Actor Vardhan Puri, grandson of late actor Amrish Puri, talks exclusively to The Daily Guardian. Excerpts:
Q. How was the year 2020 for you?
A. It was a year full of learnings and realisations. It taught me the importance of family, health and internal happiness. I learnt to be comfortable in my own company which I am very grateful for.
Q. What did you miss doing the most in 2020 and why?
A. I wish I could have shot more films as acting is the only thing other than sports which makes me feel alive. I also wish I could have dedicated more time to my cousins and close friends. I miss the family get-togethers and feasts which we used to have before the lockdown.
Q. Professionally, how was the last year for you?
A. 2020 was a year full of growth. I shot for ‘The Last Show’ with director Vivek Agnihotri and legendary actors like Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik and Pallavi Joshi. I also read some brilliant scripts which I am agerly looking forward to shoot in 2021. Most importantly, I got ample time to work on my craft and discipline, so hopefully, I have become a more equipped actor.
Q. What was the lowest moment for you in 2020?
A. Losing close family friends and acquaintances due to Covid. It was heartbreaking.
Q. What was last year’s best moment for you ?
A. Spending my parents’ 35th wedding anniversary with close family. We had a swell time and were in the best of moods.
Q. What do you believe will change for the entertainment industry going ahead?
A. Since the audience is now to top-notch content, especially from the west, hopefully, we will produce better content in our country since we have the resources now more than ever. I already see the change with brilliant shows like ‘Scam 1992’, ‘Paatal Lok’ and ‘Mirzapur’. Also, since the whole so-called ‘star system’ is fading away, the most deserving actors and technicians will be selected purely on merit. Everything is changing for the better.
Q. How do you see the OTT boom in India? Do you believe the digital medium is here to stay and how will it change things for you?
A. The OTT platform is the best thing that has happened to our country’s entertainment industry. A lot of key players are ready to take risks with some amazing content and that’s a gift to our audience. The digital medium is here to stay and it’s the best thing for us actors as we have so much material to choose from and dig our teeth into. Earlier the big producers were only backing content if it was ‘commercially viable’ but now with OTT and simple recovery patterns, the same producers are happily producing high content, medium budget films/shows with high concepts. It’s great news for us!
Q. What is your New Year’s resolution?
A. To do quality work, stay healthy, work on my craft every day and spend quality time with those who matter (not in this order).
Q. What are your hopes for 2021?
A. I sincerely hope that the Covid-19 vaccine is a success and the world is a happy place once again. I want to shoot for a lot of films in 2021 and surprise the audiences with my performances.