<p>For those who binged watched the second season of 'Mirzapur 2' and have been feeling a sense of void ever since- there's some good news. The makers of the hit web series have just announced that the third season of 'Mirzapur' is already being planned.&nbsp;<br />
Yes, you read that right! Amazon Prime, the OTT platform on which the series is available for streaming, has already greenlit Season 3 of the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Appreciated by fans and critics alike for its gripping storyline and phenomenal performances, the latest season of' Mirzapur has taken the unmatched fandom of the show to another level.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mirzapur-2-review-pankaj-tripathi-ali-fazal-shweta-tripathi-are-back-with-all-guns-blazing-337268">Read WION's review of 'Mirzapur 2' here.&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The second season of 'Mirzapur' has also created a few records when it premiered on October 23. According to a statement released by Amazon Prime, the show has become the most-watched show on the service in India within just 7 days of the release. The show also recorded one of the highest completion rates and half of the viewers completed the Season 2 within just 48 hours of its launch.<br />
<br />
The show had a stellar star cast with Pankaj Tripathi, Divyendu, Shweta Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Rasika Dugal playing the lead roles. The second season also featured Vijay Varma, Priyanshu Painyuli, and Isha Talwar who along with the rest of the cast left an indelible impression on audiences with their passionate and layered performances.<br />
<br />
Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment, which co-produced the show, &nbsp;said, "Across two gripping seasons, Mirzapur has become a global sensation and we couldn’t be happier associating with Amazon Prime Video to make this happen! The show’s massive fandom and the viewers’ magnitude of love towards the new season were seen through reactions on social media within days of its release, and we are truly humbled by the response."<br />
<br />
So whoever thought that Guddu Bhaiya and Golu had avenged the death of their loved ones and thus ending the series- there's more to come&nbsp;form Kaleen Bhaiya and his family.&nbsp;</p>


For those who binged watched the second season of 'Mirzapur 2' and have been feeling a sense of void ever since- there's some good news. The makers of the hit web series have just announced that the third season of 'Mirzapur' is already being planned.

For those who binged watched the second season of 'Mirzapur 2' and have been feeling a sense of void ever since- there's some good news. The makers of the hit web series have just announced that the third season of 'Mirzapur' is already being planned. Yes, you read that right! Amazon Prime, the OTT platform on which the series is available for streaming, has already greenlit Season 3 of the series. Appreciated by fans and critics alike for its gripping storyline and phenomenal performances, the latest season of' Mirzapur has taken the unmatched fandom of the show to another level. Read WION's review of 'Mirzapur 2' here. The second season of 'Mirzapur' has also created a few records when it premiered on October 23. According to a statement released by Amazon Prime, the show has become the most-watched show on the service in India within just 7 days of the release. The show also recorded one of the highest completion rates and half of the viewers completed the Season 2 within just 48 hours of its launch. The show had a stellar star cast with Pankaj Tripathi, Divyendu, Shweta Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Rasika Dugal playing the lead roles. The second season also featured Vijay Varma, Priyanshu Painyuli, and Isha Talwar who along with the rest of the cast left an indelible impression on audiences with their passionate and layered performances. Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment, which co-produced the show, said, "Across two gripping seasons, Mirzapur has become a global sensation and we couldn’t be happier associating with Amazon Prime Video to make this happen! The show’s massive fandom and the viewers’ magnitude of love towards the new season were seen through reactions on social media within days of its release, and we are truly humbled by the response." So whoever thought that Guddu Bhaiya and Golu had avenged the death of their loved ones and thus ending the series- there's more to come form Kaleen Bhaiya and his family.

