OFF THE BEATEN TRACK WITH DARLINGS

Vijay Varma ACTOR | Darlings, Alia Bhatt’s maiden production venture, released on Netfl ix has garnered enough attention already. This isn’t surprising, considering the dark comedy starring Vijay Varma, Bhatt and Shefali Shah put some of the best talents in the industry together in a uniquely twisted plot. Travel + Leisure India and South Asia caught up with Varma for a tête-à-tête and his travel plans.

- CHIRAG MOHANTY SAMAL

Tell us about Darlings, your role in it and how did this come about?

Darlings happened to me in the middle of the first lockdown. I received a call from Alia [Bhatt’s] manager saying she wanted to send across a script. I was absolutely arrested by it. The theme is relatable but dark, and it has been treated in a unique way. We’ve made it palatable and accessible to households across the globe. I [somehow] felt safe to get into the skin of a character that is so devious, interesting, and juicy for an actor.

How challenging was it to portray the role of Hamza?

I think the major challenge was to give 100 per cent to the role and be truthful even in the most difficult scenes. There is a big chunk of the film where I’m tied to a chair, I hated it. I got riled up each day as I spent eight-nine hours locked and tied up.

You’ve done quite a few web series; how are they different from movies?

My working style isn’t different for movies and web series. But for the audience, it’s a different experience and that’s what is exciting for actors. The audience has a chance to stay with the story for longer in web series. And if you’re lucky, for multiple seasons.