Vir Das
From the casually dressed Arup in Delhi Bellyto a dapper corporate in Amit Sahni Ki list (ASKl),Vir Das has come a long way in Bollywood. The boy-next-door who likes to experiment with his roles and attires tells Rama Dwivedi that he would like to lead a normal life with a normal girl of his choice. The talented actor is shooting for a period film set in 1986 among a host of other projects
‘Want a regular public life’
Amit Sahni is a guy-next-door, yet different. What is it that makes ASKl a class apartIJ
This is a very regular film with regular protagonists. Nothing over-the-top happens and that’s the USP. The director is not trying to do many things. Nor am I. As Amit Sahni, my sole aim is chasing the ‘right’ girl who fits my ‘list’. Mind you, he is not a bad guy, nor a flirt. The film explores Sahni’s comic encounters with women till he finds the one who is on every man’s list — a super sexy, super intelligent Devika Dev.
You have always played a casually dressed character. How hard was it to play a dapper corporate guyIJ
My brother-in-law is an investment banker. He taught me corporate mannerisms. I am a great observer and that helped.
Trying to be Barney Stinson of How I Met Your MotherIJ
I am a huge Barney fan. My character in the film loves wearing jackets with small front pockets. He is so obsessed with the attire that you will see him wearing a three-piece tuxedo beneath a diving suit!
Do you have a list of your own for realIJ
I would never keep a list of qualities that I want in my perfect lady. It’s absurd. I believe in a normal relationship.
You started your career as a stand-up comedian. How was the journey from stage to screenIJ
My first on-screen appearance was in 2007 when I had a small role alongside Rishi Kapoor in Namastey london. It has taken me a long time to establish myself in Bollywood. I have learnt a lot in the process. I came from a very different background and had no godfather. The initial days were tough. like any newcomer, I had to struggle.
Do you see a career as a singer in BollywoodIJ
Not at all! I never had any desire to sing in films. It happened by chance. Pyar hai ek kutti cheez from ASKl enticed me because it was so close to me in real life.
Do you want to stick to comedy or experimentIJ
I like experimenting. I have done adult comedies, thrillers and a zombie film. You will see me doing drama and adult comedy in the future as well.
Any upcoming projectsIJ
There is a lot on my plate — six films where I am the protagonist (a period drama, a thriller, an adult comedy). I am also writing a script which will be produced by Nikhil Advani and I will hopefully turn a producer by next year.