07 February,2023 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
Vijay Varma
When Darlings director Jasmeet K Reen briefed Vijay Varma on his role, she explained that the character should be able to evoke dread merely by walking into a room. The violence, she stated, should be "felt" rather than shown on screen. "You feel the dread, but you barely see any violence inflicted by Hamza [Varma's character]. He gets beaten up more than he beats up people, but the fear still works," reflects Varma, who is nominated in the Best Actor: Film category at the upcoming mid-day and Radio City Hitlist OTT Awards.
In Netflix's dark comedy, the actor plays a bullied ticket-collector who vents out his frustration by abusing his wife Badrunissa, played by Alia Bhatt. He read Hamza as a man who wants to become better, but cannot overcome his cynical and abusive tendencies. Admitting that it was a risky choice, he is glad that the role has won him audience's love and critical acclaim. "There aren't too many men who would choose such a role. I took the chance, and believed in Jasmeet. I felt that the story [of domestic violence] needed to be told." He credits Bhatt for elevating his performance. "Alia is a hands-on actor. None of her takes is similar; she always throws surprises at you."
Darlings has not only brought new audiences to Varma, but also diverse offers to pick from. "A few years ago, I decided to focus on doing lead parts. Darlings is one of the first steps towards that. There is also a constant pursuit to [choose] material that surprises me."
Also Read: Fans compares Vijay Varma with Michael Jackson on his latest look
ALSO READ
Kritika Kamra takes few days off from Matka King shoot to work on fashion label
Here's how you can ace the craftcore fashion aesthetic
Kareena Kapoor Khan dazzles in shimmer saree at awards event
Have you heard? Tamannaah Bhatia, Vijay Varma are hunting for a house
Up & About: Tejasswi Prakash has a tough time calming her pet dog
Vijay Varma has been nominated in the Best Actor (Male): Film category for Darlings. The other nominees are:
>> Diljit Dosanjh (Jogi)
>> Paresh Rawal (Sharmaji Namkeen)
>> Rajkummar Rao (Monica O My Darling)
>> Rishi Kapoor (Sharmaji Namkeen)
>> Vicky Kaushal (Govinda Naam Mera)
There are 16 categories that the public can vote in. Log on to www.radiocity.in/hitlistott to cast your vote.
Voting lines close on February 22.
More about Darlings
The dark comedy marks Varma's second collaboration with Alia Bhatt after Gully Boy (2019).
