‘I am not commitment phobic’: Vicky Kaushal on how he's different from his 'Manmarziyaan' character and more

The past few months have been momentous for Vicky Kaushal. He’s delivered a sleeper hit like Raazi, his performance in the Rs 300-crore blockbuster Sanju has been appreciated and he has surprised the audience with two digital outings — Lust Stories and Love Per Square Foot. His next film, Manmarziyaan, opens in cinemas in three days. When we meet him for a chat, the talented actor is all smiles as the movie’s trailer and songs have been lapped up by the audience. Over the next half-an-hour, we talk about his role in the Anurag Kashyap directorial. He also discusses matters of the heart — not admitting to being in love but coyly dropping an indirect hint about the same. Excerpts...

Do you think this is going to be your year?

Everyone else should be saying that. It’s been a wonderful year so far. Not just because of the numbers that my films did at the box office but also the amount of love and affection that I got from the audience. It has been an overwhelming year for me and my family. My younger brother Sunny (Kaushal), who debuted with Gold, was also appreciated. So, the Kaushal parivaar is happy right now (smiles).

Manmarziyaan isn’t a  typical Anurag Kashyap film...

Actually, Anurag sir always writes the films he directs. But Manmarziyaan is written by Kanika Dhillon. However, the way he has dealt with the complexities in a relationship is unlike anyone else. It was a beautiful amalgamation of two different flavours. It's a love triangle and we know what will happen, but how it happens will surprise everyone.

How many people actually came and told you that your look in the film is similar to that of cricketer Hardik Pandya?

Actually, I have read a lot of tweets and comments (laughs). It’s strange that when Sanju’s poster featuring Ranbir (Kapoor) and me was out, everyone was like, ‘Vicky’s looking like Ranveer Singh.’ And now, everyone’s comparing me to Hardik Pandya. But I take such comments as compliments. 

Your character in Manmarziyaan is completely whacky. How close is it to reality?

To be honest, it is quite close. This is not me but my alter ego. If I’m walking alone on the street, I might just be Vicky Sandhu or DJ Sand from Manmarziyaan. If you play Punjabi songs, you’ll see that. Anurag (Kashyap) sir wanted me to unleash that side of my personality. When a director asks you not to hold yourself, you just go berserk. In fact, I’ve enjoyed playing this part. We shot in Amritsar for two months and it was sheer bliss. 

The character is commitment phobic. Are you the same in real life?

Obviously, there have been times in our lives when we needed to take a call but might not be in a position to do so. You always have those tricky situations when there’s friction in relationships. However, I’m not commitment phobic. If it’s the right time and scenario, you can take the plunge. 

But if it’s too early, I don’t believe in giving hopes to somebody. You can’t keep anybody in a bubble, you have to be upfront about it. That doesn’t mean I have been running away from it or getting the jitters. The thought of being in a permanent relationship scares my character in the film. I’m unlike him. 

What kind of a person are you, when in love?

I’m quite old school. I like to keep things simple. Trust, understanding, support and letting the other person be who he/she comprise the four pillars of a relationship. For me, the beauty of any relationship is when I can sit with my partner in complete silence for hours and not feel awkward about it. When that happens, I know she’s the one. And that’s who I’m — I don’t like it to be complex. I like to confront if I sense something is wrong. Communication is extremely important. 

What about marriage — is there family pressure for it?

No. I’d like to settle first in a way where I feel I can support my extended family, too. Usse zyada kuch nahi hai. But if I feel like getting married tomorrow, I will. If it has to happen after five years, it will. 

So, are you in love? Will you ever be open about your relationship?

I will never try to hide it just because people will talk about it. But I do feel that every relationship takes its own time and for two people to understand that it’s going to a better road or destination. Till they figure it out, it’s unnecessary to talk about it. If you start shouting about it from rooftops, the sanctity is spoilt. That’s why sometimes you might not want to share it. 

Is there someone in your life right now?

(Smiles) No, nobody right now!

But we’ve been reading otherwise...

Yes, that’s what the media has been writing. 

So, you’re saying it isn’t true?

(Coyly smiles) I just don’t want to talk about it.