Varun Sharma came back on the big screen last week with Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer Roohi, and is currently shooting in Mumbai for Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus with Ranveer Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Pooja Hegde. The actor is all set to carry forward his popular character of Choocha in Fukrey 3. Read excerpts from the interview:
How have you been dealing with the reception of Roohi?
We are just overwhelmed with the love the audience has given us. The messages that we are getting and the numbers speak for itself. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. We said in the trailer that “the magic of cinema returns” and the numbers reflect that.
Roohi received a mixed reception critically, but the collection seems to speak a different story…
I just feel honoured to be a part of this historic feat. It was a brave step on the parts of the producers Dinesh Vijan and Jio Studios to be the first one to choose a theatrical release and they deserve all the credit for this success.
Your bromance with Pulkit Samrat in Fukrey franchise, with Varun Dhawan in Dilwale and now Rajkummar Rao in Roohi is so effortless. How does it come with so much ease to you?
It’s a two-way street. Pulkit and I started out together, so we bonded over that and since then, I have been lucky to work with people who I have bonded well with and vice-versa. As actors, we just want to make the film with its truest essence, and that’s what I try to achieve.
Have you celebrated the success of Roohi with Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar, Dinesh Vijan and the rest of the team yet?
Till now, the celebration has been only virtual since I have been shooting for Cirkus, while Jhanvi is busy with Good Luck Jerry in Chandigarh, Raj is also shooting and Dinoo (Dinesh Vijan) is working on Bhediya. So, presently it’s just multiple calls daily but we need to meet soon to celebrate properly.
Talking of Cirkus, how is it reuniting with Rohit Shetty after Dilwale?
To put it in just one word, it has been magical. We all are like a family on set and the entire process just feels surreal.
What is your co-actor Ranveer Singh like?
He is a great human being who is always high on energy. I found an elder brother in him. We bond the most over music as I keep introducing him to Punjabi songs while he makes me listen to cool underground music. The chemistry and camaraderie we share just comes out naturally.
You had a special birthday on the sets of Cirkus with even Varun Dhawan paying you a visit.
It was a big surprise for me too. Rohit sir is the sweetest person on this planet. He adores his team and planned a surprise lunch for my birthday. Varun’s presence was one of the biggest surprises of the day and we even cut the cake together. Even though we were all dressed in black, I just want to clarify that it was all co-incidental and not at all planned.
It is reported that you have a double role in Cirkus…
(Cuts in) I can’t say a single word about it otherwise mujhe daant pad jayegi. (Laughs)
When are you beginning work on Fukrey 3?
I am about to wrap up Cirkus and will straightaway jump into Fukrey 3. The schedule is still being worked out, but I should start within a fortnight. I started my journey with Choocha, it was my first character and I can’t wait to get back to it. With time, I have learned and unlearned a lot of things, so I just can’t wait to apply that.
What new adventures will we get to see of Choocha and his friends in Fukrey 3?
I can’t divulge any details, but it will be way more fun and quirkier, with insane mad vibes. It’s going to be a roller coaster ride of adventures and misadventures for the fukras.
The audience has seen your bromance a lot, when will they get to see you romance on screen?
(Laughs) I just romanced a chudail. Although, I think I really need to convince the makers that I can romance on screen and not just with a chudail or a don this time. But I enjoy romancing the most different characters on screen. It’s pretty whacked out. However, my mother is slightly concerned and keeps on saying ki tere rishte milne mein dikkat hogi.
You have done multiple two hero films, any plans of going solo?
For me, it’s the script that matters. So, if given a good script that has a relatability factor with the audience, I would love to do it. I want the audience to connect with my character and feel like there is a person like my character in their own life.
You have proved your mettle in comedy over the years. Any plans of switching genres?
As an actor, I do want to try different genres, but comedy has given me the acceptance of the audience. So, it will be unfair of me to leave it to try something new, just because it’s getting too much. I love making people laugh, and in today’s time when people are smiling less in real life, I feel honoured to be a part of something that brings that back. So, I’ll try new things but never leave comedy behind.
In Dinesh Vijan’s horror universe of Stree, Roohi, Bhediya and Munjha, Rajkummar has already been part of two of the films. Will we see you in any other film of the universe as well?
I am in awe of this genre. I loved Stree and am excited to see Bhediya and the other upcoming films in the universe. So, if given an offer, I would jump at it. And not just this universe, I want Dinoo to take me in every film of his.
Have there been any discussions on the future of Roohi?
Let us celebrate Roohi first and then think about the future. Although I really hope it turns into a franchise of itself too, apart from being a part of the universe. And who knows, maybe I’d get the girl this time around.
Image Source: Instagram/fukravarun, spotboye archive images
Image Source: Instagram/fukravarun, spotboye archive images