Vicky Kaushal plans to spend the day with his family, hopes to give them more time post-lockdown
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 16, 2020)

“I have been working on most of my birthdays over the last few years. I try and make that happen. These are tough times but this birthday is going to be special,” says Vicky Kaushal who turns 32 today.

Talking about having a low-key celebration at home, he shares, “It’s going to be different this time because it’ll be a quiet one. It is going to be all about spending time with family. I’ll also be catching up with my friends over video calls.”

The actor says that the pandemic has made him realise the value of family and being there for each other. “From this point on, it’ll be a conscious effort to give more time to them. When the Coronavirus lockdown is lifted, I’ll make sure that no matter how busy I get in life, I’ll spend ample time with them, have meals with them and talk to them rather than blaming the fast-paced life for not being there with my family,” he says.

Kaushal gets nostalgic, fondly remembering his birthday celebrations from his school days and one of his main complaints. “I used to be very upset because my birthday would fall during the summer vacations. I couldn’t wear regular clothes to school on my birthdays and distribute chocolates to the entire class. But what I remember are the sweet parties at home where I would cut cakes surrounded by my friends. That was the time when technology hadn’t advanced so much and nobody was aware of the concepts of video calls and selfies. Those celebrations felt so real because we wouldn’t be busy clicking photos for social media,” he shares.

He says that a lot has changed since his birthday in 2018. His first big hit, Raazi, recently marked two years. With gratitude, the actor says, “By God’s grace, things only got better from that point on. Raazi came out after Masaan (2015), Zubaan, Raman Raghav 2.0 (both 2016) and Love Per Square Foot (2018). Raazi presented me to a wider audience and the way it was received and the love we got was too special. It was my first experience with the mainstream and things began changing post that.”

Vicky Kaushal in conversation with Mayank Shekhar at the latest edition of Sit With Hitlist, at the mid-day office Pics/ Nimesh Dave

Vicky Kaushal reveals the story behind his evolution from indie cinema's poster boy to Bollywood's current heartthrob on a full-on dream run
Mayank Shekhar (MID-DAY; September 6, 2019)

Here's The One Question We Will Not Ask You: How's The Josh? How's The Josh… Aren't You Frickin' Tired Of Hearing It [My Ears Hurt]?
[Laughs] I don't think I'll ever be tired of this question. This line has given to me and my family something very special. Although, have to say, I had reached a point, where I could just get up in the middle of my sleep, hear it, and go, "High Sir!" [laughs]

In Box-Office Terms, Uri Really Made You A Superstar. And It Was Your First Action Film. This Is Not Ironic. Because Your Father, After All, Is An Action Director. And That Would've Shaped Your Relationship With Films Too, In The First Place; No?
To be honest, I was craving an action film. Which, as an audience, I really enjoy watching. And not in the sense over-the-top action. I wanted to do something realistic. For me, a good action film is what Aamir Khan did with Ghulam [1998]. Or, say, Black Friday [2007]. My favourite piece of my dad's work is his first film [as action director] Prahaar [1991]. That's my space, where action is a scene — part of the narrative.

How Did You Land Uri [Given The Unlikely CV]?
[Director] Aditya [Dhar] was going to make a film called Raat Baaki Hai, with [Pakistani star] Fawad [Khan], and Katrina [Kaif], where I had a character that I couldn't do, because of date-issues. That film itself got shelved 20 days before shoot, because of the [Pathankot] attacks. Now, I was shooting interior portions of Raazi in Mira Road. It was an emotional scene, when I learn of Alia's [Bhatt] truth. We canned good stuff, and it had been a hectic day.

Driving back, I got a call from Ronnie Screwvala's office that they had dropped off an action script [to be directed by Aditya, who I already knew]. I saw the title, Uri: The Surgical Strike. And now I wasn't the actor. I was actually curious to know what happened [in Uri]. It took me four-and-a-half hours to read the script, in one go, which is what I prefer — as if I'm watching a film. That's when I get a true sense of what I feel.

As An Audience?
Yes. So I started watching the film, and I just couldn't get it. There was just too much information, military-technical-logistical language. Also, I didn't feel anything. Because I hadn't taken four-and-a-half hours to read a script before. So I went off to shoot the next day. When I returned, my dad, who was equally curious about the Uri incident, and had read the script lying around, asked me what I thought of it. I said I'm not sure. He told me that if I miss this film, it'll be the biggest mistake of my life! He said that maybe I'm in a different space right now, in another kind of military film, and that's why unable to connect.

You Were Playing A Pak Military Officer, Shooting For Raazi. Of Course You're Not Going To Like Uri!
[Laughs] And then I don't know what happened. I got back to the script four days later, finished it in an hour-and-a-half, as if I was reading it for the first time. I called up Sonia [Screwvala's associate] at 3 am, and said, I will do the film.



You Essentially Have Your Dad To Thank For Uri. What I Find Most Fascinating Is Actually Your Dad [Sham Kaushal]! Tell Us His [Lesser Known] Story.
My dad and mom are from a small village in Punjab. He was good in studies, and started learning English in sixth grade. He went on to top BA, in English Literature; did his MA. And wanted to be an English professor in Punjab. But the family's financial situation was such that he could not pursue an M.Phil from Chandigarh.

At 23, he was frustrated, with no job, even after an MA degree. My dadaji [grandfather] had a very small kiraane ki dukaan [convenience store] in the village. My dad's friend Satpal was going to Bombay to become an actor. Since my dad was doing nothing at home, and frustrated, my grandfather asked him to tag along with the friend, for a few days, feel better, and come back.

In Bombay, my dad wanted to start a new life. He had a distant uncle in New Bombay, who got him a salesman's job in a plumbing-wall shop, behind RK Studios, in Chembur. He did that for Rs 350 a month, and really struggled. He's been on streets. Without letting anybody know, he used to live in the office, having done a 'setting' with the peon. He would sleep, leave early; and come back, when work started.