It's official! 'Mirzapur' to get a third season, confirm makers

<p>With so many new actors coming to fore in Bollywood, we will now get to see more number of fresh pairings. One of them will be Vijay Varma who was last seen in ‘Gully Boy’ and Janhvi Kapoor who made her debut with ‘Dhadak’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two will come together in Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Ghost Stories’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having started shooting for the project, Zoya took to social media on Saturday and unveiled the names of the cast. She wrote, “Rolling and Rocking Ghost Stories. My seventh film. I love short films. Janhvi...Vijay.”</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1QAy-5J1RZ/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Rolling &amp; Rocking #ghoststories #my7thfilm #iloveshortfilms @janhvikapoor @itsvijayvarma #tigerbaby #rsvp @netflix_in @ashidua @firecrackerproduction #karanjohar @anuragkashyap10 #dibakarbanerjee</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zoieakhtar/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Zoya Akhtar</a> (@zoieakhtar) on <time datetime="2019-08-17T03:34:57+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 16, 2019 at 8:34pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>The post got a lot of love and appreciation from her Bollywood friends like Katrina Kaid who wrote, “All the best zo” while her ‘Gully Boy’ star Ranveer Singh commented, “You are THE MAKER.”</p>

<p>‘Ghost Stories’ is a series of four short films directed by Zoya, Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar and Dibakar Banerjee. They had previously collaborated for 2018’s ‘Lust Stories’.</p>


With so many new actors coming to fore in Bollywood, we will now get to see more number of fresh pairings. One of them will be Vijay Varma who was last seen in ‘Gully Boy’ and Janhvi Kapoor who made her debut with ‘Dhadak’.

With so many new actors coming to fore in Bollywood, we will now get to see more number of fresh pairings. One of them will be Vijay Varma who was last seen in ‘Gully Boy’ and Janhvi Kapoor who made her debut with ‘Dhadak’. The two will come together in Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Ghost Stories’. Having started shooting for the project, Zoya took to social media on Saturday and unveiled the names of the cast. She wrote, “Rolling and Rocking Ghost Stories. My seventh film. I love short films. Janhvi...Vijay.” View this post on Instagram Rolling & Rocking #ghoststories #my7thfilm #iloveshortfilms @janhvikapoor @itsvijayvarma #tigerbaby #rsvp @netflix_in @ashidua @firecrackerproduction #karanjohar @anuragkashyap10 #dibakarbanerjee A post shared by Zoya Akhtar (@zoieakhtar) on Aug 16, 2019 at 8:34pm PDT × The post got a lot of love and appreciation from her Bollywood friends like Katrina Kaid who wrote, “All the best zo” while her ‘Gully Boy’ star Ranveer Singh commented, “You are THE MAKER.” ‘Ghost Stories’ is a series of four short films directed by Zoya, Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar and Dibakar Banerjee. They had previously collaborated for 2018’s ‘Lust Stories’.

Janhvi Kapoor, Vijay Varma to star in Zoya Akhtar’s 'Ghost Stories'

5 standout performers in Bollywood in the first half of 2019

<p>Actor Vijay Varma, who played<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/amitabh-bachchan-sends-letters-of-appreciation-to-gully-boys-ranveer-singh-siddhant-chaturvedi-and-vijay-varma-199640"> Moeen Bhai in 'Gully Boy'</a>, will be seen in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hrithik-roshan-unveils-a-new-poster-of-his-film-super-30-223650"> Hrithik Roshan starrer 'Super 30'</a> in a cameo role.</p>

<p>Speaking about it, Vijay said, 'While I can’t say much about the part, what I can tell is that when I heard the story of 'Super 30' and about Anand sir who literally changed so many lives I knew I wanted to be a part of this story.'</p>

<p>The movie is based on the real-life story of mathematics genius Anand Kumar who coaches economically backward students for IIT-JEE in Bihar every year.</p>

<p>When the makers approached Vijay for a cameo in 'Super 30', he was very ecstatic to be part of this film because of the amazing cast that includes Hrithik Roshan and Pankaj Tripathi. Vijay has been an admirer of Hrithik and has loved his work over the years. Vijay's role in the film is still not revealed.</p>

<p>Hrithik portrays Anand in the movie, the film is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment.</p>

<p>'Super 30' also stars actress Mrunal Thakur who was last seen in 'Love Sonia'.</p>

<p>Vijay has also featured in films like 'Monsoon Shootout', 'Pink' and 'Rangrezz'.&nbsp;</p>


Actor Vijay Varma, who played Moeen Bhai in 'Gully Boy', will be seen in the Hrithik Roshan starrer 'Super 30' in a cameo role. Speaking about it, Vijay said, 'While I can’t say much about the part, what I can tell is that when I heard the story of 'Super 30' and about Anand sir who literally changed so many lives I knew I wanted to be a part of this story.

