Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; June 21, 2016)
Tera dhyan kidhar hai... yes please, all eyes on Varun Dhawan. He's probably not the typical hunk who makes heads turn on the street, but when he's on screen - he explodes. He deftly takes over, he transforms into what you want him to be. A bloody killer or a goofy loverboy, noir or nautanki - he nails it. And yeah, even in the presence of a Khan power, he can stand his own - heart ripping out of his shirt and the junta eating out of his hands. And it's all because he has the fire and fuel (fully loaded) in his system to go vroom, vroommm...Dishoom. As Varun Dhawan steps on the gas for the release of his next big one, an action adventure, we catch him for a tête-à-tête. Read on...
For Dishoom, you have packed in a lot of punch - daredevil stunts, humour and some skin show, too.
In my first film Student Of The Year, my introduction scene was shirtless. I remember my gym instructor telling me that aap pehli picture mein body dikha rahein ho toh har picture mein body dikhana padega. This time it is daunting as I am standing next to John Abraham and showing off my bod. His body is sculpted, so for me to stand next to him in the same frame and not get overshadowed is a big task. John has one of the best bodies in Bollywood. My body is very lean, and for this part I wanted it to be this way - fit and athletic. We trained every day after pack up and Jacqueline Fernandez was also part of it. In fact, both she and John are fitness freaks, I am the normal one.
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Your big bro, Rohit is directing you. Do you take a lot for granted while working with a sibling?
Well, being directed by him feels different and yes, we take a bit for granted. But c'mon, he had me hanging from a helicopter, if it had crashed I could have died and he would be answerable to my parents (laughs!). But jokes apart, if it was not for my brother, I wonder how I would do it. I generally put all my energies into my films, I give it 200 per cent. For this, I gave it 500 per cent. I would do anything for this film. Today, if you tell me that I have to dance on the roads to the songs of the film and entertain the crowds...I will do it. That is how much I want this film to succeed. I know how much Rohit has put into this. The director is always behind the scenes, so he is never in the limelight, but everything you see, from the trailer to the finished product - is all him.
Are you guys very similar?
No, we are poles apart. Rohit has always been more mature, disciplined and has his head on his shoulders.
And you are the brat?
I don't know why people call me a brat; I don't know what I have done. I guess because Rohit is so good, in contrast I come across as a brat. But honestly, my brother is the reason why I am an actor. When I gave the first audition of my life for a beverage commercial, I was unsure about it, but Rohit was the one who pushed me towards it. I bagged the contract without any influence; in fact, I didn't even reveal whose son I was. While growing up, everyone would tell me that I would be an actor because I am David Dhawan's son. I wanted to get it purely on merit. Rohit has always believed in me and he was the first to believe that I could be an actor.
I remember while shooting for Badlapur, you almost went into isolation. It was the mood of the film and the nature of your character - dark and intense. You go really deep into your roles, don't you?
While acting and preparing for a character, you lose a part of yourself. Sometimes, when I have a funny scene the whole day, I can't come home and be funny as that quota of being happy has gone into those hours. For some characters, you have to be in that zone for longer. After an intense day of shoot, I like to unwind. I don't like watching TV. Instead, I like talking to my friends about everything other than films. Most of my friends are non-filmi, and their world is so different from mine, it is refreshing. It is very important to observe people from all walks of life to be a good actor. While shooting for this film in Abu Dhabi, I fell in love with the people and the place. I am playing a Muslim character for the first time, so I met many locals, learnt about their culture and heard a lot of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music. I picked up a bit of Arabic too, I went to the mosque several times and I learnt more about Islam.
You recently missed your best friend's wedding for work, right?
Yes, I was so upset with Rohit because I missed my best friend's wedding while shooting for the film. This is the downside of being an actor. And see, this is where your brother takes you for granted (laughs!). But mostly, I am in touch with all my close friends from school and college. My friends are my reality check. They take my case and make fun of me, and I love them for that. They watch my movies, though their choice of films is more offbeat and dark. They loved Badlapur.
