‘At times on the set, I pinch myself to make sure that all this is a reality because I feel like I am in a dream sequence’

His first film Masaan won a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015. His film Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) premiered the very next year at Cannes and received critical acclaim. And Vicky Kaushal, who was a part of both films, cannot stop thanking his directors for the opportunity.

“I was an assistant director on the sets of Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). To be able to work with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Raman Raghav 2.0 - who I was in awe of since Wasseypur - was overwhelming to say the least. I am extremely thankful for all the love and adulation coming my way. It’s great to know that film-makers are trusting me and banking on me as an actor,” says Vicky.

Currently, he is shooting for the Sanjay Dutt biopic, which is being helmed by film-maker Rajkumar Hirani. He recalls the time when he couldn’t believe that Hirani had actually offered him a role in the film.

“After my auditions, he called me to his office and gave me a narration. I was blown away but he still hadn’t told me that I had bagged the part. It was only later when he said that we start shooting the film in a couple of days did it dawn on me that I was doing the film,” says Vicky.

The actor adds, “At times on the set, I pinch myself to make sure that all this is a reality because I feel like I am in a dream sequence. Working with Ranbir Kapoor has been an enriching experience. He is such a secure person and doesn’t have an ounce of stardom. But he is also extremely focused and a brilliant actor.”

His next project will see him pair up with Alia Bhatt, who he thinks “is one of the finest actresses in Bollywood today”. “I got a call from Karan [Johar] sir who asked me to audition for Meghna’s [Gulzar] film, Raazi. I have read the script of the film and it’s amazing. We have just started with readings and workshops. Alia is so talented, and I am happy to be working with her and Meghna. I will finish shooting for the Dutt biopic and then move on to this film,” says Vicky.

Follow @htshowbiz for more