Actor Vijay Varma, who played Moeen Bhai in 'Gully Boy', will be seen in the Hrithik Roshan starrer 'Super 30' in a cameo role. Speaking about it, Vijay said, 'While I can’t say much about the part, what I can tell is that when I heard the story of 'Super 30' and about Anand sir who literally changed so many lives I knew I wanted to be a part of this story.' The movie is based on the real-life story of mathematics genius Anand Kumar who coaches economically backward students for IIT-JEE in Bihar every year. When the makers approached Vijay for a cameo in 'Super 30', he was very ecstatic to be part of this film because of the amazing cast that includes Hrithik Roshan and Pankaj Tripathi. Vijay has been an admirer of Hrithik and has loved his work over the years. Vijay's role in the film is still not revealed. Hrithik portrays Anand in the movie, the film is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment. 'Super 30' also stars actress Mrunal Thakur who was last seen in 'Love Sonia'. Vijay has also featured in films like 'Monsoon Shootout', 'Pink' and 'Rangrezz'.

'Gully Boy' fame Vijay Varma to feature in Hrithik Roshan starrer 'Super 30'

<p>As the world celebrates World Theatre Day on 27th March, here are 4 accomplished Bollywood actors who have been trailblazers in their own right in the film industry talking about their days in theatre and how they learnt from it. They share their first professional theatre experiences and memories associated with it. From the first appearance at the age of 5 to working with stalwarts of NSD to performing in one's village- the experiences are varied and heartwarming.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Richa Chadha&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="richa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dc274c3-2f9e-4c9a-a943-dd421754ef61" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/richa%20chadha.jpg" /></strong><br />
<br />
I remember my first play was when I was in the 11th grade I was cast in a professional play with some actors from NSD repertory. It was not my first experience on stage but I guess it was the first professional one. The play was titled 'Aur Kitne Tukde' and it was a Hindi play directed by Dr Kirti Jain.&nbsp;<br />
I was cast as an extra which worked well for me because I got to observe amazing actors from the National drama School at close quarters and learn from them. Also, I had braces and it was a period play so the less attention I do to myself the better it would be. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/richa-chadha-takes-on-12-avatars-for-shakeela-calendar-189339">Also read:&nbsp;Richa Chadha takes on 12 avatars for 'Shakeela' calendar</a></p>

<p><strong>Pankaj Tripathi</strong></p>

<p><img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2d365a5-6fb0-4798-99b7-6e853a4b656b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pankaj%20tripathi1.jpg" /><br />
My first play was 'Leela Nandlal Ki Story' by Bhishm Sahani and director was Vijay Kumar- a National School of Drama pass out. The story is about a scooter that gets lost and the protagonist goes to police station to make a complaint. I was playing both the characters of a cop and a thief. It was my first play and for the first time I performed in front of Patna audiences who don't even know me and to my pleasant surprise they liked my performances in both the characters even though I was not a great performer at that time nor was &nbsp;I trained in diction but I open heartedly performed on my impulse and the audience liked my &nbsp;performance and even misjudged me as a NSD pass out since the director was from NSD.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The next day in a local newspaper review of the play was printed and it mentioned about my performance and that I had a great potential and a possibility of being a good actor. That one line grabbed my attention the most- that in one play the critics and the newspaper figured out my potential and possibility as an actor which was quite huge for me, increasing my interest and confidence in acting further. This was in November-December 1996.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In fact<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pankaj-tripathi-bags-his-first-international-project-with-chris-hemsworth-196049"> my encounter with the theatre came much before in my village Gopalganj</a> during one of the festivals of Chatt. This play use to be organized by local drama group Raghav Saran Tiwari was my first director and it was a very amateur play. Even in that play the locals of my village liked my performance and appreciated a lot. Since then seed of acting was sown inside me, that now I have to learn acting. 5 years after that play I migrated to Patna where I did Bhism Sahani's 'Leela Nandlal Ki Story' .</p>

