Showing posts with label David Dhawan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Dhawan. Show all posts
I Truly Believe That Fans Give You Stardom - Varun Dhawan | Exclusive Interview
With his boyish charm, extraordinary dance skills and fine performances, Varun Dhawan has become one of the biggest stars in the Indian film industry. Five years and eight films later, the actor has been one of the few successful artists to deliver back to back hits at the box office. In less than a decade, the actor has proved his mettle by experimenting with different genres and essaying memorable characters. His performances in films like Main Tera Hero, Badlapur and more recently, Badrinath ki Dulhania has earned him appreciation and millions of fans across the globe.
This time, Dhawan or VD, as he is popularly known, is back to doing what he enjoys the most - comedy. A remake of an iconic film and his father, the king of Bollywood comedies - David Dhawan, helming the project. Well, this can't get better. As Raja and Prem, VD is all set to win your heart with his crazy, fun antics in Judwaa 2, a remake of the iconic 1997 film starring Salman Khan. And if the trailer, promos and buzz around the film is anything to go by, the film is all set to rule the BO charts. We met Varun Dhawan for a quick chat, in between the crazy promotion schedule for the film. Despite the city tours and back to back promotional activities, the actor was cheerful and visibly excited. In an exclusive chat, we got VD to talk about his upcoming film (all set to release tomorrow), Salman Khan, working with his father and lots more. Excerpts from a fun chat with Varun Dhawan:
This time, Dhawan or VD, as he is popularly known, is back to doing what he enjoys the most - comedy. A remake of an iconic film and his father, the king of Bollywood comedies - David Dhawan, helming the project. Well, this can't get better. As Raja and Prem, VD is all set to win your heart with his crazy, fun antics in Judwaa 2, a remake of the iconic 1997 film starring Salman Khan. And if the trailer, promos and buzz around the film is anything to go by, the film is all set to rule the BO charts. We met Varun Dhawan for a quick chat, in between the crazy promotion schedule for the film. Despite the city tours and back to back promotional activities, the actor was cheerful and visibly excited. In an exclusive chat, we got VD to talk about his upcoming film (all set to release tomorrow), Salman Khan, working with his father and lots more. Excerpts from a fun chat with Varun Dhawan:
We heard that you are very stressed, especially now with the release around?It's my dad's film, so I am a little stressed. I want the audiences to watch the film and laugh. Paresh Rawal also told me recently, "Why are you youngsters so scared and stressed? Go out there and perform to your best."In fact, both Tapsee (Pannu) and Jacqueline (Fernandez), asking me to take things easy. So, I am finally trying to take thing easy and smiling a lot these days (smiles).
What do you have to say about your co-stars, Jacqueline and Taapsee? How was it working with them?
They are both very good. They are extremely positive and inspiring people. I feel, both my characters have come out better while performing with them. Jacqueline has done a lot of hits with big stars. She is experienced. Tapsee too has done South films and is known for her roles in Baby and Pink, which have won accolades. So, I know for a fact that both of them will be appreciated in this film.
Since you are playing a double role for the first time, how challenging was the process for you?
It was definitely tough. Though they are shown as identical twins in the film, I had to change my walk and modulate my voice for both the characters. One is born in Mumbai, while the other has grown up in London. So, I had to keep that and several other factors in mind when I was performing the two characters.
Do you feel that your dad, David Dhawan, brings out the best in you?
Well, I think so. My dad likes to take two takes. He loves monologues and songs, as he has worked with bigger actors. He used to give me lengthy lines and would then ask me to perform it in one take. He is experienced, and when an actor gets stuck somewhere, he knows how to handle it. He knows how to draw performances from actors. I also know what he likes. Now, we have become very good friends. We share a very honest relationship.
Do you have any special memories of visiting the sets of Judwaa?
I don't remember much. I was just ten years old, but I used to go on the sets with dad. However, I watched the film much later when I grew up. Everyone knows that the film is a hit and the songs are iconic.
You also got the original Judwaa, Salman Khan, for an appearance in the film. Did he give you any advice?
Salman sir said, don't spoil the song Tan tana tan and don't change the steps. So, we have retained the original hook steps in the song. He was kind enough to send a bag full of jeans for my character Raja, which he had worn in Judwaa. People will get to see all the jeans in this film. Salman's sister Arpita is my close friend, so we know each other's family since quite long.
Dad and I have become very good friends. We share a very honest relationship
Considering this is a remake of an iconic film, there would be obvious comparisons. Especially when it comes to your performance as Raja and Prem.
