned and also to rope in a director. South director Vishnuvardhan, who is helming the project, has a lot of experience in the action films genre. I also approached Karan Johar for the film; he bought in to the script and added his own inputs.

Actors, who enter the industry, want to certainly be known as good actors, but they also keenly look forward to their brush with stardom. What were your aspirations and how much of that have you been able to achieve?
I just wanted to get recognised so I could impress the ladies (laughs!). Honestly, the first exciting bit is to be a recognisable face. One hopes that people will watch your film, scream out your dialogues and dance to your songs. I have experienced all of that and I think I have been lucky. I didn’t want to fall into the trap of following a template of what actors have done in the past. One of the biggest challenges for me as a newcomer and as an outsider was to figure out how I could stand out.

You made your debut with a big banner, yet, as an outsider, it must have taken you a while to ease into this space. In this industry, often egos are big and relationships fragile. Did you have to be careful about what you said, or what you didn’t say to the filmi folks?
Yes, initially I was careful about what I said because people in the industry can get easily offended. In my early days, I felt that silence was my best friend, but today, I have spent enough time in the industry and have forged relationships with people. Our friends and colleagues keep changing every few months because we are working on different films, but sometimes you remain friends even after you have wrapped up the shoot of a film. The perception could be that I am quiet, but actually I put my point across to people when I think I need to and people get the message.

India’s Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality in a landmark judgement in 2018. In fact, your film Kapoor & Sons had one of the lead actors Fawad Khan play a gay character. Now, do you think more mainstream actors will be open to essaying such roles on screen?
Playing a gay or lesbian character on screen is a personal choice and we need good writers to portray characters with different shades. Shakun Batra was trying to make Kapoor & Sons for a year. Many actors were refusing the role, which was eventually played by Fawad. The fact that there was a character who was gay, overshadowed other aspects of the film, which spoke about a dysfunctional family. But that’s how close minded we are about a subject like this. I am aware of certain films being made on that topic in the industry with both male as well as female actors at the centre of it. I am keen to see how the audience responds to it.

The #MeToo movement was a watershed moment this year and led to many well-known names being named and shamed. How did you respond to it?
The #MeToo movement was important to set norms right. Taking advantage of somebody for work or in exchange of work is appalling. The movement has led to a clean-up and it will create a better space for women working in the industry. People will fear being defamed and also fear being in the limelight for the wrong reason. It will stop people from doing this. I am hoping that all the cases that have spoken about are genuine. The ones who have been accused will hopefully learn their lesson. The industry has taken a strong stand against perpetrators of the crime and that’s a welcome move.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; October 25, 2018)

Sidharth Malhotra, who has had only one release this year (Aiyaary), has three films in his kitty. The actor is currently wrapping up work on Jabariya Jodi opposite Parineeti Chopra and has also signed Milap Zaveri’s next. There’s also the Vikram Batra biopic, tentatively titled Kargil: Sher Shah, which was announced some time ago.

The film, which chronicles the life of the slain Kargil martyr, was supposed to go on floors right after Jabariya Jodi, but now, there has been a change in plans. Says a source, “A major chunk of the biopic needs to be shot in Kashmir. During the recce, the makers realised that the weather conditions would be too rough around January-February for shooting to progress smoothly. Hence, they took a unanimous call to push the schedule by a few months.”

The war drama, which will be produced by Karan Johar as well as Shabir Boxwala and helmed by Vishnu Vardhan, will go on floors around next April-May. “Meanwhile, Sid will kick-start Milap’s revenge saga, which also features newbie Tara Sutaria, this December. It will be wrapped up around March 2019,” our informer adds.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; October 13, 2018)

Sidharth Malhotra, who’s currently filming Jabariya Jodi in Lucknow, has been making short trips to Mumbai for narrations. Although he has two films lined up after his romcom, his team is working out slots for another project.

We hear, the Aiyaary actor was approached for Imtiaz Ali’s next. Our source reveals, “Sid met the filmmaker, who had two scripts. They discussed one of them and the former model liked it, too, but he couldn’t sign it. Kartik Aaryan is acting in the other movie, which is based on the second script.”

The informer adds, “Imtiaz wanted Sidharth’s dates in February next year, but the latter had already committed the same to the Vikram Batra biopic. He told the Jab Harry Met Sejal director that he won’t be able to shift that film and politely turned down the offer.”

