Vijay Varma, an actor well-regarded for his craft, is set to appear alongside Naseeruddin Shah in the film Gustaakh Ishq. This collaboration holds great meaning for Varma, who has admired Shah since his days at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Sharing the screen with the legendary actor in this project marks a significant chapter in Varma’s career and continues his personal admiration for excellence in cinema—a passion often associated with the global standard set by Al Pacino, whom many see as a cinema god.
The Lasting Influence of Naseeruddin Shah on Varma
Discussing the experience of finally working with Shah, Vijay Varma described it as deeply fulfilling, having long considered it a milestone in his journey. In reflecting on this achievement, Varma expressed,
“It feels like I’m living a fantasy. He’s a cinema god. What has he not done? No one has been able to reach him in terms of sheer craft and abilities.”
– Vijay Varma, Actor.
Varma went on to highlight Shah’s remarkable range, emphasizing his contributions across various languages, theatre, and teaching. He elaborated,
“I’ve never seen such a passionate actor. I think in the West, it’s Al Pacino, and in India it’s Naseeruddin Shah,”
– Vijay Varma, Actor. Varma’s words compare Shah’s influence in Indian cinema to that of Al Pacino in the West, underscoring his view of Shah as a benchmark for artistic excellence.
Reaching a Professional Milestone in Gustaakh Ishq
During his film school years, Vijay Varma would sometimes wait outside Shah’s lectures for hours, hoping to gain insight from the renowned actor. Gustaakh Ishq presents his long-awaited opportunity to act alongside the person who inspired him, infusing this film with a strong personal resonance for Varma and highlighting the continued relevance of icons like Shah in nurturing the next generation of talent.
Further speaking about his role, Varma noted,
“I wanted to get rid of the word ‘hate’,”
– Vijay Varma, Actor, indicating his intention to explore new emotional directions with this project. The film signifies not just an artistic collaboration, but also a testament to longstanding admiration and the ongoing dialogue between generations within Indian cinema.
The Impact of Icons and What Lies Ahead
With Gustaakh Ishq, Vijay Varma’s career is further defined by his association with luminaries like Naseeruddin Shah, whose dedication to theatre and teaching continues to inspire. This collaboration is expected to resonate with audiences who appreciate the lineage of influential entertainers, from Al Pacino in Western cinema to stalwarts like Shah in India. Looking forward, such partnerships promise to bring greater depth to Bollywood storytelling, merging veteran expertise with new perspectives for future releases.