Of course. I am sure people are going to compare Judwaa 2 with the original film, but it would be unfair to compare me with Salman or any of the Khans or Akshay Kumar. They have been stars for the last 25 years, and that's why, they are known as superstars today. They have always been well connected with their fans through every medium, be it Radio, Cinema or social media. I truly believe that fans give you stardom. When my first film released, Salman sir had told me, "This has done well, but what about the future?" I think that's very true. First film is like a challenge, and after that, if I don't do what the audience wants to see me do, they will throw me out of the industry.
Varun, how important is a film's performance at the box office for you? What do the BO numbers mean to you?
I personally feel that box office collections are important to gauge a film. I remember that people would often talk about my father's success and box office collections of his films. Some even said that when they were not feeling well, they would watch papa's film and feel better. In a similar manner, I want to make the audiences happy and achieve that kind of stardom too.
First film is like a challenge, and after that, if I don't do what the audience wants to see me do, they will throw me out of the industry
A majority of your fan following includes youngsters, who dutifully look up to you. However, off late, there have been instances where these young kids take drastic steps like committing suicide for a game or get addicted to drugs. What would be your advice to them?
We are surrounded with such beautiful nature, but we don't enjoy that. We are always busy with our cell phones. According to me, the biggest stress-buster is music, so please listen to music. Talk to your parents, play some sports, go out and enjoy the nature. Also, please put your mobile off when you are sleeping. Also, try to do some Yoga and meditation. Look at the brighter side of life.
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My family means everything to me - Varun Dhawan | Exclusive Interview
With just three films behind him, actor Varun Dhawan took a plunge, the sort that very few actors his age would even think of. Shedding his lovable, boy next door image, Varun opted for a script that sees his character age from 20 to 40, with an emotional, revengeful journey as the backdrop. To top it all, his look and personality in the film, Badlapur, is a far cry from the usual, cheerful Varun that we are all used to seeing. But the actor took up the challenge quite confidently and after watching the promos, we must say, he has done a damn good job.
We caught up with the extremely talented and lovable twenty-seven-year old at Mehboob Studios on a busy weekday. The actor, dressed in casuals with a Badlapur badge displayed prominently on his T-shirt, was juggling multiple interviews in between several other commitments. But the moment he was informed that the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was shooting in the adjacent studio, he ran to catch a glimpse of him and like a true fan boy, got pictures clicked with the legend as well. "It is okay to go all fanboyish in front of Sachin sir" he stated, before settling down for a fun chat. Excerpts from a delightful conversation with the actor:
We caught up with the extremely talented and lovable twenty-seven-year old at Mehboob Studios on a busy weekday. The actor, dressed in casuals with a Badlapur badge displayed prominently on his T-shirt, was juggling multiple interviews in between several other commitments. But the moment he was informed that the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was shooting in the adjacent studio, he ran to catch a glimpse of him and like a true fan boy, got pictures clicked with the legend as well. "It is okay to go all fanboyish in front of Sachin sir" he stated, before settling down for a fun chat. Excerpts from a delightful conversation with the actor:
You seem to have lost a lot of weight. Any particular reason?
(smiles) Yes, I have and its for my role in ABCD 2. We have got some crazy dance rehearsals going on for that. Also, my Badlapur producer Dino (Dinesh Vijan) is making me dance around a lot.
So, what was the transition from a boy next door to a revengeful, more mature character like for you?
See, if you want to take a revenge, you need to be like the next door lover boy first. It is only when you love someone truly, madly and deeply, that you can go all out to take revenge against someone who has caused harm to your love.
What was it about this script that attracted you first?
The very fact that Badlapur is the kind of a film that the audience is yet to see, and I can vouch for that. Sriram Raghavan is known to make unconventional films, and I am quite sure that will come across once you watch the film. It is much more than just a revenge drama. This film is very hard hitting.
Were there any apprehensions about working with Sriram Raghavan, since his last film, Agent Vinod, didn't do quite well?
Not really. I react more to stories and the kind of rapport that I build with the director. There are several directors who have made bad films, but then, went on to make good films as well. My father has also done bad films and still, delivered some really big hits. I have always felt Sriram is a great director and as a story, Badlapur really stood out for me.
At any point, did you feel you were taking a risk?
To do a film like Badlapur, which most people thought is a risk, I had to tell myself that yes, I have established a connect with my audience. Because only when you make a connect like that, can you convince the audience to accept the actor in different shades and character,
How difficult was it for you to get into the skin of Raghu, your character?
