Varun Dhawan gives his insights on his latest film Bawaal

Get ready for the much-anticipated romance-drama Bawaal, as the team unveiled its thrilling trailer at a global press meet in Dubai. Media from across the world joined in-person and virtually at the Queen Elizabeth II in Port Rashid to witness this exciting event. The presence of Varun Dhawan as Ajay Dixit (Ajju Bhaiya), a history teacher, and Janhvi as his wife Nisha, added to the excitement. Alongside, Nitesh Tiwari and Sajid Nadiadwala graced the event. Mark your calendars for the OTT premiere on July 21, 2023. Varun Dhawan talks about his latest film and more with Lipika Varma.

How was your chemistry and working together with Janhvi in Bawaal?

 It’s been wonderful, it’s intriguing, I have been asked this question many times. So I want people to watch the film about how we look working together. We belong to different schools of acting and probably come together under one umbrella of Nitish sir’s teachings, I feel, hopefully, this is our best chemistry.

 Ajju Bhaiya [Ajay Dixit] is a History teacher in the film, how much does History interest you?

If you are studying in 10^th –be it History or Geography, you have to learn. I had to beat my brother’s percentage in the tenth class, so I had to study very hard for those exams. These subjects are always important. History is a subject which prepares you for the future. You learn so many things through history and that’s the part of Bawaal also. Though, I don’t want to reveal more about the story.

What do you expect from this movie, what difference will this film bring to your film career?

Working with Nitish [Tiwari] sir has always been on my bucket list, especially after watching Dangal and Chhichhore, I wanted to work with him. I remember during Covid, I would call him up and ask him for work. One day, I reached his office and I was requesting him to think about some story in which I could be a part. Almost after 8 or 9 months, I got to know I was cast in the film Bawaal. I feel there is an arch and a realization in this character. In today’s times, everything is manipulated and not organic, however, this film will be giving an important message.

You transient different emotions, showcasing light emotions as well as serious ones, was it challenging?

It wasn’t challenging because Nitish sir, told me not to prep and just come to the office and we would read the script and find a rhythm. This made me very comfortable with his humility in portraying my character on the reel.

How would you rate your role in Bawaal and how much do you push yourself as an actor when you take up an unconventional role?

In this, I am playing a very different role in comparison to my real life. I am always in search of different roles.  As an actor, it’s difficult to be fearless and fight your insecurities. Every individual cares so much about their image. Filter laga kar zindagi jeete hai aajkal, Zindagi mein aap ko kya chaihye? What are your priorities? All this has been depicted in this film as well, life has to be experienced and touched upon. This is also shown in the film. Hope the film will be received by the people.

What were your magic moments?

There is a lot of humour in this movie, I enjoyed doing Salsa during the chilly weather in the middle of the road, besides, all the acting moments I can’t reveal.

Any memorable moments while shooting in any location?

For me, shooting in Kanpur was the most memorable moment. Jis school mein Ajju Bhaiya history teacher hai, my father was a student at that school. As he lived in Kanpur for many years, I would talk to him and reminisce about certain moments while shooting there. Surprisingly, three directors I worked with- David Dhawan, Nitish sir and Amar Kaushik, all of them belonged to Kanpur. It was wonderful to shoot with people from this place.

1.  As an actor, it’s difficult to be fearless and fight your insecurities. Every individual cares so much about their image.
2. For me, shooting in Kanpur was the most memorable moment. Jis school mein Ajju Bhaiya history teacher hai, my father was a student at that school.
3. Working with Nitish [Tiwari] sir has always been on my bucket list, especially after watching Dangal and Chhichhore, I wanted to work with him.