<p><strong>Gulshan Devaiah</strong></p>

<p><img alt="g" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb6ccc19-fc44-44ff-97db-59c87fb06d52" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-03-27T140617.461.jpg" /><br />
I was 5 years old and my mother was already an actor on stage. She use to be a very fine actor and I use to travel with her wherever she performed and watch her perform. It was a Malayalam play and I did a guest appearance. My mother and I had to just walk past, look at this person who is making a Rangoli on the floor and appreciate it. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing it but I was over the moon that I was on the stage and all these people are watching me. That was my first experience of stage that I can remember of- I have a clear memory that I can still see I am wearing blue checked shirt and blue shorts with elastic and my mom wearing a chiffon saree. It was in the year 1982-83. The first time professionally I did a theatre was actually an English play called 'Kurukshetra Burning' in Bangalore in the year 2007.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
That was the first time after the play I felt I was good as an actor. I had that confidence I could say that I was good. It was a series of monologues. It was fictitious retelling of what happened after the Mahabharat war. I played Duryodhan. Each of the monologue was about 15 mins. So I performed that monologue. My father had come to see the play, he was in the audience. After I did that I had such a great feeling as everybody responded so well to my &nbsp;performance and I think I gave a lot to that performance. Thats when I decided that I can come to Mumbai and pursue my dreams. It was never my dream to be a theatre actor yet I learnt so much from theatre, theatre is my teacher and I am very grateful to theatre. That play and role gave me the confidence to pursue my career and dream in Mumbai. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mard-ko-dard-nahi-hota-star-gulshan-devaiah-on-his-breakout-performance-and-why-he-doesnt-believe-in-sequels-206001">Also read:&nbsp;Would have regretted not doing 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota': Gulshan Devaiah</a></p>

<p><strong>Vijay Varma</strong></p>

<p><img alt="v" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1dbd52ac-1b70-4eda-8721-c9d1aecbce77" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-02-19T132243.780.jpg" /><br />
I was rejected at<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/zoya-told-me-moeen-is-a-rat-who-can-survive-even-a-volcano-vijay-varma-on-his-breakout-role-in-gully-boy-198255"> FTII and came back to Hyderabad dejected and broken</a>. I enrolled myself in a Theater group called Sutradhar and did a 4 month workshop at the end of which I had perform in a play. I went late for rehearsal one day and I was thrown out of that play after working so hard. I did backstage. Then after showing discipline and commitment, I got a part in the next play -' Kisi Aur Ka Sapna'. My first play as an actor on stage. It was probably the most exhilarating moment of my life when I went up first time on a dark stage with just a spotlight on me. But I had to work a lot in the dark first to be in that spotlight. Theatre trains you in dealing with darkness and finding yourself. I am eternally thankful to the stage and my teacher.&nbsp;</p>


As the world celebrates World Theatre Day on 27th March, here are 4 accomplished Bollywood actors who have been trailblazers in their own right in the film industry talking about their days in theatre and how they learnt from it.