It was a tough task, no doubt. I am nothing like Raghu. I am a very happy person. After portraying certain roles in the past, I had become a lot like them. But, Raghu is nowhere close to the person that I am, nor do I want to become like him (laughs). The anger and frustration in him is something else, and I don't really get angry so easily. This was the kind of an anger that you can see in one's eyes.
How did you prepare yourself, mentally and physically, for the role?
A lot of mental and physical preparation went into the making of this character. Sriram had planned everything in advance. Major portions of the film were shot in Igatpuri, where we spent several days without electricity. I think that helped, because when you stay away from comfort and gel with the surroundings, you connect with the personality of your character and stay with it. During the filming, I would mostly stay alone and talk very less. So, that was a process that I had experienced for the first time as an actor, and it did affect me a lot. Also, we went through several workshops for the film, before we started shooting.
What was the reaction from your family when you first accepted the script?
Comedy is an amazing genre, where everything that you do is great fun. Even when you are doing a comedy film, you feel happy from within. But when you work in an emotional drama like Badlapur, you start behaving and talking in a different way, and the character takes over your personality. Maybe that's one reason why my father was a bit scared initially. Thankfully, it was Sriram sir's belief in me and my work, as well as my brother Rohit's encouragement, that helped me to confidently go ahead and work on this project wholeheartedly. Also, solely focusing on this film helped.
From a student to lover boy and now, you have also graduated to playing a father for the first time in a film.
(laughs) Well, I tried to pick up nuances from here and there. And although I am twenty-seven in real, there are several people who get married at a young age, so playing a father wasn't really tough. I also observed my brother, who is married, as well as a few other cousin brothers, who are now fathers. I noticed how they behaved, turned into kids in front of their wives and how they spoke to their kids among other things.
Were you expecting the kind of response that Badlapur's first look and promos received on the social media?
The response was overwhelming. And honestly, the media's constant support also played a key role. Badlapur is not a big film, as it is made only on a budget of 25 crore, including P&A (promotions). All of us in the film have taken a fee cut, but if Dino can support a film like this, then that is the least we can do (smiles). So, this is actually my least expensive film. Also, a lot of people felt that this is a niche film, so despite all those assumptions, the kind of coverage and buzz that this film has received was incredible.
Did you add your inputs in the promotional activities?
All these Badlapur tees, sweatshirts, jackets and badges that you have seen me sporting during all the promotional activities was my idea (smiles).
When the first look of Badlapur released, a lot of people compared your look to that of Shahid Kapoor in Haider. How did you react to that?
That is a good thing, because I have seen Haider and I absolutely loved the film as well as Shahid's performance. The only thing important for me is to see Badlapur do well. I want to see how the audience reacts to my performance and the film.
How difficult was it for you to move from a film like Badlapur and then, start shooting for Any Body Can Dance 2?
Very difficult. I would actually end up taking my angry mood home. But fortunately, with ABCD 2, we started by filming two songs. So there, I had to just learn the choreography and dance. It was only later that we started working on the important scenes. In a way, ABCD 2 is like a complete rehab for me (smiles). Although its too early to talk about the film, I have tried several different dance forms, and contemporary is one of them.
So, how excited are you about ABCD 2?
A lot! Again, its not like any other usual dance film. We are doing a dance film in 3D, and that requires everything to be done in a different way. The positions, requirements and the shooting style is different. That's something new for me.
Will we see you working with your brother, Rohit, anytime soon?
Of course, my next film is with Rohit. The film is titled Dhishoom and will also star John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez.
How do you think have you evolved as an actor?
What is your biggest takeaway from Badlapur?
The fact that family means everything. If I ever imagine a life without my life, it would be very difficult.
-- By Priya Adivarekar --
(smiles) Yes, I have and its for my role in ABCD 2. We have got some crazy dance rehearsals going on for that. Also, my Badlapur producer Dino (Dinesh Vijan) is making me dance around a lot.
So, what was the transition from a boy next door to a revengeful, more mature character like for you?
See, if you want to take a revenge, you need to be like the next door lover boy first. It is only when you love someone truly, madly and deeply, that you can go all out to take revenge against someone who has caused harm to your love.
What was it about this script that attracted you first?
The very fact that Badlapur is the kind of a film that the audience is yet to see, and I can vouch for that. Sriram Raghavan is known to make unconventional films, and I am quite sure that will come across once you watch the film. It is much more than just a revenge drama. This film is very hard hitting.
Were there any apprehensions about working with Sriram Raghavan, since his last film, Agent Vinod, didn't do quite well?
Not really. I react more to stories and the kind of rapport that I build with the director. There are several directors who have made bad films, but then, went on to make good films as well. My father has also done bad films and still, delivered some really big hits. I have always felt Sriram is a great director and as a story, Badlapur really stood out for me.