You have shown a lot of range early in your career. From a casual lover boy to a man who seeks vengeance, to doing slapstick comedy and now action. You are a risk-taker?
Yes, I never fear taking chances. Before I became an actor, I would watch a lot of films in theatres. It gave me an insight that there is a thirst amongst the audience for different kinds of stories and films. Our viewers don't want to watch the same thing repeatedly. I agree that there are some common elements that our audience likes, but as actors we need to experiment for them, if not for ourselves. Today, there is so much exposure to global cinema. We have international TV shows, not just American shows. We can't keep ourselves isolated from all that is happening around us. The idea of Indian films is changing. The whole idea of making Dishoom was to make a cool cop film. There are dialogues (between John and me) in the film like... Tu Batman hoga lekin main Birdman nahin hoon. I could have said Robin, but I am saying Birdman, because I believe that people of my generation who are coming to watch my movies are watching these kinds of movies. In a way it's like upgrading the audience. Hollywood films are doing so well in India, so that's an indication of the kind of films our audience is consuming. We can't take our audience's intelligence for granted or underestimate it. In my case, if I am told not to do a certain kind of film, I feel compelled to do it. If you warn me about something, I want to do it even more (laughs!)
So failure doesn't scare you?
I haven't seen failure so far, but it scares me. I don't want it to ever go to my head that...meri toh picture chalti hai, yeh bhi chalegi. I know there might be a day when a film will flop. I feel even in a successful film there are things which are unsuccessful. There is always a song or a scene that I could have done better. I look for failure in my success so that I don't repeat them. I won't let success go to my head, and there are too many people around me who won't let that happen. There are people like Karan Johar and my dad who are constantly telling me that I can do better. I always want their validation and it keeps me on my toes. I really want Karan to think that I have grown as an actor, and that I am going in the right direction. He is my first director and my teacher. Likewise, with Sajid (Nadiadwala) sir, I have known him since childhood, so doing a film that does well for his company means a lot to me.
With so many people looking out for you, is it too much of inputs from many quarters?
I don't take anyone's advice, I follow my own heart. Of course, I often bounce off my ideas and thoughts with people. I think while handling my career as an actor, seeking people's opinion and advice are not only related to films. It also concerns things like which brands I should endorse, what shows I should do, et al. Nowadays, any move of yours can backfire on social media and things become an issue unnecessarily. The world has become a sensitive place. In that sense their advice comes into play even there, as they are more experienced. Every actor has a manager or someone supporting them, whether they are actors from within industry circles or otherwise. I think no one can fly solo in this industry. No one can be successful alone in this business.
So even with several hits to your credit, I believe you don't like calling yourself a star?
I believe that the audience makes you a star. I always want to be a people's actor. I don't want to be media-made star. Or a star where I am sitting around people who are flattering me. I don't believe in that. Even if people are pampering you, it has to come out of love and respect which you have to command.You can't demand it. I don't want to play games to strategise my position as a star. People quizzed me about doing double hero films (Dilwale, Dishoom), while I could choose to do only solo projects. I believe that if people want to like me, they will, and I should be able to stand out regardless. If I am good I will connect with the audience regardless of the length of my role. You can't tell bigger stories, better stories if you don't work with different people. At the end of it, people need to accept you, and they have to be happy watching you. We actors are here to entertain people, and not just make ourselves happy. Well, at least I am not in this just to make myself happy and be a star. Even if a film has done well, I feel bad when someone says that they didn't enjoy some parts of it.
So you take criticism well?
I am on the lookout for criticism, maybe a bit too much. I always want to know people's point of view. Introspection is important for all human beings and definitely actors. My mom always told me that to be a good actor you have to first be a good human being.
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There is news that you are moving in with your girlfriend, Natasha Dalal?
It is not true. I bought an apartment in the same building as my parents. I wanted to buy it with my own money, hence, it took some time. My parents are happy that I am close and around them. I think they are very worried ...yeh kya karega akele.
Are you commitment phobic?