He Would Take A Shower In Office?
Yeah, everything. After a year, he knew he couldn't start a family with Rs 350 a month, even if he did the same thing for 15 to 30 years. So, without Plan B, he quits his job, and comes to a PG [paying-guest accommodation] in Santacruz. Here, he stays with 10 Punjabi guys, who're stuntmen. They leave for work in the morning, and come back with a tidy sum in the evening. That's when he discovers this [profession]. Purely for survival, he decides to become a stuntman, at 25. People start training at 13-15, when their body is flexible. He had never done any physical activity before. He used to sit in his father's shop, and do accounts.

So he is a stuntman for 10 years. He lands up his first film as action director with Mohanlal, because the Malayalam filmmakers were shooting in Bombay. They needed someone to handle the stunt sequences. They would've been okay with an experienced stuntman as well. So long as the person understood English, so they could communicate with him. My father was the only guy around who knew English. He got that job because of his degree in English Literature!

Amazing!
That was his lesson to me. That it doesn't matter what you're learning. I've done engineering. He said, "It doesn't matter if the circuits you're working on is going to help you in acting, or not. But your hard work, and giving your best to your 'now', will help you eventually!" But, yeah. It's been his, and my mom's journey.

You've Also Been Part Of The Journey. Did You Get To Observe Showbiz Closely As A Result?
No. Well, my brother Sunny and I knew that the good things we were getting in life was because of a lot of dad's hardships, and my mom's support to him. But it was never a house, where we wanted to meet our favourite stars, go on sets, parties, etc. We had friends line up outside our house, for an autograph of an actor who was visiting. For us, that actor was my dad's friend.

For example, Anurag [Kashyap] sir and I always have a laugh about this. He knows me since Black Friday [in which my dad was action director]. I was probably in my eighth grade. So when he used to come over for meetings, I used to call him uncle, serve him parathas, and go out to play cricket. So it was that.

But As An Aspiring Actor Later, Did You Observe Or Notice How Deeply Hierarchical Showbiz Is. It Is Perhaps The Most Capitalistic Of All Arts.
Well, it is changing now.



Of Course, But Did It Bother You, As In A System Where A Star Takes All, Or That You Would Have To Become One [In Order To Succeed]?
Not at all. To be honest, I don't know why, but I never had a sense [of entitlement] that I should be launched as a star. I knew I could make a mark by knowing my job — just going through the drill, and getting opportunities on the basis of what I know. Also, my father had made it clear that he would back my decision to be an actor, as a father alone. And not as an action director.

So I had that reality-check — that nobody is going to spend crores, because I'm Sham Kaushal's son. And he's not going to do it either. Besides, for whatever reasons, whether some sort of complex, or plain under-confidence, my dream wasn't so big — that I want to be a hero. I was just on auto-pilot — that I'll give auditions, learn the craft through theatre, be an AD [assistant director]...

You Did A Lot Of Theatre?
I did. But I started off as an intern to Anurag Kashyap on Gangs Of Wasseypur [Gangs]. I also started reading scripts that my dad would get, to match with the final film, and see changes that an actor brought in. I could visit sets with him. But realised I'd then just be a visitor. My knowledge of engineering is so bookish that I can't even repair a TV. I wanted to be an engineer, who has been at the garage for four years. So I decided to dive into acting, with on-field learning.

Was It Paid Internship?
No. Unpaid.

I Just Don't Understand Why Are So Many Movie Internships Unpaid?
[Laughs] But the payment I wanted, I got. It was not for the money, it was for the learning, and I really got paid well. Through actors on set, I got to know the importance of theatre. I'd been active on stage since school, but feared it professionally. I started doing theatre with Manav Kaul, Kumud Mishra, Naseer saab [Naseeruddin Shah], Thespo Festival, and Rage Productions — my first pay-cheque. I joined Kishore Namit Kapoor's acting academy. I also had to clean my slate, after being an assistant-director, because I wasn't looking at that profession. I completely cut off from Anurag sir.

But He Made You Act In Gangs, Though!
It's the scene where Nagma Khatoon [Richa Chadha] goes to a brothel. Last minute, everyone [junior artistes] that we'd rounded up in Benares refused to participate in that scene, once they realised it's a brothel. The entire direction team stood-in for them. I'm that silhouette you see behind the window-grille, overacting karte hue, when Naghma Khatoon is cursing Sardar Khan [Manoj Bajpayee]! That was the first time I faced a camera.



Oh, I'm Told Your First Time Before Camera Was For [Director] Michael Winterbottom?
Yes, that was the first time I faced the camera, and you could see my face! Michael Winterbottom was making a film called Trishna, with Freida Pinto. We'd just finished shooting Gangs in March, 2011, and I had these braces, and was an AD. I had gone to my native place in Punjab with family, when I got a call from Anurag Kashyap, and he said, "Item number karega (Will you do an item number)?" I was like, what? He said, it's a Michael Winterbottom film, and Huma [Qureshi] and I will dance, and that he's acting in it as well, it'll be fun.

So, Trishna, that's Freida's character in the film, comes to Bombay from Rajasthan, and a friend of hers takes her to a film-set. There's a song being shot with choreographer Ganesh Acharya, which is being picturised between and Huma and I [in the film, within the film]. That song was also supposed to be the promotional track for the film, like [Slumdog Millionaire's] Jai Ho! But the film never released [in India].

So It Was Supposed To Be Taken Seriously.
Yeah. It was a proper song. But in the film, it's a scene. I was wearing this shimmery black, typically item-number costume, which I was very conscious of. I had no idea how it feels to be before a camera, with 50 back-up dancers, and 200 people around. So, my body is dancing, but my face is like this [frozen]. Ganesh Acharya sir, who was very sweet, came up to me and said, "You're dancing well. Now just dance from your face!" Of course, with several retakes, we got it right.

This Is Before You Began Your Daily Grind Of Auditioning For Parts. Was There Any Role That You Made It To The Top Three Or Four Of, And That We May Remember From Screen?
Not lead parts. But my first audition, in fact, was for the friend's role in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag [2013], which got heavily edited out eventually. In that audition, I realised that I don't know anything about acting. Then there was a part in the film Ghanchakkar [2013]. Namit Das did that role, finally. I still remember, the character's name was Idris. That was a great role.