As the world celebrates World Theatre Day on 27th March, here are 4 accomplished Bollywood actors who have been trailblazers in their own right in the film industry talking about their days in theatre and how they learnt from it. They share their first professional theatre experiences and memories associated with it. From the first appearance at the age of 5 to working with stalwarts of NSD to performing in one's village- the experiences are varied and heartwarming. Richa Chadha I remember my first play was when I was in the 11th grade I was cast in a professional play with some actors from NSD repertory. It was not my first experience on stage but I guess it was the first professional one. The play was titled 'Aur Kitne Tukde' and it was a Hindi play directed by Dr Kirti Jain. I was cast as an extra which worked well for me because I got to observe amazing actors from the National drama School at close quarters and learn from them. Also, I had braces and it was a period play so the less attention I do to myself the better it would be. Also read: Richa Chadha takes on 12 avatars for 'Shakeela' calendar Pankaj Tripathi My first play was 'Leela Nandlal Ki Story' by Bhishm Sahani and director was Vijay Kumar- a National School of Drama pass out. The story is about a scooter that gets lost and the protagonist goes to police station to make a complaint. I was playing both the characters of a cop and a thief. It was my first play and for the first time I performed in front of Patna audiences who don't even know me and to my pleasant surprise they liked my performances in both the characters even though I was not a great performer at that time nor was I trained in diction but I open heartedly performed on my impulse and the audience liked my performance and even misjudged me as a NSD pass out since the director was from NSD. The next day in a local newspaper review of the play was printed and it mentioned about my performance and that I had a great potential and a possibility of being a good actor. That one line grabbed my attention the most- that in one play the critics and the newspaper figured out my potential and possibility as an actor which was quite huge for me, increasing my interest and confidence in acting further. This was in November-December 1996. In fact my encounter with the theatre came much before in my village Gopalganj during one of the festivals of Chatt. This play use to be organized by local drama group Raghav Saran Tiwari was my first director and it was a very amateur play. Even in that play the locals of my village liked my performance and appreciated a lot. Since then seed of acting was sown inside me, that now I have to learn acting. 5 years after that play I migrated to Patna where I did Bhism Sahani's 'Leela Nandlal Ki Story' . Gulshan Devaiah I was 5 years old and my mother was already an actor on stage. She use to be a very fine actor and I use to travel with her wherever she performed and watch her perform. It was a Malayalam play and I did a guest appearance. My mother and I had to just walk past, look at this person who is making a Rangoli on the floor and appreciate it. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing it but I was over the moon that I was on the stage and all these people are watching me. That was my first experience of stage that I can remember of- I have a clear memory that I can still see I am wearing blue checked shirt and blue shorts with elastic and my mom wearing a chiffon saree. It was in the year 1982-83. The first time professionally I did a theatre was actually an English play called 'Kurukshetra Burning' in Bangalore in the year 2007. That was the first time after the play I felt I was good as an actor. I had that confidence I could say that I was good. It was a series of monologues. It was fictitious retelling of what happened after the Mahabharat war. I played Duryodhan. Each of the monologue was about 15 mins. So I performed that monologue. My father had come to see the play, he was in the audience. After I did that I had such a great feeling as everybody responded so well to my performance and I think I gave a lot to that performance. Thats when I decided that I can come to Mumbai and pursue my dreams. It was never my dream to be a theatre actor yet I learnt so much from theatre, theatre is my teacher and I am very grateful to theatre. That play and role gave me the confidence to pursue my career and dream in Mumbai. Also read: Would have regretted not doing 'Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota': Gulshan Devaiah Vijay Varma I was rejected at FTII and came back to Hyderabad dejected and broken. I enrolled myself in a Theater group called Sutradhar and did a 4 month workshop at the end of which I had perform in a play. I went late for rehearsal one day and I was thrown out of that play after working so hard. I did backstage. Then after showing discipline and commitment, I got a part in the next play -' Kisi Aur Ka Sapna'. My first play as an actor on stage. It was probably the most exhilarating moment of my life when I went up first time on a dark stage with just a spotlight on me. But I had to work a lot in the dark first to be in that spotlight. Theatre trains you in dealing with darkness and finding yourself. I am eternally thankful to the stage and my teacher.

World Theatre Day: Richa Chadha, Pankaj Tripathi and others recall their first brush with acting on stage

In Bollywood, you know you have arrived when superstar Amitabh Bachchan sends you a letter of appreciation and a bouquet for your performance in a film. 'Gully Boy'- the film that has captured the imagination of the entire country has also impressed Big B.