That’s not the only reason. Our source adds, “The subject deals with an army-based romance. Sid has already played a man in uniform in Aiyaary earlier this year and will be stepping into the shoes of the Kargil martyr, Vikram Batra, next year. So, he thought this project will be too similar to what he’s already doing. Instead, he has signed a film with Nikkhil Advani’s banner, which will be helmed by Satyameva Jayate director, Milap Zaveri. It’s an action entertainer, which is scheduled to go on floors after he finishes the Batra biopic.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 31, 2018)

It’s been months since Sidharth Malhotra and I have met, but the moment we did, I sense nothing has changed. Unlike everything that’s being written about, the actor is busy preparing for his next film (which was previously called Shotgun Shaadi). In between his script-reading sessions, he chats with After Hrs. In a candid interview, he talks about his career choices, his films not having a successful run at the cinemas and why the negativity hasn’t deterred him.

A few of your films haven’t worked and a lot has been written about you...
(Smiles) There are various aspects to it. For me, cinema is all about experimenting. I haven’t shied away from that. If you see, no two projects of mine are the same — they have had different stories, characters and that’s how an actor can grow. The movie doing well or not is something that’s beyond my control. Some of my films have worked in the past while some haven’t. But I’ll still push and explore myself. Now, I’ve enough experience to be more precise and know exactly what I want out of a movie.

Does all the negativity bother you?
No. Initially, it was difficult for me to understand why people would write something with such negative connotations. I also realised that it changes each Friday, so I don’t feel like wasting my energy by replying to them. My next Friday will answer everybody’s questions. Nothing succeeds like success. It would be immature if I kept clarifying everything that’s written about me. It doesn’t make me insecure.

Have your equations within the industry changed?
Definitely. In my case, associations and equations are built purely on work. I don’t know anybody here from Adam or by blood. Here, people are just my colleagues. Some of them are closer to me while others aren’t. No offence to the people I’ve met — they are extremely nice human beings — but no matter how you package it, eventually you end up having merely professional relationships. You work together, get along well and become like a family for a few months; but then it fizzles out. Sometimes, it doesn’t when you are doing multiple films with an actor, that time the bond becomes stronger. However, I don’t let such things affect me too much. I’ve had amicable relationships with all my co-stars — both heroes and heroines. But that’s because I don’t have too many expectations from them.

Does that mean you are not a very emotional person?
I’m not saying I’m not emotional at all. It’s how you approach things. I can be extremely sentimental about my family and close friends. I like to have people around. I grew up in a joint family where I had my uncles, my grandparents and cousins staying with us. So maybe, I’m needy of that environment at times.

In Mumbai, my friends fill up that void. When there are five of them at my place or some come down from Delhi, it’s comforting. My family members also keep coming here. I’ve had a happy and normal upbringing, so I’m a sensitive human being. I come from a middle-class family. So, some values that I’ve got in my childhood are an asset when it comes to dealing with people and things. In many ways, I’m grateful I don’t come from a film family.

Now, when things aren’t going your way, do you still have the same drive and ambition that you had in your initial years?
Absolutely. When I came to Mumbai, I was selected to be a hero in an Anubhav Sinha film. I spent six-seven months, but it never happened. The accommodation that they gave me was taken away from me. So, I had to stay with a friend. Then, I tried my hand at modelling. I’d only do ramp walks for pocket money. I didn’t know where all those things would lead me to, but I was just taking one step at a time. I did a few shoots for some brands and then I stumbled upon assistant direction where I felt it was just the best opportunity for someone like me, who didn’t have the resources to go to a film school. It’s one of the best decisions I have made. I went purely as an employee, not knowing I’d be launched by that production house. From there, things just took off and now when I’m at a juncture where things aren’t going my way, that drive of my initial years is keeping me alive and happy. I have the fire in my belly, which I guess I had only when things weren’t working out for me. When you come from nothing and have only gained, you have that confidence that somehow, things will fall in place.

Do you feel people are taking you for granted because you don’t retort?
That depends on what people would want to perceive. Some of them are immature to take my silence as weakness, whereas others are wise enough to know that right now, silence is my best friend. It’s a creative field and you can like or not like somebody’s work. That’s fine and that is displayed in the business on a Friday itself. To drag it on for months and write off someone’s career is just so negative. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that I’m not listening. I’m definitely aware of what’s being written about me. It’s just that I choose not to speak, my films should speak louder. I’ll come back with a bang.