Masaan Was Your First Release. But Zubaan, Which Picked Up Top Festival Awards, Was Actually Your First Film. Honestly, Couldn't Understand That Movie. Should One Go Back And Watch It Again?
I don't feel an audience should change the way they should watch a film. If you can't connect, you can't. It really resonated with me — a Punjabi from Gurdaspur, going to a big city, living that life, eventually realising it's not him; and now he has to connect back to his roots, and music becomes his medium. There was a lot for me to do as an actor — the journey, plus that stammering, plus music… If I feel connected to a material, for any reason, I just plunge into it. I don't think if it's going to do any good. I went through several rounds of auditions, from a short-list of around 200-300 actors, for that role.



Even Masaan, For That Matter, I'm Told, You'd Seen The Pilot Promo Of That Film With Other Actors Already. Who Were The Other People Doing That Film Then?
I remember [director] Neeraj [Ghaywan] and I, with the entire AD team of Gangs of Wasseypur, were going to Pune. Because a friend had lost someone in her family. We were in the same car, catching up after long. He was telling me about a film he was trying to make, with a very complex title, Raand Saandh Seedhi Sanyaasi.

Are You Serious?
Yeah, I had the same reaction. He showed me the pilot-promo. It looked very interesting, and he gave me the gist. The cast was Rajkummar Rao for the part I [eventually] played, when the film became Masaan. There was Manoj Bajpayee for the part played by Sanjay Mishra ji, and Richa [Chadha], and Shweta [Tripathi]. That was the promo.

The film had to be shot in October during Durga Puja [for the song Tu Kisi Rail Si]. If they missed the deadline, they'd have to shoot the following year, which they couldn't afford. Raj couldn't make it during the time, so that slot became open. They were looking for new actors. So they auditioned me, and I passed!

That Was A Breakout Role. You Owe Your Career To Rajkummar Rao!
[Laughs] Yes. In fact, my first few films, even Zubaan or Raman Raghav [2015], had gone to somebody else, and then they started auditioning again. And let's just look at the continuing dream-run since — Love Per Square Foot, Lust Stories, Raazi, Sanju, Uri… That's crazy! It is a very surreal kind of a run that I've had, especially over the past year-and-a-half... It really does feel special, that it happened. People recognise you. Doors started opening in the industry. And I can meet the directors I want to.

Speaking Of Directors, You've Worked With Anurag Kashyap As An Intern [Gangs], Then Actor [Raman Raghav, Manmarziyaan], He Also Produced Masaan. He's Notorious For Throwing Actors Into The Deep-End, No Script, Etc. How Did That Work For You, Starting Off?
He's a very impromptu kind of a creative force, relying on impulse. If you give him everything ready on paper, then he might not know what to do on a set. He does give you the lines. He just doesn't want actors to be rigid, when it comes to them. So he wants you to enter knowing what your character is. And then allow him, the geography, and the costumes to mould you.

Give An Example?
Sometimes, we may not have the lines beforehand. For example, my last scene in Manmarziyaan. It's the separation scene between Taapsee and I, in her room. We were ready in costume. He had told the DOP [cinematographer] to keep the tracking-shot ready. And he is with his pen and paper, writing the scene, while we're in costume. He gives us the lines, and we have five to ten minutes to prepare.
I had to hug Taapsee. It is an emotional moment. My character has accepted the fact that he's not the guy in her life. He hugs her. And once a scene is over, as per the script, for the next ten to fifteen seconds, Anurag sir has a tendency to not say cut.



He Will Just Keep The Camera Rolling?
Yeah, while the actors are thinking, what do I do next? I still remember, it was my OS [over-the-shoulder] shot. I have hugged Taapsee. The moment is done. And done. And done... But I still can't hear, cut! Then I see Anurag Kashyap sitting right next to that camera, looking at me, going, "Alag ho jaa, alag ho jaa [separate]." So in that emotional, teared-up state, I don't know what to do. She [Taapsee] doesn't know what to do either. And then, I just start beat boxing. That makes Taapsee smile. And that makes me smile. And then, he says cut. That is the moment, and the scene in the film. Not the one he had written.

Is Rajkumar Hirani The Methodically Prepared, Polar-Opposite?
He is as organic. The difference between them lies in the writing, and structuring of the film. And their ways of presenting a story. As directors, they are both fine editors. They can see the film while shooting it, and so they are super-fast — no safety-shots, no safety-cuts.

I've seen on Sanju, Raju sir has called for a steady-cam operator on set for a specific shot and moment. It's a full night's shoot anyway. While shooting the scene, he captured that moment on a static camera. He was so sure that he had got the shot, that he just told the steady-cam operator to pack-up.

And Sanju Was A Huge Film For You, Too. Incredible Love And Fame. What About The Flip Side Of It — Public Scrutiny? That You Could Be At A House-Party Chilling, And Some Politician In Punjab Could Say That You're Drugged Out, When You're Having Warm Water, Recovering From Dengue? How Do You Respond To That? I'm Talking About The Karan Johar House-Party Video, Of Course.
It was a very chilled-out party. That video is put out. And right after, I am in the hills in Arunachal Pradesh, with the Army, for three-four days, where there is no network. Obviously I don't know. And I have no clue that I've become the 'charsi of the country'! I come back to Bombay, and my mom and dad know everything. They have been watching the news. They didn't tell me before, because I would get affected, sitting there [in Arunachal]. So I head to my room. Before going off to sleep, I get on Twitter, and then I'm like, "Hain? FIR! Yeh kya hua?" I'm looking at those videos circling, white thing, and light falling on the floor...

They Assumed It Was Cocaine!
So I rushed out of my room to check if my mom and dad knew about this. And then they just gave a smile, and said, don't worry. I was, like, okay, as long as they know, I'm sorted. Then the next day it started affecting me again, with TV channels circling my face in red!