In Bollywood, you know you have arrived when superstar Amitabh Bachchan sends you a letter of appreciation and a bouquet for your performance in a film. 'Gully Boy'- the film that has captured the imagination of the entire country has also impressed Big B. The superstar recently sent handwritten notes and flower bouquets to the three actors of the film- Ranveer Singh, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Vijay Varma congratulating them on the film's success and appreciating their performances. Overwhelmed by the superstar's gesture, the three actors took to social media to share their 'trophy' and thanked the veteran actor. Read the review of 'Gully Boy' here. सबसे ख़ास पुरस्कार 🙏🏽 @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/fbkFajHRcA — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) February 24, 2019 × View this post on Instagram @amitabhbachchan सादर प्रणाम, आपका उपहार और आशीर्वाद मिला जो मेरे लिए अकल्पनीय है। इस ख़ुशी की व्याख्या मैं शब्दों में नहीं कर सकता। ये मेरे लिए सौभाग्य और गर्व का पल है, और अब बस आपके चरण स्पर्श की कामना करता हूँ। A post shared by Siddhant Chaturvedi (@siddhantchaturvedi) on Feb 22, 2019 at 9:36pm PST × View this post on Instagram That’s it. Thappa lag gaya! I’m so so honoured and touched by your gesture, Sir. Always in awe and love, your biggest fan, Vijay. #GullyBoy #Moeen A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) on Feb 24, 2019 at 4:02am PST × Also read: Vijay Varma talks about working Zoya Akhtar, his breakout role as Moeen in 'Gully Boy' and why he is selective about the films he works on. It isn't the first time that Big B has sent flowers and a letter to fellow actors. It has been a tradition of sorts and several prominent actors have received letters of appreciation from the senior actor in the past. Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy' meanwhile has been doing good business and has entered the esteemed Rs 100 crore club. The three actors along with the director recently visited Mumbai theatres and interacted with fans post the show. View this post on Instagram Murad, Moeen, MC Sher and Me ❤️ #theatervisit #surpriseparty #gullyboy #gullypack #boyzindahood @ranveersingh @itsvijayvarma @siddhantchaturvedi #tigerbaby #wemissalia @aliaabhatt A post shared by Zoya Akhtar (@zoieakhtar) on Feb 24, 2019 at 6:07am PST ×

Amitabh Bachchan sends letters of appreciation to 'Gully Boys' Ranveer Singh, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Vijay Varma

<p>The 'Gully Boy' fever is here to stay. Helmed by Zoya Akhtar, the film may be centered around Ranveer Singh's character Murad but Akhtar and co-writer Reema Kagti have weaved into the story several other memorable characters- each leaving a lasting impression. Be it Murad's parents played by Vijay Raaz and Amruta Subhash or Murad's mentor MC Sher played by debutant Siddhant Chaturvedi or Murad's friend Moeen played by Vijay Varma- all the actors have delivered top performances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Varma is not new to cinema, his moment under the sun has only come now. He made heads turn as the vile Ankit in 'Pink' a few years back which opened doors(read film offers) for him but it is the portrayal as the tough nut Moeen in Akhtar's film that has truly made people sit up and take note of his talent.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gully-boy-review-ranveer-singh-alia-bhatts-film-has-multiple-heroes-197285">Read the film's review here.</a></p>

<p>Varma states it took him time to understand his character. " It took a lot of introspection to understand who Moeen is, to be honest," said Varma during a chat with WION. "He is a car mechanic who is also a peddler but there is a lot going on there. He is part of a lot of enterprises but nobody knows exactly what he does. He is very deceptive."&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="vijay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5a97cd0-630a-46b2-b770-dd5673c946ba" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-02-19T132348.189.jpg" /></p>

<p>Varma who had to audition for his role said that it was Zoya and Ranveer Singh who helped him to get in the character. "Zoya have me the brief of the character well. She said 'Moeen is a survivor, a rat, can even survive a volcano. He makes things happen for himself but he doesn’t have any place to go to.' That information was very crucial for me."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varma recalls how Ranveer, with whom he had all his scenes, helped him to improvise in certain scenes. "While rehearsing the scene where the boys are at the Benetton store, my lines were simple. '10 lakh ke liye toh Moeen bhai rap karenga, tum log sab baaju waaju hatt jao’. Ranveer said, 'Moeen should break into a gig- which I thought was a great suggestion. So I went back home, prepared something in my head and came for the shoot- now Moeen doesn’t know a word of English, he doesn’t understand a word of what these guys do but understand the rhythm. I am personally a fan of Snoop Dogg, so I decided to mix his style and deliver the lines with some sound effects like 'Waao waao' and everyone had a good laugh over it- which was eventually captured in the scene" recalls the actor. He says that while dialogue writer Vijay Maurya wrote the perfect lines for a story like that, Zoya gave the actors a lot of room for improvisation. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ranveer-singhs-gully-boy-earns-rs-7245-within-four-days-of-its-release-198209">Also read:&nbsp;Ranveer Singh's ‘Gully Boy’ earns Rs 72.45 crore within four days of its release</a></p>

