Mumbai, Nov 16 (NationPress) Actor Vijay Varma recently shared insights about a heartfelt compliment received from Pankaj Tripathi, which left a profound impact on him.

Although he has never visited Bihar or has personal connections there, Varma dedicated several months to analyzing Tripathi’s interviews to better understand his path. While attending the Jagran Film Festival, Vijay expressed that the acknowledgment from the revered actor stands as the most significant compliment he has ever received in his career.

Discussing his exceptional ability to master dialects in films such as Gully Boy, Mirzapur, and Dahaad, he stated, “I'm not the type of actor who can drastically alter my physique for every role. I can't indulge excessively in food. Therefore, I strive to differentiate myself through my voice and persona. It's essential to me that a character sounds true to their geographical roots.”

“The best compliment I ever received was from Pankaj Tripathi. He hails from Siwan. I've never set foot in Bihar in my life, nor do I have any close ties there. So, I immersed myself in listening to interviews of Ravish Kumar, Kanhaiya Kumar, and Pankaj Tripathi, tuning in daily for three months.”

When queried on why audiences resonate so deeply with his portrayals, Vijay explained, “At times, a portion of my brain disengages from public perception,” he notes. “When a film is released, I gauge the audience's reception. Afterward, I bury myself in my work for a few months, losing touch with my own self. This is how I become engrossed in my craft.”

“Upon returning, I realize that my work has touched people. There’s an aspect of my personality that resonates, or perhaps people see something in me. I feel there’s a segment of my mind that is so twisted that I often lose connection with reality.”

The ‘Murder Mubarak’ actor also mentioned that his fascination with such characters originates from the films that inspired him during his formative years.

“I grew up idolizing Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Naseer Sir, Brando, and Dilip Kumar. These actors communicated with me, and their roles were never mundane. They always portrayed something that was morally ambiguous.”

“I believe characters with flaws or darker attributes captivate audiences. Personally, I connect as a viewer. Vulnerability offers the strongest bond. As the saying goes, light seeps through the cracks. If one notices something broken in someone, that’s where the audience’s curiosity lies. From my days of reading comic books to playing video games, I’ve always sought a particular shade of gray within individuals, their personalities, and their roles. Thus, I find great enjoyment in challenges like these.”

Vijay Varma is preparing for the release of his upcoming film “Gustaakh Ishq”, which also features Naseeruddin Shah and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The film is set to premiere in theaters on November 28.