Sexy shades of grey

Vivan Bhatena talks to

NIKITA WADHAWAN

about his love for negative roles, performing action sequences and moving on from television

Actor Vivan Bhatena, who was last seen in Athiya Shetty and Sooraj Pancholi-starrer

Hero, as the villain, has once again played the role of an antagonist in the box office hit Judwaa 2. A-model-turned-actor, Vivan is a popular face on television, and has been seen in quite a few films lately including last year’s Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal. With Judwaa 2, touching the Rs 100 crore mark, Vivan talks about embracing success in the big leagues. He also says that he is not afraid being type cast after playing back-toback villains.

How are you feeling about the success of Judwaa 2?

It always feels amazing when you have a successful film behind you. I am really happy to be a part of it. I am extremely thankful to David sir and Varun to let me star with him. It was a great adventure and I hope I get to do it again.

How was it working with Varun?

Varun is very humble, and an amazing individual. I hope he remains that way, as I feel that, his greatest strength is his humility and his courage to try out different things. He has so much potential in him waiting to be explored and I had a great time working with him.

How risky is it to play an out-and-out villain, so early in your career? Aren’t you afraid about being typecast now that you have played a villain twice?

I actually don’t mind be typecast as a villain, it is niche I want to fill. If people see me in a certain way, I have no issues. I am also playing a villain in

Hate Story 4, and I am pretty happy doing it. Even as a child, I always used to root for the villain in movies, as I used to enjoy their characters. As an actor, I can do so many different things that a hero can’t do, as it is not in his purview.

Were you nervous to step into the shoes of Mukesh Rishi (the villain in Judwaa 1)?

Mukesh sir is a fantastic role model, and what he did, I can never replicate. I wanted to bring in a younger element, which David sir wanted, he even told me that I kind of look like him, but I did not let it go to my head. I enjoyed playing the character and I hope that I did it justice, moreover, his character was very different and very intense which was fit for the 90’s.

How was it shooting such high octane action sequence?

It is always difficult to shoot action, as you always get injured and hurt.You are always scared doing them, but when you have a great team behind you, then it becomes easier. But in the end it is all a team effort.

How do you see your growth as an actor, from TV to main villain in big budget movies?

I still do television, I have never said no to it. I see my growth when people can spot potential in TV actors, and that is what is happening now. There are seeing potential there, and exploiting it. Also, it is always fun to be a part of a big blockbuster film. But I started off as a model, and I have explored almost every avenue in this industry. In the end it doesn’t matter where we come from, we are part of the same field. I see TV, as a stepping stone to something greater.You can never foresee if you will be more successful in TV or in movies, only time will tell

Any plans to return to TV?

Yes, if something is offered to me that is worthwhile. I don’t mind doing television, the only problem is that now-a-days the sets are very far from the city and the scripts are all mythological, so I don’t want to get into that space of television yet.

Is it due to the content or have you moved on from that phase in your life?

You need to be happy with what you are doing, and currently I am very happy doing the films I am doing. It is always a different phase in life, when you are doing film or television, so you enjoy each phase in your own way. So, I am enjoying my phase of working in films right now. As of now I am not thinking of anything more or less than that.