<p>All of Varma's scenes were with Singh in the film. Varma says Singh had gone into that zone of his character while shooting for 'Gully Boy'. "I met Murad on the sets every day while we were shooting and not Ranveer Singh. I am not exaggerating about this. I saw the energetic Ranveer only at the wrap party. He was inquisitive, underplayed his role and between the shots remained in character- shy and reserved."&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="v" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b787ba18-a130-4fc6-b196-bff039df9b48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-02-19T132223.268.jpg" /></p>

<p>The ensemble cast had several noteworthy actors playing key roles. Wasn't he apprehensive of getting overshadowed? "I knew that there were serious actors here who could steal scenes anyway – such incredible cast! But I get charged every time I am placed with such a star cast."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varma also credits Akhtar for her writing which made each of the characters stand out. "Almost all her films have multiple characters and they are all very well written. You remember every part in all her films. When I read the script of 'Gully Boy', I understood why Moeen is there. I couldn’t have asked for a better film with Zoya really." said Varma in retrospect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor who has featured in critically acclaimed films like 'Monsoon Shootout' and 'Raagdesh' in the past, admits that he is selective when it comes to choosing roles. "I have certain filmmakers in mind with whom I want to work, certain stories that they narrate I want to be a part of. Also, I am not very conventional in the way I appear or the way I think, so I ensure I'm with those people who think on the same level. Rather than going into a genre where people don’t trust me with, want to roles where people have faith in me and my abilities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor though admits that lines between art house and commercial cinema are blurring. "Glad it is happening now, while I am in my primes. I can only be happier. I have grown up on a staple diet of some great cinema from across the world and witnessed some great performances so I’d like to do that. I am playing for the long run. I am here for that. Want to play a really long inning which is why I want to work with the best."&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Vijay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="69f46917-86a1-41b9-9f22-1015da3c7f43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202019-02-19T132722.996.jpg" /></p>

<p>Varma will be seen next in 'Bumbaaz' which is being presented by Anurag Kashyap and a web series which is being written and produced by Imtiaz Ali.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Terming 'Gully Boy' as his favourite Zoya Akhtar film, he says there is something in the story that everyone can relate to. "It's wholesome that way, you know. There is so much relatable content. There's Murad, who is holding on to a tiny thread and wanting to climb on it- and how with perseverance he is able to turn his fortune and live his dream- it's is an incredibly inspiring story'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varma says that the biggest takeaway for him from 'Gully Boy' is that to never stop dreaming. "Dream big and be relentless, face rejections but still continue to dream. Because when you dream you become a Murad when you don’t you become a Moeen."&nbsp;</p>


The 'Gully Boy' fever is here to stay. Helmed by Zoya Akhtar, the film may be centered around Ranveer Singh's character Murad but Akhtar and co-writer Reema Kagti have weaved into the story several other memorable characters- each leaving a lasting impression.

