NEW VARUN ARTICLE PEOPLE

"Big names overshadow newcomers"

Television and films are as different as chalk and cheese but despite this world of difference, there's a steady stream of TV actors making their leap to the big screen. Working on daily soaps and reality shows, TV actors come with a whole lot of training, sometimes even more than that of aspiring film actors. And this breed of talent is not just looking for lead roles in films; they are open to essaying character roles too. This week, we speak to Varun Badola, the cop in Mickey Virus on his transition from TV to films

The story so far...

Acting is the only thing I do to make a living. In the TV industry, I did Koshish, which was very challenging. There were many actors who rejected the offer because they were not sure whether playing a mentally-ill character would help their careers. But I accepted as I knew the role would be performance-oriented.

Then I was offered Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand, which needed a romantic leading man and I couldn't turn it down! Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani was very different from the regular serials and there was Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein and Phir Subah Hogi. I have also done a few reality shows and a few cameos.

On how he landed Mickey Virus

One day, a casting director called me and said there was a role which he wanted me to listen to. He told me that I didn't have to audition for it because the director Saurabh Varma had seen my work on television. It came as a surprise since actors have to audition for a part. I read the script and liked the character, so I agreed to do the role.

On getting into the character

Since I am from Delhi, it wasn't difficult for me to grasp the character of a Delhi cop. But I had to get the physicality right, their lingo and the right mindset. You can create a character but it must relate to real characters. I wanted to de-glamorise my character as much as I could. You see, the character was rustic, a street cop, not one of those highly educated ones. I had to incorporate many elements into my character.

Challenges faced

My physical appearance was a big challenge. I weighed 83 kgs and by the time the film went on the floors, I weighed over 90 kgs because I had to make my character look fat. I maintained that weight throughout the shooting. Also, the character had some eccentricities, like, since he is very health conscious, he always munched on churan after a meal. Whenever he spotted a temple, even when on a case, he would have to drop by and pray. So, there was a lot that went into making my character real.

Working with newcomers

Saurabh was a known name in the industry and I believed in his vision. Manish Paul is also a known name in the TV industry. Besides, all of them were brilliant actors including Manish Chaudhary. So I was not apprehensive at all. If you have a good story line, I guess half your job is done. Also, when there are big names in your film, your character tends to go unnoticed.

What Next?

I was offered two films but they were very similar to what I had done in Mickey Virus, and I didn't want to repeat the character. I am looking forward to some interesting new characters to play.

Originally posted by: ronshaan

Originally posted by: ahsanonline

<font color="#0000FF" size="4">Perfect coupleThakur Vikram Sing & Sugni in Phir Subh Hogi Serial ... :)</font>

Originally posted by: b4uvarun

Thanks for liking them 😊