I thought I should come out and speak, but realised that would be an impulsive response. That is as impulsive as them factualising an assumption, which doesn't make sense. Also, what happens on a social-media trial is this: It starts from, 'They look drunk!' Then it becomes, 'Oh, they do look drunk.' And then it becomes, 'These are actors, they are drunk!' Then it's, 'How dare they?' 'Shame on them, they're drunk!' You don't know who to answer. But there are also 10 people asking others, "Kuch toh dimaag lagao, kya bole jaa rahe ho! [What're you saying?]" So I had a choice to listen. Or react to much bigger things happening in the country than this.

Let's Look At The Brighter Side Of Fame Though. You Went To An Engineering College, Where There Are Hardly Any Females, Let Alone Female-Attention. Do Your Classmates Hate Your Guts Now That You're The Heartthrob, As It Were?
In an engineering college, whatever number of girls that there are; by the fourth year, even they become like boys!

Think You're Now Going To Be Trolled By Engineering Students.
I'm sure engineering students listening to us would completely agree with me [laughs]. But, yeah, the heartthrob element also takes me by surprise a bit. I think it is a very pleasant feeling. It's got a lot to do with the characters I've played, and that they've resonated.

It's not like I'm the handsomest man ever. There are much sexier men, with better physique and charisma. The difference is that my work has resonated with the audience, so there's relatability with this guy, on screen — that's the edge. Tomorrow there'll be another one, whose works will resonate, and he'll become the heartthrob. I'm not the first or last such. It is part and parcel.



And Of Course, Then The Question [The 'Resonated Female Audience'] Wants To Ask Then Is: Are You Single?
I am.

(Audience) Can You Tell Us About The Craziest Fan-Experience You've Had So Far?
[Long pause] Someone just landed up in my house, straight up to my apartment. There were mom and dad at home; I wasn't. The girl just rang the bell. There is building-intercom, and watchman. But my mom somehow thought, maybe some friend of mine was expected, and I may have forgotten to tell her about it. So the girl comes in. She is like, "Vicky had called me to his house. We chatted on Facebook."

Now, at least, my mom and dad know that I don't use Facebook. They figured there's something fishy. What had happened was that there was a fake-profile of mine on Facebook, with whom the girl had been chatting. And that's a bit scary. So I had to really look into my social media accounts, pull down all [fake] pages, and do one verified account. She found it very difficult to believe that it wasn't me that she had been talking to, all along. Apart from that incident, the experiences have all been sweet.

Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; August 18, 2019)

Remember the classic Aesop’s fable of the Hare and the Tortoise? Where the overconfident and speedy Hare is assured about beating the slow and steady Tortoise in the race. That lesson is more about life, than a race. Actor Vicky Kaushal’s career is a page out of that story. One step at a time. Speed in check. Focus sharp. All engines fired and enough fuel saved to keep pace in the game. And there, seven films and four years later, this powerhouse of talent proudly walks away with the National Award. With his josh at an all-time high, the actor talks to us about his challenging journey, what drives him and how he plans to keep himself charged for the long race ahead. Read on…

Over the past two years, your career has witnessed several landmark achievements — successful films (Raazi and Sanju in 2018), critical acclaim and to top it all, a National Award (Best Actor) for Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019). Has it sunk in, yet?
Sometimes I feel that it has, but then, I get that rush all over again. Kabhi aisa hota hai ki you realise the intensity of a certain happiness after seeing the reaction of others. Just when I think that it has sunk in, I go home and see my parents so full of joy and pride, and it’s a rush all over again. It feels like abhi announcement hua hai. I feel blessed that I got this opportunity to give immense happiness to my parents (action director Sham Kaushal and Veena Kaushal). They came to Mumbai from a small village in Punjab, and they have seen real struggles in life. Sunny (brother) and I were lucky to enjoy the luxuries that they provided us with. Hence, I know how they are feeling right now. I guess, at some point, everyone who is part of films thinks kaash kabhi aisa kuch ho jaaye (like winning a National Award), and for that to happen to me within four years of my career in movies, is too much to fathom.

Your climb was slow, but steady. It wasn’t overnight success or stardom. So, when so much happened suddenly in the last one year, was it overwhelming?
I feel like I have climbed every step of the ladder. I started from scratch, from not knowing how to go about auditions, to getting smaller opportunities, doing theatre, landing my first film, and now this recognition — it was a tough, but interesting journey. After I got my engineering degree in 2009, I was sure that I wanted to be an actor.

However, I was in no hurry because I was clear that I wanted to understand filmmaking and know about all that unfolds behind the camera. The one thing I knew was that this wasn’t a trial and error process for me. Initially, even figuring out where auditions (for ads) were happening was tough, and when I reached there, I would find 400-500 people ahead of me. The first battle was how to be among the first ten, at least. As far as film auditions are concerned, by the time you come to know of them, the casting is mostly done.

Finally, in 2015, Zubaan (directed by Mozez Singh) came my way, and it was the first film I cracked as a protagonist at the audition level. Then Masaan happened the same year (but it released before Zubaan). At that point in my life, when I was struggling to crack it, I would wonder what’s lacking in me, little did I know that God has better plans for me.

Will winning the National Award change the way you view your career, choice of films and your overall perspective on how you see yourself steering the way ahead?
I think this is not the time for me to look around and see whether I am standing at the top, bottom or in the middle of the ladder. Instead, what I need to do is remember why I started this journey in the first place, and keep going on. I can’t take anything for granted. Now, I have to be more grounded and focused than ever before.

What would you say was the turning point for you?
Well, so many moments felt like a turning point. Starting from the point when I went to a multinational company (as part of an industrial visit while studying engineering) and realising that the corporate world is not for me. I knew for sure that I wouldn’t fit in there and I didn’t contemplate it for a single day. Bagging Zubaan, my first film, was a turning point. The kind of appreciation Masaan got, gave me tremendous confidence. Last year, Raazi, Manmarziyaan and Sanju collectively helped me reach out to a wider audience. Uri is certainly a defining film of my career. It gave me a hero-wala image in the eyes of the people, in the sense that, I was the solo lead. People knew that I was an actor, but that film gave people a perception that I can be a hero. Also, I always say that a star never makes a film, a film makes an actor a star. Uri did that for me. I will always say that what the Indian Army has given my family and me, I can’t express it in words. My father’s first film was Prahaar (1991, which was set against an army backdrop), and it was life-changing for him. Likewise, Uri won me a National Award, and that is indeed life-changing.

