Mumbai, Nov 25 (NationPress) Actor Vijay Varma has established himself as a remarkable talent over the years. Initially stepping into Bollywood as a villain, he intentionally embraced that role. Now, he is poised to reshape his on-screen persona by diving into the realm of classic romance as a lover boy in Gustaakh Ishq, produced by Manish Malhotra.

In an engaging conversation with IANS, Vijay shared his desire to move away from his antagonist image and explore themes of love and romance. “I needed a break from negative roles as they can be burdensome,” he mentioned. “Fans often told me, ‘We disliked you in that film; however, you are an exceptional actor.’ So, I wanted to eliminate the term ‘hate’ and replace it with something more positive. Whether it was in IC-814, Jaane Jaane, or Murder Mubarak, I just wanted a change.”

Discussing Gustaakh Ishq, Vijay described it as “a delightful romantic film filled with love, devotion, and even sin! There are numerous elements for me to discover as an actor.” He further elaborated on the significant transition from playing negative characters to embodying softer, positive roles. “Adapting to new roles takes time and can be challenging. I recall a scene from Pink that was intensely written and quite graphic.”

“In Gustaakh Ishq, my challenge was to deliver poetic dialogues while standing before the legendary Naseeruddin Shah, maintaining my composure, and convincingly expressing a range of emotions. It was a refreshing challenge!” Varma continued, “Whenever you evolve as an actor, it’s a bit daunting but enjoyable. After a while, you yearn for something new, and my next venture will likely lean toward comedy.”

Set against the backdrop of Old Delhi, Gustaakh Ishq beautifully captures the romance and allure of the retro era. Known for his depth and complexity, Vijay’s transformation into a gentle lover has surprised many. The film also stars Naseeruddin Shah and Fatima Sana Sheikh.

Gustaakh Ishq is crafted under Manish Malhotra’s new production label, Stage5 Production.

Set in the historic lanes of Purani Dilli and the dwindling vintage homes of Punjab, “Gustaakh Ishq” is a tale of passion and unvoiced yearning, rooted in a world where architecture preserves memories and music evokes nostalgia.

–IANS rd/