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VARUN DHAWAN: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO BE A STAR
By Himesh Mankad, Mumbai Mirror | Updated: Apr 10, 2019, 08.38 AM IST
Varun Dhawan with girlfriend Natasha Dalal (inset)
iNTERVIEW: VARUN DHAWAN, ACTOR
Varun Dhawan is as unassuming in real life as his happy-go-lucky screen turns. Before settling down for an interview at a suburban five-star, the 31-year-old actor summons a photographer and requests him to take some "candids. What follows is a freewheeling chat on his upcoming films, the impending wedding and everything in between.
Excerpts:
In early 2000s, Karan Johar wanted to make Kalankwith Shah Rukh Khan. How did you react when he came to you with the film?
He (KJo) let Abhishek (Varman, director) approach me and I was blown away by the script. The film celebrates love, pain, tragedy and romance, and the premise has ample twists and turns.
Since the idea came from Karan's father, Yash Johar, does that increase the sense of responsibility?
Of course, it does. I also feel responsible because of its budget. And I not only have to bring in the numbers (at the box-office) but also ensure that the audience loves it. In a way, both the producers and the audience have put their trust in me given how much is invested in the film.
How do you react when films like Sui Dhaaga fail to reach expected numbers?
Films today are not celebrated till they do a business of Rs 100 crore. But you can't sign a film thinking about the money it will make. Articles about the box-office make for an interesting read but soon all this will cease to matter. Films should be fun. I loved (Sohum Shah's) Tummbad, but I don't know how much money it made.
Kalank's release was advanced by a couple of days to April 17. Was it to get a nine-day run before Avengers: Endgame arrives?
We are releasing at a time when there is constant flow of films, both before and after. But today, there are enough screens to accommodate two big films and hopefully, we will get some shows in the second week too when Avengers arrives. It has a run-time of three hour and three minutes, ours is much shorter, so that will help us get some shows. That aside, April 17 is a partial holiday and we would benefit from it. We want to make as much money as possible before Avengers arrives.
You have grown up watching Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit, how was it sharing screen time with them?
I've got many challenging scenes with Sanjay sir and Madhuri ma'am. Working with them is one thing but getting to do powerful scenes with them is another.
And what's the equation like with Alia Bhatt given that this is your fourth film together?
I don't think my bond with Alia has changed much. Both of us are here because of films and that's why we get along well.
How relevant are big-scale family-dramas today?
The audience hasn't seen a film like this in a while, which makes Kalank exciting. We revealed only a part of the story in the trailer, there is a lot still under wraps. It's a simple film but will evoke a lot of emotions.
Was the shift from comedies to intense dramas a conscious move?
It wasn't planned. I am not trying to shift gears and I don't think people feel that way either. I want to be an actor who can excel in all kinds of roles. Yes, there have been back-to-back intense films but now there are some lighter ones ahead.
Like Coolie No 1 with your father, David Dhawan...
(Beams) I'm dying to do a comedy again and this one has lots of dance. With dad, it's going to be exactly the way it was during Main Tera Hero and Judwaa 2. He will kick my ass on the set. But I plan to start learning my dialogue right away as the journey ahead will be challenging.
We don't see as many coolies now as we used to...
(Cuts in) I think it's still an active profession at railway stations. We did a lot of research before deciding to make the film. The original screenplay was outstanding, so is this one. Our film is not a remake but an adaptation with the same title.
Will we see you take the No 1 franchise forward with adaptations of Biwi No 1, Hero No 1...
(Laughs) For now, it's just Coolie No 1.
How does it feel to be a star?
I honestly don't know how to be a star, I am still the same person I was back in school. I don't try to be important.
But Alia and you are spearheading Kalank despite an ensemble cast...
I wouldn't say Kalank is spearheaded by anyone, it is an ensemble film with interesting characters. Some of them are more out there than others because of their personalities, my Zafar is one of them.
What's happening with Shashank Khaitan's Ranbhoomi?
It's a prep-heavy film and Shashank is still working on the script.
A lot of actors are doing either sports-based films or real-life stories. When will we see you in that zone?
They make for interesting stories but as a lot of people are already dabbling in them, I won't. ABCD 2 was based on a real-life story. Even Street Dancer has a lot of real instances, but it is a masala film. I am into swimming, cricket, football, and hockey. At present, I am practicing Mixed Martial Arts but there is no sports film on the horizon for now.
How has it been shooting for Street Dancer?
It's shaping up well. It's physically exhausting but I can't wait to start the next schedule on May 5.
Buzz is, after Badlapur, you team up with Sriram Raghavan for Ekkis...
Sriram is one of the best directors of this generation and there is always a possibility of us teaming up. Whenever he is ready with a script for me, I will be ready.
A fan recently tried entering your house and made death threats to your girlfriend Natasha Dalal...
Unfortunately, I can't speak about this because the police are involved.
But you can tell us if marriage is on the cards this year?
It's not happening right now as I am busy with all my releases. When I decide to get married, I will send out a picture.
CID
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