You just mentioned that you are an engineer by qualification. Why did you pursue it when you knew that your heart was in the movies? Was it a safety net or Plan B?
One thing was clear in our family — irrespective of what we wanted to pursue, we had to first complete our education. Tenth mein acche number aa gaye; so, I went with the flow. I am someone who believes that if I put my best foot forward, achcha hi hoga. At one point, as I mentioned earlier, I realised that this is not for me. Then I thought, I could pursue acting, possibly? I knew that I did not look like an actor, you know what I mean? I am talking about how it was 10-12 years ago, at a time when cinema was also different. It was not as evolved. There was this perception, that actor toh aise dikhte hai, aise hote hai. In 2009, I got my engineering degree and I also had a job offer letter in hand, which I tore into pieces, in full-on Bollywood style.

Honestly, I don’t believe in safety nets at all. Or making a Plan B. I believe that the extra one per cent that we all give, comes from our fear of survival and our fear of falling, when we have nothing to back us up. That’s where that added fire comes in and if you create a safety net, it could become the reason for complacency, and you could say, ‘So, if Plan A works, then good, or else, I have Plan B’. So, you are already thinking of your plans not working. I didn’t want to give myself that option. I told myself that this has to work, and I will make it work.

So, you were single-mindedly focused on being an actor. Whether you were a supporting actor, lead actor, or playing a small role, did not matter back then? Does it now?
Acting gives me the kind of joy that I can’t explain. Having said that, every actor in this country wants to be a hero. That’s one of the best things about being an actor. However, that was never the approach with which I came into the industry, ki hero banoonga, warna nahin. For me, being on a film set is like being in paradise. I don’t mind if you make me wait for two-three hours. If I am on the set, I am in a happy space. No matter how chaotic a film set is, it gives me peace. My focus was always on honing my skills as an actor, as I knew that my journey would not start off with a big launch. I had to prove my ability as an actor, and then, once I got my first break, it was about showing a certain kind of range with my roles.

Your father Sham Kaushal, has been an action director for years. Yet, your upbringing was far away from the world of movie sets and starry parties. So, when stardom happened, how did you react to it? And how did your family and friends react to how life has changed around you?
It is a beautiful feeling to receive so much love and affection from people. It’s humbling, and it took me time to get used to it. In the earlier years, whenever anyone requested for a photograph with me, I would ask them, ‘You know me? Have you seen my work?’ I started off with being called the Masaan guy. I don’t know how to react to stardom, I just feel humbled and grateful. My family is undoubtedly thrilled. Whenever we step out for dinner together and people ask me for pictures, they feel really happy. It is like their moment of pride. Sometimes, they even take ownership and tell the fans, ‘Haan, haan photo khichwao’. It is really funny. It is like they are watching some entertainment unfold. Of course, my friends are like all friends, they pull my leg about it. When they see people clicking selfies with me, they shoot videos of that, so that they can share it on our friends’ chat group and pull my leg further. These are the people who will always keep me grounded.

Now that you are considered a bankable hero, have the dynamics in the industry changed for you? I mean, the way producers and directors approach you and look at you as an actor who can bring in the numbers? It matters, right?
Of course, it matters. The kind of investment people would make in a Vicky Kaushal film has changed. It has gone up, and that happens when your film fares well at the box office. It also comes with a huge responsibility.

And it also adds immense pressure. In the beginning, it was more about proving that you are a stock of talent, and now, it is about picking great films that have the potential to bring in the moolah…
Yes, and that’s a good pressure. I have worked really hard so that I can feel this pressure on my shoulders. I have earned this pressure and I am cherishing it (laughs!). I want to put my best foot forward. I want to be as honest as I have always been, and not let all the attention (stardom) disturb that process, as everything that comes along is because of my honesty between action and cut. If I am honest in front of the camera, the rest of it will happen in the periphery. Like I said earlier, I can’t afford to lose focus or take anything for granted.

It was right after Masaan that Rajkumar Hirani approached Vicky Kaushal to play Ranbir Kapoor's friend in the biopic
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 1, 2018)

Elated to have a Rajkumar Hirani film on his resume so early on in his career, Vicky Kaushal says the director has played a pivotal role in his life even before they collaborated on Sanju.

"Raju sir was the first to know when I bagged my debut film. After I was selected for Zubaan, I called my father [Sham Kaushal] to share the news. He was shooting with Rajkumar Hirani at the time. Despite my telling him to not tell anyone about it, he went up to Raju sir and said, 'Mere bete ko aaj picture mil gayi hai,'" recalls Vicky Kaushal.

It was right after Masaan that Rajkumar Hirani approached him to play Ranbir Kapoor's friend in the biopic. "When he said that he has me in mind for a character, I couldn't believe it. I knew that even if I don't get to be part of the film, it's a validation that the biggest director in the country spared a thought for me," said Vicky.

What is our calling? How many of us really know what our calling is? What do we do when we realize what we are doing is perhaps not our calling? These are extremely relevant issues that we all face at some point in our lives. And Zubaan deals with these things and also has a musical touch to it. The performances are fine as well. Yet, Zubaan is just an average fare thanks to its execution.

The story of the movie: Dilsher (Vicky Kaushal) faced a huge crisis in his childhood due to which he developed a stammer. After growing up, he decides to work for the very rich Gurucharan Sikand (Manish Chaudhari), who gave him an important life lesson at one point in his life. However, meeting Gurucharan is next to impossible. But Dilsher is ready to do anything to meet his idol, by hook or by crook. He manages to do so and immediately gets in the good books of Gurucharan, which angers his son Surya (Raaghav Chanana). Meanwhile, he meets the free spirited Amira (Sarah Jane Dias) and that’s when he realizes that he’s born to achieve something else in life.

