Vicky Kaushal is all set to ring in his 32nd birthday on May 16 amid lockdown at home. The actor never imagines that there would come a situation like this. “I never thought that we’d be in a situation where things literally come to a standstill. Leave alone a birthday in lockdown, I never even imagined a lockdown before,” said the actor, who will celebrate the day quietly with family.
Growing up, he threw those must-have birthday parties at home. “There were no cell phones to take selfies and record the event, nor peer pressure to post them. It was just about having a good time with friends. Those simple days from my childhood are special,” he said.
The actor, who was all set to start shooting for Karan Johar's period drama Takht, was supposed to have a working birthday. Now, given the current scenario, the shoot stands indefinitely pushed. But there are no complaints. Being safe at home is a luxury today, the birthday boy pointed out. “Look at what people, who are away from home or don’t have a home, are going through, including the frontline workers of the pandemic. By staying home, we can help flatten the curve,” said Vicky, who with actor-brother, Sunny Kaushal, is cooking meals and doing chores. “I can, at best, whip up an omelette or a bhurji. But Sunny is a good cook, so I assist him,” he chuckled.
Talking about his life-changing film Uri that released last year, Vicky said, “Uri was a physically and emotionally draining film, so it feels good to see the way it resonated with the audience. The National Award was the cherry on top. I hope to keep working hard and connect with the audience,” he promised, admitting that now there is the burden of responsibility and expectations, but it’s important not to feel the pressure. “Give your best and leave the rest to destiny. Honesty is all that’s needed.”
In Ashwatthama, Vicky plays the titular role of Guru Dronacharya’s son, who fought for the Kauravas in the Mahabharat. The film is set in contemporary times. “We take it on the floors next year. Aditya and Ronnie are attempting something that has not been made in Bollywood before. It’s ambitious and huge, I’m raring to start the journey,” says the actor, who recently wrapped up Shoojit Sircar’s Sardar Udham Singh, which is set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. For Vicky, it was an enriching experience to work with the filmmaker and he admits he learnt something new on the set every day. “I always wanted to work with Shoojit da and Udham has been a memorable journey. It’s in postproduction now,” he informed.
On Karan'sTakht, also featuring Anil Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, and Janhvi Kapoor, the actor did not talk much. In the film, as Aurangzeb, he has a lot of confrontation scenes with Ranveer’s Dara Shikoh. “It was a dream to be a part of this period-drama. I’ve admired the work of all the artistes who are a part of this film,” he mentioned.
Vicky acknowledges that the definition of stardom has changed, content is in the foreground and that there is no demarcation between stars and actors. “It’s all merging and I want to be a part of this beautiful process,” he concluded.
