Bad is the new good

Vikramjeet Virk, a model turned actor who plays the main antagonist – Mahadeva Nayakudu in Gunasekar’s recently released magnum opus ‘Rudramadevi’ is gaga about his role in the flick. He started his stint as an actor in TV serials and has done shows like ‘Shobha Somnath Ki’, ‘Jai Jag Janani Maa Durga’, ‘Devon Ke Dev Mahadev’ and ‘Maharakshak Aryan’. Vikramjeet has also appeared in Telugu movies like ‘Baadshah’, ‘Heart Attack’ and ‘Bhimavaram Bullodu’. In a candid interview he throws ample light about the role, preparation for it and other aspects of his career

Excerpts:

How did you move to regional movies?

When I started my acting career, I had heard a lot about south Indian movies and I was also obsessed with its action scenes. It was my dream to be part of that cinema, and finally one day I got a call for my first Malyalam movie ‘Casanova’ with superstar Mohan Lal. From there my stint with regional cinema started and believe me I am enjoying each aspect of it. For me language is not a barrier I always want to play different characters in different languages.

What type of roles or character you personally love to do?

All negative role, god has gifted such face and personality that I fit into those shoes only. I am very much happy with the kind of roles I play. I always wanted to play larger than life characters different from one another.

Tell us more about your character in ‘Rudhramadevi’?

I am playing Mahadeva Nayakudu in ‘Rudramadevi’. He is the main antagonist of the story and is very strong. Since childhood he is very aggressive by nature, whatever he desires he achieves it by hook or crook. There is a huge Kakatiya Kingdom, which belongs to Rudhramdevi and he wants to conquer that kingdom.

Was there something specific the director Gunasekar was looking for Mahadeva Nayakudu character?

Of course yes! Gunasekar ji was looking for many characteristics for the character ‘Mahadeva Nayakudu’ such as the actor should be well built up, tall, a good horse rider and yes for sure a good actor (laughs). Director Gunasekhar saw me in one of my video of ‘Shobha Somnath Ki’, where I did a live act of horse riding as ‘Mehmood Ghaznavi’ and later he saw more such videos. Finally, he was impressed by me (smiles) and said I got my ‘Mahadeva Nayakudu’.

Did you do some specific workshop or training for the same?

Yes! I had to gain almost 12-15 kgs for this role. Also did special weapon and action training. Director never wanted any compromise in looks and actions he just wanted everything perfect.

Where do you see yourself after a few years?

The best thing for any actor is to reach his viewers or audience heart always. I want to explore myself more as an actor and do strong projects, which leaves my impact on all. No matter whatever role I play protagonist or antagonist. People should wait for my movies.

Any Bollywood movies in pipeline?

There are a couple of projects I am in talking terms. I am waiting for right project as my kick start.

BY Askari Jaffer