‘Raazi has made my b’day special’, says birthday boy Vicky Kaushal

There’s an unmistakable glee in Vicky Kaushal’s voice as he responds to our ‘How are you?’ with ‘Very good!’ And why not? The actor’s latest movie, Raazi, has not only garnered praise from all quarters but is also having a magical run at the box office. For Vicky, who turns 30 today, it’s a sign of good things to come, as he shares his birthday plans and talks about his upcoming projects in a casual chat.

Were you expecting Raazi to do so well?

We knew it would do well, magar itna achha kar jayegi, we hadn’t thought of. When I read the script, I was blown away and there was a beautiful feeling of gratitude in my heart for these people who live in anonymity to safeguard others. That, for me, is a huge selfless act of bravery. So, I said a silent thank you in my heart. And I’m so happy to read the reviews and see people sharing their feelings on social media after watching the film. This is exactly what we felt after reading the script and we were able to translate that on screen. It’s a surreal feeling.

How was the experience of working with Alia Bhatt and Meghna Gulzar?

I feel so blessed and happy to have worked with both of them because they are incredible women who inspire me and others.

The success of Raazi has made your birthday even more special...

Yes (smiles). Raazi has made my b’day special and I want to thank the people who have seen it and are showering us with so much love.

What are your plans for today?

I am working. I will be taking off for Serbia in the next 10 days to shoot for my next film, Uri. I’m attending some workshops for it. Today, I’ll be doing a five-hour workshop. Then I might catch up with the Raazi team and meet the media to thank them.

So, no ‘me time’ for you?

No, I love working birthdays (laughs)! I feel it’s a good sign.

What’s your birthday wish this year?

It remains the same every year (smiles) and that is to be on a film set on my special day. That’s the happiest place for me to be. It’s like paradise.

You have quite a few exciting projects lined up...

Yes. I’ll be shooting for Uri for the next two months. Then, there is Lust Stories, which releases on June 15 on an online streaming channel, Sanju is out on June 29, and Manmarziyan opens in cinemas on September 7. Last year zoomed past as I was shooting for these movies and I have been really looking forward, ki yeh filmein kab ayengi? Finally, they are coming back to back and my fingers are crossed. People say touchwood, main toh wood ke bench pe hi baitha hua hoon! (laughs)