Vijay Varma Opens Up on Chilling Pink Villain Prep, Transforms for Romantic Role in Gustaakh Ishq
Bollywood actor Vijay Varma, widely acclaimed for his unsettling performance in the 2016 courtroom drama Pink, has revealed how emotionally taxing it was to portray such a dark role. Speaking to IANS ahead of the release of his upcoming film Gustaakh Ishq, Vijay reflected on the internal battle he faced while shooting one of the most disturbing scenes in the film.
Portraying the Villain in ‘Pink’
Vijay’s role as the entitled, violent antagonist in Pink remains one of the most-hated characters in recent Hindi cinema—yet also one of the most discussed for its frightening believability.
“It tends to take a bit of time to adjust, and it can be difficult,” he told IANS. Recalling the harrowing car scene with Taapsee Pannu, he shared, “I couldn’t ever imagine myself pulling that scene off because I felt I didn’t have it in me. But you know, you are a trained actor, and you are supposed to deliver.”
Vijay revealed that director Shoojit Sircar and filmmaker Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury gave him a simple but brutal brief:
“If after watching this, a girl doesn’t feel like slapping you, you haven’t done it right.”
Laughing, Vijay said, “No one slapped me, but people did say they felt like doing so. Sometimes I take very stupid challenges too as an actor.”
From Villainy to Vulnerability: ‘Gustaakh Ishq’
After years of powerful, intense, and morally complex roles (Darlings, Mirzapur, Dahaad), Vijay Varma is shifting gears with Gustaakh Ishq—a poetic romance set in Old Delhi and Punjab.
The film shows him in an entirely new light: a soft-spoken lover navigating longing, silence, and unspoken emotions. His restrained, heartfelt performance in the trailer drew immediate attention.
The World of ‘Gustaakh Ishq’
Directed by Vibhu Puri and produced under Manish Malhotra’s Stage5 Production, Gustaakh Ishq stars Vijay alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh and veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah.
The film is steeped in timeless nostalgia—set among the fading kothis of Purani Dilli, with music by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by Gulzar. Sound design is helmed by Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty, and cinematography is by Manush Nandan.
Described as “a love story of passion and unspoken desire,” the film uses architecture, silence, and music as emotional devices. Gustaakh Ishq releases on November 28 in theatres.
Industry Buzz & Audience Expectations
With Vijay Varma known for deeply crafted performances and unpredictable roles, audiences are eager to see how he reinvents himself in this soulful romantic drama. Early industry chatter suggests Gustaakh Ishq may emerge as one of the season’s most refreshing surprises.
What’s Next for Vijay Varma
After Gustaakh Ishq, Vijay continues to ride high as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors, balancing mainstream films, streaming success, and performance-driven cinema.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Vijay Varma’s journey—from playing a man audiences wanted to slap in Pink to now becoming a poetic romantic hero—shows that reinvention is his truest strength. With Gustaakh Ishq, he steps into new territory, reminding us why he remains one of the most exciting performers of his generation.