The problem with Zubaan is that it involves viewers but only in certain scenes. One doesn’t quite empathize with Dilsher and his dilemmas and his entire struggle and journey and this has nothing to do with the fact that Dilsher’s ways of achieving success are immoral to an extent. Few scenes are unconvincing, especially how Amira tells Dilsher to attend ‘Dhruvtara’. Amira in fact has a supporting part to play and Dilsher’s confrontation with Surya and his mother (Meghna Malik) is what the film is majorly about. The climax should have been uplifting and made a huge impact. But that doesn’t quite really happen. So what works in the film? The performances are very good. Same goes for the songs. In fact, all the songs are very well shot, especially Dhruvtara – a track to watch out for. Few confrontation scenes are quite impressive, more so in the second half.

Talking of performances, Vicky Kaushal delivers a yet another powerful performance after Masaan. The actor is highly talented and works very hard and this is clearly evident with the way he approached his part. Masaan was a challenging role and Zubaan is as challenging but in a different league. But Vicky makes sure the impact is made in both the films. Sarah Jane Dias has a great screen presence. She not only acts well but also impresses as the singer. Her character deserved to be better written and also deserved more screen presence. Manish Chaudhari has a lengthier role than Sarah and is a performance to watch out for. The actor essays the difficult role with ease and is present in some of the memorable scenes of the film. Raaghav Chanana delivers a good performance. Normally, in such roles, the actors go over the top but Raaghav balanced the whole thing very well. Meghna Malik didn’t have much to do in the first half but gets to leave a mark in the second half. The actor playing young Dilsher, Dilsher’s father, Tulsi ji and Yadav do a good job.

Songs are very nice, well incorporated and should grow more once the film is out. Dhruvtara is terrific – beautifully composed and executed. Ajj Saanu O Mileya is quite energetic and so is Music Is My Art. Tu Hai Tera Khuda is also eye catching, but more so because of the sets and the idea. Background score is minimal and nice. Swapnil Sonawane’s cinematography is beautiful and captures the locales very well. Khyatee Kanchan’s production design is lovely and gives the film a very rich look. Mozez Singh’s story is promising. Sumit Roy’s dialogues are simple and sharp. But Mozez Singh, Thani and Sumit Roy’s screenplay fails to do justice. Mozez Singh is a fine director and understands the technicalities very well. In fact his handling of some songs reminds one of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s school of filmmaking. But somewhere the direction goes a bit off track and that’s where the film fails. Here’s hoping Mozez comes up with a better film as he definitely has the potential!

On the whole, Zubaan rests on a nice premise and is laced with some great performances and songs. But it doesn’t really make an impact because of its direction and script, both of which are not upto-the-mark. The film is promoted as a musical entertainer but the musical bit is not given too much of importance in the film overall. However, Vicky Kaushal does a very good job and I sincerely hope that this actor chooses his films carefully. Often, talented actors fade into oblivion due to bad choices and I hope Vicky doesn’t go the same road. He’s a great talent and deserves to stay. As for the film, it’s an average fare and can be seen if none of the latest releases interest you!

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!

Anirban Das (MID-DAY; February 19, 2016)

Having multiple projects in hand might be exciting for an actor, but it also brings with it a host of dilemmas. Vicky Kaushal of Masaan (2015) fame knows that well. The actor has cancelled the ongoing schedule of Aanand L Rai’s Manmarziyan to join the publicity campaign of his upcoming release, Zubaan. Vicky was supposed to start shooting for Rai’s film in Punjab from February 10, but the makers of Zubaan wanted those dates for promotions, says a source, adding: “Vicky had requested the makers of Zubaan to get permission from Rai and his team for his dates. But, eventually, he dropped out of the schedule to promote Zubaan.”

The actor was in Delhi on February 16 and will be going back to the capital city once again for another promotional activity. “He has also been attending events in Mumbai and interacting with the media. He will now allot dates to Rai only after the film releases,” explains the source. Zubaan director Mozez Singh confirms the news, saying, “We have requested the makers of Manmarizyan to adjust his dates”, while Rai says, “We have a long schedule in Punjab till April. Vicky will join us later.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 5, 2015)

After opening the 20th Busan Film Festival last year, Mozez Singh's directorial debut, Zubaan, a musical romance drama, floored Hollywood A-listers Will Smith, Cate Blanchett, Johnny Depp and Matt Damon in California recently.

Featuring Vicky Kaushal, Sarah-Jane Dias and Raghav Chahana, it had its North American premiere on Sunday at the Palm Springs Film Festival. Speaking from California, Mozez told Mirror, "It was amazing to meet Will Smith and see him watch Vicky as Dilsher on screen, and enjoy the music. He loved the film and wished us luck."

Filmmaker Guneet Monga is quick to add, "The film is a coming-of-age story. I've known Mozez for seven years and love his style of filmmaking. When he narrated the story to me five years ago, it struck me that he had grown. Like his protagonist, Mozez had to deal with a stammering problem as a child. Now, watching him deliver acceptance speeches in front of large, international audiences is commendable," she exulted.

Following the screening, Mozez headed to the award ceremony, where Johnny Depp won the Best Actor trophy for Black Mass and joked about making a lengthy acceptance speech. "I hope you guys are planted well in your seats, this is going to take 35 minutes. Maybe 37. We'll just wing it, shall we? Yeah, I'm going to take 45, " he chuckled. But with Mozez, the Pirates of the Caribbean star kept his wishes short and sweet, "All the best."

Shekhar Kapur's Elizabeth heroine Cate Blanchett took a light-hearted jibe at presenter Saorise Ronan. "Thank you, Saoirse, you can get off the stage now. You're too young, talented and gorgeous. It's all me," she ordered the 21-year-old actress cheekily.

Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 16, 2015)

Nothing sells like sex and the makers of upcoming erotic thriller, Hate Story 3, want to prove that. Keen to get a solo release window on December 4, they have ensured that Milap Zaveri’s Mastizaade and Mozez Singh’s Busan film festival opener Zubaan delay their entry into theatres.

