Vijay Varma Discusses Role in 'Matka King' and Early Bollywood Perceptions
In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, actor Vijay Varma reflects on his role as Brij Bhatti, an honest gambling king, in the new Prime Video series 'Matka King,' directed by Nagraj Manjule. Varma describes the refreshing experience of playing a character defined by transparency and integrity, contrasting it with his previous roles involving menacing or negative traits. He explores the character's arc within a capitalist system that tests honesty against greed. The actor also shares insights into his early days in Mumbai, revealing his initial belief that Bollywood only showcased success stories, symbolized by seeing Shah Rukh Khan on newspaper front pages. Varma discusses the discomfort of self-promotion versus his preference for letting work speak for itself. Additionally, he recounts how director Nagraj Manjule cast him after being impressed by his performances in 'Gully Boy' and 'Dahaad.' The interview highlights Varma's approach to selecting diverse roles and his views on the streaming industry's reliance on algorithms, emphasizing his focus on artistic resonance over box office metrics.
Wire timeline
Vijay Varma Discusses Role in 'Matka King' and Early Bollywood Perceptions
In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, actor Vijay Varma reflects on his role as Brij Bhatti, an honest gambling king, in the new Prime Video series 'Matka King,' directed by Nagraj Manjule. Varma describes the refreshing experience of playing a character defined by transparency and integrity, contrasting it with his previous roles involving menacing or negative traits. He explores the character's arc within a capitalist system that tests honesty against greed. The actor also shares insights into his early days in Mumbai, revealing his initial belief that Bollywood only showcased success stories, symbolized by seeing Shah Rukh Khan on newspaper front pages. Varma discusses the discomfort of self-promotion versus his preference for letting work speak for itself. Additionally, he recounts how director Nagraj Manjule cast him after being impressed by his performances in 'Gully Boy' and 'Dahaad.' The interview highlights Varma's approach to selecting diverse roles and his views on the streaming industry's reliance on algorithms, emphasizing his focus on artistic resonance over box office metrics.
The Indian Express