You have already signed two films but surprisingly, no official announcements have been made?
We will soon announce this Balaji film with Parineeti Chopra, which will go on the floors in Lucknow in August. It’s a love story based on the concept of pakadwa vivah which is groom kidnapping. We’ve given it an interesting spin and made it funnier. It’s a completely new space for me as I’m going back to that Hindi belt from where I hail. At heart, I’m still a small-town boy (smiles). Delhi isn’t a town, but it’s still more rooted than Mumbai. After that, there’s the Vikram Batra biopic, which is quite challenging. I’m excited and driven to portray his legacy. I don’t know if we can imagine how it was to fight for the country at the border. It’s not a frivolous movie because it’s based on a person who gave up his life for us. It will be a tough task to portray the film’s essence on screen. There’s a lot of anxiousness and excitement. It’s my toughest role till date and I’m excited to start my prep with director Vishnu Vardhan.

The actor’s biopic on Captain Vikram Batra rolls in June; the late soldier’s twin brother and girlfriend are also on board
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 15, 2018)

After Neeraj Pandey’s Aiyaary, Sidharth Malhotra is set to return to Kashmir. The actor’s next, a biopic on the late Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra, is scheduled to go on the floors this June. Titled Kargil: Sher Shah, the Captain’s code name during the war, the film will also be shot in Ladakh, Chandigarh and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

“Sidharth has been in touch with Vikram’s twin brother, Vishal, who is on board to offer inputs to the story. His girlfriend Dimple Cheema has also helped the team with the research as, besides Vikram’s valour, the film will also explore their love story. The team is aiming to wrap up the film by the year-end,” a source reveals. “Prep will include training in horse-riding and shooting. Sidharth will play the double role of Vikram and Vishal.”

Vikram was born in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, and was the older of the twins. When the war broke out, the 24-year-old officer’s unit received orders to move to Kargil. Eighteen days later, on June 19, 1999, he was ordered to recapture Point 5140 in his first major battle. The enemy camp was routed, their soldiers killed and 13 J&K Rifles’ (infantry regiment of the Indian Army) victory strengthened India’s hold. His triumphant war cry, “Yeh dil maange more,” grabbed headlines.

The mission was almost over when a junior officer injured his legs in an explosion. Vikram rushed out of the bunker to rescue him. He was lunging to lift his mate when he was hit by a bullet in his chest. Captain Vikram Batra was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra a month after India won the war.

Harshada Rege (DNA; January 23, 2018)

Sidharth Malhotra is one of those few people that I have met who, like me, prefers Pierce Brosnan to Sean Connery as James Bond. “I have grown up watching those movies,” he explains. A self-confessed fan of the spy-film genre, it’s obvious that the actor is mighty thrilled to play one on the big screen in Aiyaary. This is also the first time that he gets to work with director Neeraj Pandey, who is a pro at this genre, with movies like A Wednesday and Baby to his credit. Here, the actor talks about the unavoidable clash with Pad Man, relationships in Bollywood, and working with Neeraj and Manoj Bajpayee for the first time.

Which has been your favourite spy movie?
True Lies, where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s family doesn’t know what he does. See, the main job of a spy is to get information. Both, Manoj and my characters in Aiyaary, are those of military intelligence people. Their job is to know what’s happening around. This is probably the closest we have got to showing real-life spies. They aren’t always glamorous. They aren’t always fighting and punching. Their main job is to not get noticed. And that’s where the Aiyaary aspect comes in. They’ve been taught to merge in the crowd, not get noticed, change forms, and get relevant information, hence the title.

This is the first time you are working with Neeraj Pandey...
Yes, and he is great to work with. He is one of the few filmmakers in the country who wants to make movies to make a difference in a way and talk about real subjects and issues. But he does that in an entertaining and thrilling manner. Look at A Wednesday, what a lovely thriller! Not one shot in the film is a filler scene, and the punch in the end is superb. So, in his words, he says that Aiyaary is almost in a similar format. I was very happy to hear that and now that the film is close to release, I am very excited to have people see it.

Was shooting with him what you expected it to be like?
The thing about him is that he shoots fast. His speed is unique because he is so clear about what he wants as he writes the dialogues, the screenplay and the story. Once he gets his shot, he doesn’t question it and moves on. He uses a lot of steady-cam. His strength is his writing and his command over a story and how to take it forward. There will be no filler scenes or place to think ki abhi kya karna hai. He knows exactly why he has it there. That’s been his USP.

