In the highly anticipated sequel, Suvinder Vicky steps into the shoes of Jaideep, a character imbued with wisdom gleaned from a lifetime of experiences. While this particular role might not command the most extensive screen time in “Awarapan 2,” Vicky views its significance through the lens of its profound contribution to the narrative and the unparalleled opportunity it afforded him to delve into unexplored facets of his acting repertoire. He openly admits, “I hadn’t explored a role like this in my career before. My look is different in this as well; it is closer to how I look,” highlighting the personal connection he felt to the character’s aesthetic.
Despite the considerable scale of the production and the inherent weight of expectations that accompany a sequel to a beloved film, Vicky paints a picture of a remarkably relaxed and conducive atmosphere on the set of “Awarapan 2.” He shares that collaborating with seasoned performers such as Shabana Azmi and Emraan Hashmi transcended the typical pressures of a high-stakes environment, transforming instead into an invaluable learning journey. Recounting his experience to Variety India, Vicky articulated, “When actors are working, everyone is in their own zone. When you get the opportunity to work with established actors, you hope to enjoy that experience and learn from it. ‘Awarapan 2’ had that kind of energy. We stayed in the zone of the film, but at the same time, the atmosphere on set was very relaxed. There wasn’t any pressure.” This anecdote underscores a harmonious blend of focused creativity and a low-stress environment, fostering an ideal space for artistic expression.
Vicky’s admiration for Azmi is palpable as he speaks of the “noor” – a profound radiance or inner light – he observed in her presence. He elaborates, “Shabana is such a refined and graceful person. When you work with someone like her, you feel like you’re in the presence of something divine. I think certain qualities come with experience. They reflect in the way you speak, carry yourself, and how grounded you become. I don’t know if I have reached that stage yet. But I have seen that noor – that radiance – on Shabana’s face.” He draws a parallel, recalling a similar luminescence he witnessed in Naseeruddin Shah during their collaboration on ‘Rehmat,’ emphasizing his ongoing journey of artistic growth and continuous learning.
Vicky firmly asserts that his choice of roles remains uninfluenced by age, as he persistently seeks both physical and creative challenges. However, “Awarapan 2” presented its own unique set of obstacles. He specifically cites his introduction scene as a particularly demanding segment. “My introduction scene was difficult. There’s a certain pressure that you feel when you’re told, ‘This is your introduction.’ I hadn’t really explored that aspect of performance before. That’s when you realize that you’re a part of a commercial masala film with a completely different aura – it’s a musical and it’s a sequel to the cult film ‘Awarapan.’ So you naturally feel the pressure.” This honest reflection reveals the distinct challenges of transitioning into a commercial cinematic landscape, especially when carrying the legacy of a highly revered predecessor.
