After navigating the unpredictable landscape of Bollywood for 15 years, Vijay Varma takes on the role of a gambling mogul in Nagraj Manjule’s series, Matka King, available on Prime Video India. With a history of portraying antagonistic roles in productions like Pink, She, Darlings, Mirzapur, and Dahaad, Varma now embodies Brij Bhatti, a character who, despite being a gambling king, is fundamentally honest. In a recent interview with SCREEN, Varma discusses his approach to this role, his collaboration with Manjule, and his early experiences in Mumbai.
When asked about the change from playing predominantly negative roles to a more positive character, Varma expressed how refreshing it was to portray a character without malevolent traits. He noted that he does not favor one type of role over another, as he enjoys exploring a wide range of emotions. He highlighted Brij’s commitment to honesty in gambling, emphasizing that trust is essential in financial transactions. According to Varma, Brij is not an outlier but rather a representation of the norm, as players are more likely to invest their money when they believe in the integrity of the game, which is characterized by transparency and fairness.
In response to concerns about the potential dullness of playing a morally upright character, Varma described his character’s journey as one of the most gratifying arcs he has encountered. He explained that honesty often faces challenges within a capitalist framework, and the show delves into themes of greed and self-interest.
As Brij tackles the societal stigma surrounding gambling, Varma reflected on his own career and the discomforts that come with portraying such a role. He acknowledged that while stepping out of one’s comfort zone can be challenging, it does not necessarily conflict with personal values. He admitted that promoting his work does not come naturally to him, but he recognizes it as part of the industry dynamics.
Discussing the similarities between the entertainment industry and gambling, Varma noted that both involve a degree of risk assessment. He expressed relief that viewership statistics are not disclosed, as they do not necessarily represent the audience’s experience or reaction to a film’s success.
Curious about why Nagraj Manjule chose him for the role, Varma learned that it was his performance in Gully Boy that caught the director’s attention. Manjule later watched Dahaad and found Varma’s work compelling, which solidified his decision to cast him.
While noting a superficial resemblance between his character Brij and Murad from Gully Boy, Varma distinguished their narratives. He emphasized that Matka King is rooted in the essence of Bombay, and he aimed to ensure that Brij felt authentic and distinct from his previous roles.
Reflecting on his early career, Varma admitted that he had an unrealistic view of success in the industry, often only seeing the triumphs of stars like Shah Rukh Khan. He recognized that a lack of awareness about the challenges ahead allowed him to pursue opportunities without fear, as he learned gradually that success does not come easily and that the journey can be slow.
Finally, when asked about missing his co-stars from Dahaad as they work on the second season, Varma laughed and stated that he does not wish to revisit that character. However, he extended his best wishes to his colleagues and praised the bold storytelling approach of the series, noting that it stands out in the current landscape of television.
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