I am not commitment phobic.I think that once I know where I am going, only then will I take someone with me. I think where love is concerned you have to be all there, or it's not love. Whoever has been in love will know that it is an amazing feeling. Everyone should be in love, at least once. If you fall in love three to four times, then it becomes a problem. Phir thoda dicey scene ho jaata hai (laughs!). I believe in the institution of marriage, though I know that nowadays it has become a debate with the youth, and they often view it differently. But like I said earlier, if you tell me don't do it... I will probably get married.
For Dishoom, you have packed in a lot of punch - daredevil stunts, humour and some skin show, too.
In my first film Student Of The Year, my introduction scene was shirtless. I remember my gym instructor telling me that aap pehli picture mein body dikha rahein ho toh har picture mein body dikhana padega. This time it is daunting as I am standing next to John Abraham and showing off my bod. His body is sculpted, so for me to stand next to him in the same frame and not get overshadowed is a big task. John has one of the best bodies in Bollywood. My body is very lean, and for this part I wanted it to be this way - fit and athletic. We trained every day after pack up and Jacqueline Fernandez was also part of it. In fact, both she and John are fitness freaks, I am the normal one.
Well, being directed by him feels different and yes, we take a bit for granted. But c'mon, he had me hanging from a helicopter, if it had crashed I could have died and he would be answerable to my parents (laughs!). But jokes apart, if it was not for my brother, I wonder how I would do it. I generally put all my energies into my films, I give it 200 per cent. For this, I gave it 500 per cent. I would do anything for this film. Today, if you tell me that I have to dance on the roads to the songs of the film and entertain the crowds...I will do it. That is how much I want this film to succeed. I know how much Rohit has put into this. The director is always behind the scenes, so he is never in the limelight, but everything you see, from the trailer to the finished product - is all him.
Are you guys very similar?
No, we are poles apart. Rohit has always been more mature, disciplined and has his head on his shoulders.
And you are the brat?
I don't know why people call me a brat; I don't know what I have done. I guess because Rohit is so good, in contrast I come across as a brat. But honestly, my brother is the reason why I am an actor. When I gave the first audition of my life for a beverage commercial, I was unsure about it, but Rohit was the one who pushed me towards it. I bagged the contract without any influence; in fact, I didn't even reveal whose son I was. While growing up, everyone would tell me that I would be an actor because I am David Dhawan's son. I wanted to get it purely on merit. Rohit has always believed in me and he was the first to believe that I could be an actor.
I remember while shooting for Badlapur, you almost went into isolation. It was the mood of the film and the nature of your character - dark and intense. You go really deep into your roles, don't you?
While acting and preparing for a character, you lose a part of yourself. Sometimes, when I have a funny scene the whole day, I can't come home and be funny as that quota of being happy has gone into those hours. For some characters, you have to be in that zone for longer. After an intense day of shoot, I like to unwind. I don't like watching TV. Instead, I like talking to my friends about everything other than films. Most of my friends are non-filmi, and their world is so different from mine, it is refreshing. It is very important to observe people from all walks of life to be a good actor. While shooting for this film in Abu Dhabi, I fell in love with the people and the place. I am playing a Muslim character for the first time, so I met many locals, learnt about their culture and heard a lot of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music. I picked up a bit of Arabic too, I went to the mosque several times and I learnt more about Islam.
You recently missed your best friend's wedding for work, right?
Yes, I was so upset with Rohit because I missed my best friend's wedding while shooting for the film. This is the downside of being an actor. And see, this is where your brother takes you for granted (laughs!). But mostly, I am in touch with all my close friends from school and college. My friends are my reality check. They take my case and make fun of me, and I love them for that. They watch my movies, though their choice of films is more offbeat and dark. They loved Badlapur.
You have shown a lot of range early in your career. From a casual lover boy to a man who seeks vengeance, to doing slapstick comedy and now action. You are a risk-taker?