The 'Gully Boy' fever is here to stay. Helmed by Zoya Akhtar, the film may be centered around Ranveer Singh's character Murad but Akhtar and co-writer Reema Kagti have weaved into the story several other memorable characters- each leaving a lasting impression. Be it Murad's parents played by Vijay Raaz and Amruta Subhash or Murad's mentor MC Sher played by debutant Siddhant Chaturvedi or Murad's friend Moeen played by Vijay Varma- all the actors have delivered top performances. While Varma is not new to cinema, his moment under the sun has only come now. He made heads turn as the vile Ankit in 'Pink' a few years back which opened doors(read film offers) for him but it is the portrayal as the tough nut Moeen in Akhtar's film that has truly made people sit up and take note of his talent. Read the film's review here. Varma states it took him time to understand his character. " It took a lot of introspection to understand who Moeen is, to be honest," said Varma during a chat with WION. "He is a car mechanic who is also a peddler but there is a lot going on there. He is part of a lot of enterprises but nobody knows exactly what he does. He is very deceptive." Varma who had to audition for his role said that it was Zoya and Ranveer Singh who helped him to get in the character. "Zoya have me the brief of the character well. She said 'Moeen is a survivor, a rat, can even survive a volcano. He makes things happen for himself but he doesn’t have any place to go to.' That information was very crucial for me." Varma recalls how Ranveer, with whom he had all his scenes, helped him to improvise in certain scenes. "While rehearsing the scene where the boys are at the Benetton store, my lines were simple. '10 lakh ke liye toh Moeen bhai rap karenga, tum log sab baaju waaju hatt jao’. Ranveer said, 'Moeen should break into a gig- which I thought was a great suggestion. So I went back home, prepared something in my head and came for the shoot- now Moeen doesn’t know a word of English, he doesn’t understand a word of what these guys do but understand the rhythm. I am personally a fan of Snoop Dogg, so I decided to mix his style and deliver the lines with some sound effects like 'Waao waao' and everyone had a good laugh over it- which was eventually captured in the scene" recalls the actor. He says that while dialogue writer Vijay Maurya wrote the perfect lines for a story like that, Zoya gave the actors a lot of room for improvisation. Also read: Ranveer Singh's ‘Gully Boy’ earns Rs 72.45 crore within four days of its release All of Varma's scenes were with Singh in the film. Varma says Singh had gone into that zone of his character while shooting for 'Gully Boy'. "I met Murad on the sets every day while we were shooting and not Ranveer Singh. I am not exaggerating about this. I saw the energetic Ranveer only at the wrap party. He was inquisitive, underplayed his role and between the shots remained in character- shy and reserved." The ensemble cast had several noteworthy actors playing key roles. Wasn't he apprehensive of getting overshadowed? "I knew that there were serious actors here who could steal scenes anyway – such incredible cast! But I get charged every time I am placed with such a star cast." Varma also credits Akhtar for her writing which made each of the characters stand out. "Almost all her films have multiple characters and they are all very well written. You remember every part in all her films. When I read the script of 'Gully Boy', I understood why Moeen is there. I couldn’t have asked for a better film with Zoya really." said Varma in retrospect. The actor who has featured in critically acclaimed films like 'Monsoon Shootout' and 'Raagdesh' in the past, admits that he is selective when it comes to choosing roles. "I have certain filmmakers in mind with whom I want to work, certain stories that they narrate I want to be a part of. Also, I am not very conventional in the way I appear or the way I think, so I ensure I'm with those people who think on the same level. Rather than going into a genre where people don’t trust me with, want to roles where people have faith in me and my abilities." The actor though admits that lines between art house and commercial cinema are blurring. "Glad it is happening now, while I am in my primes. I can only be happier. I have grown up on a staple diet of some great cinema from across the world and witnessed some great performances so I’d like to do that. I am playing for the long run. I am here for that. Want to play a really long inning which is why I want to work with the best." Varma will be seen next in 'Bumbaaz' which is being presented by Anurag Kashyap and a web series which is being written and produced by Imtiaz Ali. Terming 'Gully Boy' as his favourite Zoya Akhtar film, he says there is something in the story that everyone can relate to. "It's wholesome that way, you know. There is so much relatable content. There's Murad, who is holding on to a tiny thread and wanting to climb on it- and how with perseverance he is able to turn his fortune and live his dream- it's is an incredibly inspiring story'. Varma says that the biggest takeaway for him from 'Gully Boy' is that to never stop dreaming. "Dream big and be relentless, face rejections but still continue to dream. Because when you dream you become a Murad when you don’t you become a Moeen."

Zoya told me Moeen is a rat who can survive even a volcano: Vijay Varma on his breakout role in 'Gully Boy'

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