Buzz is that makers of the two films were also looking at December 4 for a theatrical release. As soon as word spread, Hate Story 3 producer Bhushan Kumar apparently requested the two producers to release their films at a later date.

Says a source, “Bhushan asked them to delay the release of their films. He is keen that Hate Story 3 get a clear window. Moreover, he bought all the spots on channels for promotions. Since he also heads a music company, they refused to promote the music of other films.”

Says Mastizaade director Milap Zaveri, “Bhushan sir personally sat through the music sittings of my film with me. So, in a way, it’s almost like his own film. When he requested us to not clash with Hate Story 3, it was the least that we could do. Both films have the potential to hit bull’s eye — they will in 2015 and we, in 2016.”

Mastizaade stars Sunny Leone while Zubaan features Masaan actor Vicky Kaushal. Adds the source, “Having a Sunny Leone-starrer alongside would have led to division of business while Zubaan would attract the niche audience.”

Meanwhile, now Pan Nalin’s Angry Indian Goddesses (AIG), which was slated to hit the marquee on November 27, will now reach theatres on December 4 to avoid a clash with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone-starrer Tamasha. Says Nalin, “We will be releasing AIG on December 4. We have received fantastic reaction at film festivals. Our film will be released abroad in 2016, but we want the Indian audience to see it first.”

Bhushan remained unavailable for comment.

Look who is aping Jennifer Lopez now
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 9, 2015)

Director Mozez Singh's Jennifer Lopez fixation inspired Sarah-Jane Dias' look in Zubaan's contemporary, urban dance track, Music is my art... (Niamat Salaamat). The musical drama is the opening film of the Busan International Film Festival and boasts of as many as 13 songs.

"This one celebrates music and we wanted Sarah to look young, peppy and sensual rather than sexual. We found our muse in JLo's music video, Jenny from the Block. Aki Narula and I styled her with that in mind," reveals Mozez, who had filmed the song in June 2014 in an under construction parking area in Gurgaon.

Like Jennifer, Sarah, who plays the character of Amira in the film, will be wearing baggy pleated jeans and customised comic tank tops. It's been choreographed, by Uma and Gaiti, who rehearsed with Sarah for over a month before the shoot. "She's a beautiful, hard working girl. We've known each other for years and the comfort level made the work easier. More than the dance steps it's the character which is complicated," points out Uma, who has incorporated moves from hip-hop, beat boxing and Salsa in the song.

Sarah plays a free-spirited rock star like JLo, and this is the first time Dilsher, Vicky Kaushal's character, enters Amira's temple of music and dance. Uma believes that it's a crazy song with an almost devotional quality. Mozez adds, "My only brief was that it had to be an intoxicating song for Dilsher who comes from a family of singers but had drifted away from music because of his lust for power and money. After meeting Amira, the passion for music flares up inside him again."

Composed by Ashu Pathak and sung by Rachel Varghese, it's a Hindi song punctuated with English lines. "We auditioned over 1000 dancers, and the selects were not only there in the background but were also an important part of the song," he asserts.

Uma adds, "When you watch it you'll feel like Madonna or JLo are rehearsing a day before the concert. The music has drawn from European House music and also has its inspiration in Nazia Hassan's Disco Deewane number from the '80s."

Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; August 30, 2015)

Known for his casual demeanour, Ajay Devgn is currently deliberating on the designer threads to wear on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2015, which begins on September 10. The actor knows that he will have to give his trademark half-unbuttoned-shirt look a skip. As producer of Parched, which premieres at the festival, he is now keen on making a sartorial statement.

Along with Devgn, there are several other Bollywood and indie filmmakers gearing up for international fests and not just at Toronto; the 20th Busan, Venice and the London film festivals are also lined up in the coming months.


Small fights, big victories
Though Devgn has been part of Bollywood for over two decades, this is the first time he’ll be attending an international film festival. And he can thank his first international production, Parched, for prodding him to take this first step. “I steer clear from film events. I prefer to be away from their glitz and madness, but I’m excited to attend TIFF because it celebrates world cinema. It’s heartwarming for me to see my support finally getting the appreciation it deserves,” says this actor-producer.

He adds, “Parched is about the small battles that women must fight to win the big war. It is the story of four women from a village who break the shackles of tradition. Then, maybe, along the way, we can correct some of the wrongs that women have suffered since eternity.” The film, directed by Leena Yadav and penned by Leena and Supratik Sen, has an ensemble cast of Bollywood names like Radhika Apte, Surveen Chawla, Adil Hussain and Tannishtha Chatterjee. The film is a co-production between India, UK and USA that has award-winning filmmaking talent like Academy Award winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter (Titanic, Antman), Academy Award nominated film editor Kevin Tent (Descendants, Sideways), Academy Award and BAFTA winning sound designer Paul NJ Ottosson (Zero Dark Thirty, Spider-Man, Hurt Locker).

Boys will be boys
Another Bollywood presence at TIFF will be Randeep Hooda with Deepa Mehta’s Beeba Boys. The flick is a gangster drama about Vancouver’s underground drug and arms scene, populated by third-generation Indian immigrants in Canada. It has been selected for the Gala section of TIFF. It’s also competing at the London Film Festival, which kicks-off from October 7.

Randeep is excited about attending the festival and is keen that Deepa puts him up in a fancy apartment as was done during the shoot of the film in Vancouver. His Beeba Boys co-star, Gulshan Grover, no stranger to the American-Canadian festival circuit, will surely provide some tips. Grover’s character is based on a real Indo-Canadian who was fascinated with crime and guns.


Keep it short
Also at the Toronto fest is Megha Ramaswamy’s Bunny, a silent short film, that revolves around a girl who is mourning her dead pet. She wanders off into the woods to make some startling discoveries.

Last year at TIFF, Megha had  showcased her short documentary, Newborns, about acid attack survivors. “It’s encouraging and exciting to show at Toronto twice in a row in the competition section. Toronto audiences are film enthusiasts who pay attention to detail and it is the best platform a new film can ask for. Also, TIFF is such an unaffected festival. It’s remarkable that all the project from India are authored by women,” she says.