You have teamed up with Manoj Bajpayee for the first time too...
Yes. It’s been a very enriching and exciting experience. I was watching him and learning. I was like a sponge on the sets absorbing what he was doing. He is a silent actor. He has given some prolific performances, won National Awards...so to be on sets with that kind of an actor, you just get to observe his preparation and discipline. The way he switches on and off on the sets is amazing. He was sweet enough to spend time with me after shooting. He takes these acting workshops. I wanted to know what he does. I called him and he landed up. We were talking about performances, movies, Hindi poetry, his theatre time... it was great. I learnt a few things that will help me in future

Now that Pad Man has changed its release date, you are back to clashing again at the box office...
For us, our life is back to square one. We thought we were being gracious enough and moving forward for an easy and solo release so that more people can see our film. It was also more of a production call and rightfully so because the numbers are affected in a way. But we were never shying away from a clash, it was purely to avoid three films coming on January 26. And I think there’s an immense amount of love from Pad Man team who just want to latch on to any date that we come on and they are just not letting go (laughs). So, again, we are pretty happy and confident of our film. Two films will come on a particular date so there’s not much that we can do. Now, people will have two films to watch. Let’s see...

You have said that clashes at box office don’t affect equations, but is that really possible in Bollywood where relationships are so fragile?
I won’t say that every relationship in the industry is easy to maintain or grows with time, but there are exceptions to the cases. It’s also very situational. Relationships in the industry are very fragile, I agree with you. But it’s a personality thing — it’s also about what you want to put on line, and what that friendship means to you. I think there’s a very distinct line between friendship and business. Anyone in this industry will give priority to work first unless they are family. And rightfully so, that’s the way the world works and should work. We are all here to do good work and business. So, I do understand it. Over the years, there’s a sense of maturity as well, to be prepared for these situations and maintain relationships, and also to know to what degree can they be extended to.

Besides this film, you will also be a part of the Vikram Batra biopic. What is it about the spy/army genre that fascinates you?
Just the inspiration angle of it. These are real-life heroes and the whole country knows them and what they do for the country. These are the people who are sacrificing their lives for us. It’s also a matter of chance that two of these movies have come up back-to-back. I might have a love story in the middle to just pace them a bit. But even these two films are not similar. Aiyaary is not a war film, it’s a relevant film about what happens today in the military intelligence department. The other will be a proper biopic. That will be straight-arrow inspiring about a particular battle and war that India fought. They are two distinctly different films.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; November 27, 2017)

Sidharth Malhotra is visibly happy.  His last movie outing, Ittefaq, made its mark. He has an interesting line-up of films — there’s Neeraj Pandey’s Aiyaary, and the slain martyr, Vikram Batra’s biopic right after. Here, Sidharth talks about the parameters on the basis of which he signs a film. He explains why box office isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of things.  Interestingly, he also tells us why he won’t drop his pants on screen. 

What is more important to you — to have a huge film do good business or a small film that gives a better return on investment (ROI)?
I would like to have a mix of both. In that aspect, recently, what I just needed was to push myself as an actor, do a character which is difficult to convince people, surprise the audience and get that appreciation back. Ittefaq happened at the right time because I never chose that film for commercial reasons. It was meant to be a smaller film, with no song and dance, no lavish locations or costumes. I didn’t even play the hero. I chose it because I got to play a different shade in the film. After Ek Villain, I liked the intensity of this film. As an actor, it’s great and satisfying. It wasn’t a safe bet, but now that it has romped home, it is safe. I have never played it safe when it comes to any of my choices.

Do you think it’s easier for you to be part of smaller, but content-driven films, which will have a limited reach, because you’ve established yourself as a star?
I have always experimented, so that doesn’t apply to me. I have never done things, which have been done in the past. I have never been in that zone where I have thought, ‘Senior actors ne yeh kiya hai, toh main bhi yehi karunga’. My endeavour as a new actor is to push my limits. Whether it works or doesn’t is a different thing because that’s beyond my control. All my Fridays have been different. When people look at my filmography, they will feel that Sid has done everything differently from his contemporaries in the first five years.