Yes, I never fear taking chances. Before I became an actor, I would watch a lot of films in theatres. It gave me an insight that there is a thirst amongst the audience for different kinds of stories and films. Our viewers don't want to watch the same thing repeatedly. I agree that there are some common elements that our audience likes, but as actors we need to experiment for them, if not for ourselves. Today, there is so much exposure to global cinema. We have international TV shows, not just American shows. We can't keep ourselves isolated from all that is happening around us. The idea of Indian films is changing. The whole idea of making Dishoom was to make a cool cop film. There are dialogues (between John and me) in the film like... Tu Batman hoga lekin main Birdman nahin hoon. I could have said Robin, but I am saying Birdman, because I believe that people of my generation who are coming to watch my movies are watching these kinds of movies. In a way it's like upgrading the audience. Hollywood films are doing so well in India, so that's an indication of the kind of films our audience is consuming. We can't take our audience's intelligence for granted or underestimate it. In my case, if I am told not to do a certain kind of film, I feel compelled to do it. If you warn me about something, I want to do it even more (laughs!)
So failure doesn't scare you?
I haven't seen failure so far, but it scares me. I don't want it to ever go to my head that...meri toh picture chalti hai, yeh bhi chalegi. I know there might be a day when a film will flop. I feel even in a successful film there are things which are unsuccessful. There is always a song or a scene that I could have done better. I look for failure in my success so that I don't repeat them. I won't let success go to my head, and there are too many people around me who won't let that happen. There are people like Karan Johar and my dad who are constantly telling me that I can do better. I always want their validation and it keeps me on my toes. I really want Karan to think that I have grown as an actor, and that I am going in the right direction. He is my first director and my teacher. Likewise, with Sajid (Nadiadwala) sir, I have known him since childhood, so doing a film that does well for his company means a lot to me.
With so many people looking out for you, is it too much of inputs from many quarters?
I don't take anyone's advice, I follow my own heart. Of course, I often bounce off my ideas and thoughts with people. I think while handling my career as an actor, seeking people's opinion and advice are not only related to films. It also concerns things like which brands I should endorse, what shows I should do, et al. Nowadays, any move of yours can backfire on social media and things become an issue unnecessarily. The world has become a sensitive place. In that sense their advice comes into play even there, as they are more experienced. Every actor has a manager or someone supporting them, whether they are actors from within industry circles or otherwise. I think no one can fly solo in this industry. No one can be successful alone in this business.
So even with several hits to your credit, I believe you don't like calling yourself a star?
I believe that the audience makes you a star. I always want to be a people's actor. I don't want to be media-made star. Or a star where I am sitting around people who are flattering me. I don't believe in that. Even if people are pampering you, it has to come out of love and respect which you have to command.You can't demand it. I don't want to play games to strategise my position as a star. People quizzed me about doing double hero films (Dilwale, Dishoom), while I could choose to do only solo projects. I believe that if people want to like me, they will, and I should be able to stand out regardless. If I am good I will connect with the audience regardless of the length of my role. You can't tell bigger stories, better stories if you don't work with different people. At the end of it, people need to accept you, and they have to be happy watching you. We actors are here to entertain people, and not just make ourselves happy. Well, at least I am not in this just to make myself happy and be a star. Even if a film has done well, I feel bad when someone says that they didn't enjoy some parts of it.
So you take criticism well?
I am on the lookout for criticism, maybe a bit too much. I always want to know people's point of view. Introspection is important for all human beings and definitely actors. My mom always told me that to be a good actor you have to first be a good human being.
There is news that you are moving in with your girlfriend, Natasha Dalal?
It is not true. I bought an apartment in the same building as my parents. I wanted to buy it with my own money, hence, it took some time. My parents are happy that I am close and around them. I think they are very worried ...yeh kya karega akele.
Are you commitment phobic?
I am not commitment phobic.I think that once I know where I am going, only then will I take someone with me. I think where love is concerned you have to be all there, or it's not love. Whoever has been in love will know that it is an amazing feeling. Everyone should be in love, at least once. If you fall in love three to four times, then it becomes a problem. Phir thoda dicey scene ho jaata hai (laughs!). I believe in the institution of marriage, though I know that nowadays it has become a debate with the youth, and they often view it differently. But like I said earlier, if you tell me don't do it... I will probably get married.