Busan calling
Hansal Mehta’s Manoj Bajpayee-Rajkummar Rao starrer Aligarh will premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, starting on October 1. The film, written by Apurva Asrani, will be screened in the A Window on Asian Cinema section. Aligarh, based on a real-life incident in Uttar Pradesh, revolves around a professor who is suspended by his university for being gay and a journalist who investigates his story. Aligarh director Hansal Mehta feels, “It’s a special reward to a fantastically dedicated team.” Busan is Asia’s biggest film festival and being selected as part of such an excellent line-up is an achievement enough for him.

Forbidden territory
Also at Busan will be producer Manish Mundra of Drishyam Films’ Black Horse Memories, his first Turkish- Kurdish production, directed by Shahram Alidi. It will premiere in the competition section and will have its Asia Premiere in the Wide Angle section.


Musical journey
Another Busan-bound film is Mozez Singh’s musical drama Zubaan, with honours of being the opening film of the festival. The screening will also be the world premiere of the drama which features Masaan actor Vicky Kaushal and actress-singer Sarah Jane Dias. Zubaan is a story of a young man who has a fear of music and is set in Punjab and Delhi. Vicky Kaushal says, “I will be going to Busan. It is a great honour for us. As my other film Masaan is also being screened, it is a double honour for me.”


Venice rhapsody
Pyaasa, Guru Dutt’s 1957 classic, is the only Indian restored film for world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 11 in the Competition Section. It will compete with 20 other prestigious restored films from the world for the coveted Venice Classics Award, conferred on the best restored film. After Venice, the film will do the rounds at other international film festivals. The film is being restored and will have a worldwide released in theatres by Ultra Media & Entertainment.

Sushilkumar Agrawal, CEO, Ultra Media & Entertainment says, “There is a huge fan following of Guru Dutt all over the world, many of whom have not been able to see this ageless magic in its original form and glory. It took us nearly four months to restore this film frame by frame.” Also at Venice is Visaaranai (Interrogation), a Tamil film directed by Vetrimaaran. The film is based on Chandra Kumar’s novel Lock Up, dealing with police brutality. The movie will be part of Orizzonti or Horizons — the section second in importance to Competition.


Island City by Ruchika Oberoi is also travelling to Venice. The film follows three stories set in Mumbai and stars Vinay Pathak, Amruta Subhash, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Tannishtha Chatterjee. Competing at Venice Days, it has also been invited to the 31st Warsaw Film Festival for a screening on October 9, in the non- competitive section.

Ruchika Oberoi says, “The journey of the film started in Venice in 2012 when I travelled there with the script of Island City as part of the NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab. It feels great to be able to come full-circle and premiere the film in Venice Days, a section known for selecting original and innovative works.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 20, 2015)

Former VJ and Miss India 2007, Sarah-Jane Dias plays a free-spirited singer, Amira, in Mozez Singh's musical drama Zubaan, also featuring Vicky Kaushal. Recently, the actress shot a pop number titled Music is my art, music is my soul for it.

In order to reproduce the desired performance for the song, Sarah was asked to watch videos of Jennifer Lopez crooning Crazy in love and Dance again, and also listen to the voice of late Pakistani pop singer Nazia Hassan, who had released the hit album Disco Deewane. "I'm a complete JLo fan so I knew had to look as chic as the Hollywood sensation. My brief was to mix together Jennifer's sexiness with the effervescent disco feel of Nazia Hassan. It was so much fun," Sarah told Mirror.

The film portrays the journey of a Punjabi munda, who travels from Chandigarh to Delhi. "He needs direction and my character, Amira helps him find himself. The musical circle is complete when he finally returns home to Chandigarh," she reveals. Sarah, who is a singer herself, hopes to kick off her music career by the end of the year.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 4, 2015)

Vicky Kaushal, son of one of Bollywood's finest action directors, Sham Kaushal, is on a high after his debut film, Masaan, bagged the FIPRESCI and Promising Future Awards at Cannes. Not wanting to rest on his laurels, he is gearing up for his next film's release. Zubaan is a coming-of-age musical drama. The film follows his character Dilsher's journey of selfdiscovery, as he moves from Punjab to Gurgaon and falls in love with a free-spirited Delhi girl, played by Sarah Jane Dias. "Dilsher is confused about who he is and what he wants and chases after all the wrong things," he reveals.

Debutant director Mozez Singh has brought on board over a dozen musicians to compose the songs that range from keertans to pop and lounge music. "Every time there is a conversation with one's soul, a song, in a new genre, comes up," says Vicky.

Interestingly, he shared the story of Zubaan with British actor and author, Michael Caine, best known for his Alfred Pennyworth act in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight series. When Caine heard of the film, he exclaimed, "I'd love to see Zubaan on Broadway!"

He also introduced Vicky to his 'Indian' wife, Shakira Baksh. "They've been married for 43 years and behave like newlyweds. They never miss an opportunity to watch a Hindi film and are the most humble people I have ever met," he says, admitting that his legs wobbled in the presence of the Caines. And when Vicky spotted Little Miss Sunshine's chocolate boy, Paul Dano, he sprinted away for another fan-boy moment.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 22, 2014)

Identical brothers Laurent and Larry Bourgeois, popularly known as the dancing duo Les Twins, have a long line of collaborators including Beyonce Knowles, David Guetta and Akon. And now the French dancers will soon be lending their talents to a Bollywood film.

Mirror can report that producer Guneet Monga has roped them in for a song-and-dance sequence in Zubaan, which is directed by debutant Mozes and features Sarah Jane Dias in the lead role.

Reveals a source, "The two are very excited to be a part of a Bollywood film as it is something they haven't attempted before. Moreover, they aren't just choreographing the number, but will also be seen in the music video."

The song featuring the twosome is expected to be shot over this weekend and the Les Twins will be flying to the country tonight. However, the source insists that the song is not a fast-paced high-on-energy number, but a slow romantic track, composed by rock artist Ashutosh Pathak.

Guneet Monga, who is in Cannes, could not be reached for a comment.