At any point, did you feel you were taking a risk?
To do a film like Badlapur, which most people thought is a risk, I had to tell myself that yes, I have established a connect with my audience. Because only when you make a connect like that, can you convince the audience to accept the actor in different shades and character,
My father has also done bad films and still, delivered some really big hits. I have always felt Sriram is a great director and as a story, Badlapur really stood out for me
It was a tough task, no doubt. I am nothing like Raghu. I am a very happy person. After portraying certain roles in the past, I had become a lot like them. But, Raghu is nowhere close to the person that I am, nor do I want to become like him (laughs). The anger and frustration in him is something else, and I don't really get angry so easily. This was the kind of an anger that you can see in one's eyes.
A lot of mental and physical preparation went into the making of this character. Sriram had planned everything in advance. Major portions of the film were shot in Igatpuri, where we spent several days without electricity. I think that helped, because when you stay away from comfort and gel with the surroundings, you connect with the personality of your character and stay with it. During the filming, I would mostly stay alone and talk very less. So, that was a process that I had experienced for the first time as an actor, and it did affect me a lot. Also, we went through several workshops for the film, before we started shooting.
What was the reaction from your family when you first accepted the script?
Comedy is an amazing genre, where everything that you do is great fun. Even when you are doing a comedy film, you feel happy from within. But when you work in an emotional drama like Badlapur, you start behaving and talking in a different way, and the character takes over your personality. Maybe that's one reason why my father was a bit scared initially. Thankfully, it was Sriram sir's belief in me and my work, as well as my brother Rohit's encouragement, that helped me to confidently go ahead and work on this project wholeheartedly. Also, solely focusing on this film helped.
From a student to lover boy and now, you have also graduated to playing a father for the first time in a film.
(laughs) Well, I tried to pick up nuances from here and there. And although I am twenty-seven in real, there are several people who get married at a young age, so playing a father wasn't really tough. I also observed my brother, who is married, as well as a few other cousin brothers, who are now fathers. I noticed how they behaved, turned into kids in front of their wives and how they spoke to their kids among other things.
It was Sriram sir's belief in me and my work, as well as my brother Rohit's encouragement, that helped me to confidently go ahead and work on this project
Were you expecting the kind of response that Badlapur's first look and promos received on the social media?
The response was overwhelming. And honestly, the media's constant support also played a key role. Badlapur is not a big film, as it is made only on a budget of 25 crore, including P&A (promotions). All of us in the film have taken a fee cut, but if Dino can support a film like this, then that is the least we can do (smiles). So, this is actually my least expensive film. Also, a lot of people felt that this is a niche film, so despite all those assumptions, the kind of coverage and buzz that this film has received was incredible.
Did you add your inputs in the promotional activities?
All these Badlapur tees, sweatshirts, jackets and badges that you have seen me sporting during all the promotional activities was my idea (smiles).
When the first look of Badlapur released, a lot of people compared your look to that of Shahid Kapoor in Haider. How did you react to that?
That is a good thing, because I have seen Haider and I absolutely loved the film as well as Shahid's performance. The only thing important for me is to see Badlapur do well. I want to see how the audience reacts to my performance and the film.
How difficult was it for you to move from a film like Badlapur and then, start shooting for Any Body Can Dance 2?
Very difficult. I would actually end up taking my angry mood home. But fortunately, with ABCD 2, we started by filming two songs. So there, I had to just learn the choreography and dance. It was only later that we started working on the important scenes. In a way, ABCD 2 is like a complete rehab for me (smiles). Although its too early to talk about the film, I have tried several different dance forms, and contemporary is one of them.
Major portions of the film were shot in Igatpuri, where we spent several days without electricity. I think that helped
A lot! Again, its not like any other usual dance film. We are doing a dance film in 3D, and that requires everything to be done in a different way. The positions, requirements and the shooting style is different. That's something new for me.
Will we see you working with your brother, Rohit, anytime soon?
Of course, my next film is with Rohit. The film is titled Dhishoom and will also star John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez.
How do you think have you evolved as an actor?
I have learned how to disconnect from everything when I am filming. As in, disconnect from the technical process. It is important to just focus on your character. Like, while working on action oriented scenes or a gimmick, you need to be aware of the technicalities to create that atmosphere. But when it comes to an emotional film, you have to forget ki koi technicality exist bhi karti thi, So, one has to unlearn a lot of things according to the situation.
The fact that family means everything. If I ever imagine a life without my life, it would be very difficult.
-- By Priya Adivarekar --