So, you don’t think about the box-office prospects of a film when you sign it?
It’s not like that. It’s just that I am looking at the bigger picture as opposed to the smaller things. I can’t keep thinking about the box-office business. You can’t live off a big hit for a long time, but if you get appreciation, you get a bigger equity and a better legacy. Yes, of course, there are films that have not done well, but there have been movies that have been appreciated as well. I’m not insecure in that zone because I still have the same confidence with which I came into this industry. I know that I will make it, but there’s time to do that. It will happen over some time. It’s a matter of getting the correct combination. These are times to learn from because an actor learns the most when things don’t go his way. There’s a sense of maturity that comes in and fear goes away. And that will only help me better myself as a performer.

Have you ever regretted signing any of the films that you’ve been a part of?
Never! I have made all the choices consciously, and I stand by them. Yes, I learn from them. On the sets, when I see directors change something because of the location or technical matters, then it’s just an experience ki aisa bhi ho sakta hai. That’s the learning, but not a regret ki yaar kyun kiya.

How have your choices changed in the last year?
I think my choices are inclined more towards content-driven films. I haven’t really done the typical, mainstream films. I have always looked for that one peg in all my films. More than it changing my choices, it changes my performance. What I do with those films and characters is what’s important. Aiyaary is next and it has a talented director like Neeraj Pandey and he likes things very subtle. So, the film is more about the story than just the performances. I have not seen the film yet so I can’t speak for it. Henceforth, like in the Vikram Batra biopic, whatever I do, there will be far more shades to it than what you saw in Ittefaq. Probably, now, I get the push to try things like that better.

What about doing a niche film?
Of course, I would love to. I have not differentiated between commercial and niche films. Some of my most commercial choices have not worked. Right now, nobody knows what will work. The smaller films are doing well mainly because they are made on tight budgets. They usually turn out to be sleeper hits. That’s far more satisfying than falling into the trap of having a big film, releasing at a period and following a certain graph.

Would you like to do a web series?
I haven’t been offered one. I am selfishly ambitious to be on 70 mm — to do bigger and better films and build that equity. I came to Mumbai to become a Hindi film actor and not digress from that. It’s not creatively that attractive right now. Ittefaq could have even been a web series but I’m getting to do it here. Why would I go to a digital team when I’m getting to do so many interesting things in films?

Would you go bald for a role?
I would do it for a character if needed. I gained weight for Brothers. I buzzed my hair and had a beard and didn’t come out in the media for the first three months to keep my look away from the eyes of the paparazzi.

What about a Full Monty then? Are you comfortable?
Of course, I would do it. But only if there’s a reason or logic behind it. I will not drop my underwear unless it’s aesthetic and it’s great to do a character like that (laughs).  I won’t go nude just for the heck of it. It’s pointless.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; September 4, 2017)

Sidharth Malhotra is on a roll. A Gentleman has come and gone, but the in-demand actor has Ittefaq and Aiyaary coming up soon. And from what we hear, he has signed his next — a biopic on Kargil martyr, Captain Vikram Batra.

A source claims that Sid has been in talks for the role, “for quite some time,” adding, “he loves the script and feels that Vikram’s is a heroic story that needs to be told. Whatever happens, it will be him, who plays the role. He’s tight-lipped about the project for now, but he has given it the green signal.”

The late Captain Batra’s bravery is the stuff of legend across army rank and file, something Sid is well aware of, thanks to his background (his grandfather was in the army). “He understands the space and the emotions attached to it. He’s done his research on Batra and is raring to go,” says the source.

While Sid has liked another film (directed by Raj Kumar Gupta), it is highly likely that he will work on the biopic, right after Aiyaary. Which, incidentally, will be his first foray into the genre.

The source adds, “Sidharth has been offered biopics, but he was keen on doing an inspirational story — and what better than one on Captain Vikram Batra’s life! Aiyaary is based on real incidents, but this will be a proper biography on screen — Sid’s first.”

Two Sids again!
While he didn’t have a double role in A Gentleman, Sid’s role in the Vikram Batra biopic will see him in one. “Captain Batra has an identical twin brother, Vishal. Sid will play Vishal in the film as well,” adds our source.

ABOUT CAPTAIN VIKRAM BATRA
Famous last words: “I’ll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come for sure”.

Killed in action: July 7, 1999 (aged 24), during the Kargil War between India and Pakistan. KIA clearing enemy positions.

Awarded: The Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest award for valour.

Had he returned alive... Would have been a General by now.

Best known for: Snatching Point 5140 from right under the enemy’s nose on June 19, 1999.

Last known mission: Commanding a mission to rescue an injured officer.

The nickname: The Pakistan Army was so afraid of him, they called him Sher Shah (Lion King) in the intercepted messages of the Pakistan army.