In the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, where dreams are built, and the silver screen sparkles with stories of heroes and villains, Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal shines as a beacon of humility and family values. Celebrated for both his compelling performances and his steadfast affection for his nearest and dearest, Kaushal stands out as a cherished personality in the Indian film industry. As the candles are blown out on Vicky Kaushal’s birthday cake, we delve into an engaging conversation he had with Mid-day. In this dialogue, he reveals his thoughts on his screen image, the characters he plays, and his eagerness to embrace a villainous role.
With a boyish charm and down-to-earth persona, Vicky Kaushal has charmed audiences worldwide. Behind the camera, these qualities resonate with his personal life’s narrative – as evinced by his endearing social media posts with his star wife, Katrina Kaif, and his heartwarming tributes to his family members. So, how does this seemingly perennial ‘nice guy’ perceive himself?
Responding with genuine modesty, Kaushal shares his discomfort with praise, attributing any admirable traits to his familial and social circle. “I’m as special and flawed as anybody else,” he states. If the labels of grounded and humble fit, he credits his upbringing and friends for these virtues. Indeed, Kaushal paints a portrait of a man indebted to a supportive and loving backdrop, one that evidently shapes the actor he is today.
This intrinsic humility is mirrored in the roles that gravitate towards Kaushal. Whether it’s the earnest Bhajan Kumar in ‘The Great Indian Family’ or the brave Iqbal Syed in ‘Raazi’, there exists a thread of unfeigned innocence linking his diverse portrayals. Kaushal believes this stems from a universal honesty found in people, a trait he seeks and nurtures within every character he embodies. But is this emblematic innocence merely an echo of his off-screen identity?
Perhaps, until he is cast as a character that disrupts this pattern. On probing whether he would tackle a villainous role, Kaushal’s eyes light up with intrigue. It’s not the lure of malice that appeals but rather the complexity and ‘ras’ – a word denoting essence or flavor in Hindi – that dark characters often possess. “It just sounds fun to get to play a full-blown negative character,” he declares with evident enthusiasm. While there’s no timetable for such a transformation, his readiness to explore this terrain is both clear and captivating.
Kaushal’s career trajectory has been marked by a selection of nuanced performances, each making its unique mark in the annals of contemporary Bollywood cinema. From the passion-driven poet in ‘Masaan’ to the doughty military officer in ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, he has shown a remarkable ability to deliver authenticity on screen. Yet, in the genres that span romance, drama, and patriotism, the domain of unadulterated villainy sits untouched, a tantalizing prospect for both Kaushal and his admirers.
But how would this shift be received by a fan base accustomed to rooting for Kaushal in every struggle and triumph? The prospect is interesting, to say the least. Slipping into the skin of a character who embodies vice rather than virtue could showcase the actor’s versatility and challenge the audience’s perception. It may also offer a refreshing departure from the earnest men that are fast becoming his calling card.
In the rich tapestry of Bollywood, where the heroic protagonist often takes center stage, the villain is the stitch that adds depth and darkness, creating a compelling contrast. It is in the shades of grey that actors find the depth of their craft, and it is here that Vicky Kaushal seeks his next adventure. While his journey in cinema continues, one thing is clear: whether he plays a hero or a villain, Kaushal remains a beloved figure, symbolic of warmth, talent, and the ties that bind.
