During the promotions for 2011’s ‘Force’, starring John Abraham, it was the relatively-unknown Vidyut Jamwal who got all the attention for his dangerous body and villainous role.
The Mumbai-based martial arts expert then went on to act in Telugu movies like ‘Shakti’ and ‘Oosaravelli’ (2011), against Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (Jr NTR), where he played a supporting role. Now, the 32-year-old is all geared for two big releases in Tamil, opposite Ajith Kumar in ‘Billa 2’ and Vijay in ‘Thuppaki’.
Here’s more from the new star:
About 'Billa 2': I will be playing the antagonist in ‘Billa 2’. Ajith and I have been discussing a lot of things, from cars to food. In fact, in Georgia, he cooked for all of us. Since I am a vegetarian, he made pasta and grilled vegetables for me. He is a living encyclopedia. The movie has some dangerous scenes on a chopper and I can say Ajith is extremely flexible. I have introduced a fusion style of martial arts in the movie that includes gymnastics, Kalaripayattu (Kerala-style martial arts) and a little Kung Fu. I learnt Kalaripayattu in Kerala.
I have a group of stunt boys working with me in Mumbai. They come from the biggest slum in the world, Dharavi.
Villainy: I never planned to become a villain. Not that I wanted to be the hero in a movie; all I wanted to do was a lot of action. Even now, I plan to focus on action movies.
Everyday Vidyut: My daily routine is simple. I sleep very early. I cannot stay awake beyond 10:30 pm. As a result, I wake up early.
From Villain to Superstar?: I did not know about Rajnikanth being a villain in his earlier movies. But I knew about Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha and I look up to them. Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan are the new age villains.
Larger-than-life villains: Technically, the kind of gadgets and technology they are using for roles in ‘Dhoom 3’ and ‘Krrish 3’ is incredible.
Gorgeous Villains: Villains now look hotter, their attitude is cooler and quite often, the girl falls for the villain.
Interests: Travelling has been a very important aspect in my life. Since my father was in the army, I have lived in several places and changed schools.
Differences: There is no difference between a villain in Bollywood or Tamil and Telugu cinema. They are all the same. Evil.
Broadening horizons: When I entered Bollywood with ‘Force’, I received grand treatment from everyone. I was waiting for the same treatment in the South. But when I met Ajith and Murugadoss, I realised there is much more to do in life.
South geta way: I love visiting Pondicherry, the ashram and the beaches.
Best-dressed list: People tell me I am overdressed all the time. I believe in extremes. You will find me in either a jumper or a formal suit
Gadgets: I dislike remote controlled devices. There are no remote controls in my house. I physically go and switch on my TV or AC
Compliment: After Force, a UK-based newspaper referred to me as the Heath Ledger of India in conversation.