Vijay Varma Breaks Away from Intense Roles in 'Gustaakh Ishq'

Varma says rejecting typical romantic scripts in the past was a conscious decision. “Many romantic films came my way over these years, but I didn’t see myself in them,” he clarifies. “I don’t want to sing and dance because they are not my forte.” He says 'Gustaakh Ishq' suited him better as it aligns with his sensibilities — a love story that unfolds in quiet glances and restrained emotions.

Set amidst the evocative bylanes of Old Delhi and the fading kothis of Punjab, the film is directed by Vibhu Puri, produced by Manish Malhotra, and enriched by the lyrical genius of Gulzar and the musical depth of Vishal Bhardwaj. Producer Malhotra said he and Puri always had Varma and Shaikh in mind for their lead pair, impressed by his ability to balance modern energy with classic charm.

The experience of working with Shaikh on set was “a breeze,” said Varma. Their chemistry is an “old-school, old-world romance … where expression is less and feeling is more,” he added. He had great things to say about the sincerity and commitment of Fatima: “She has to do her best … more than 100% in every shot.”

The actor looks back on their rapport with affection, observing that a shared, somewhat "twisted" sense of humour helped forge a warm, collaborative on-screen relationship. That ease translates into scenes which feel unforced and deeply felt — grounded in tenderness rather than grand gestures.

Adding a personal dimension to his commitment, Varma also remembered a sensitive moment during the shooting when Shaikh suffered a seizure. He cited that he felt “vulnerable and helpless” but didn’t leave her until she was back to normal, which speaks volumes about the bond they shared in those days of filming. For Varma, it is not a departure but rather a homecoming. With Gustaakh Ishq, he steps into completely new territory: embracing romance without losing the authenticity that characterises his acting journey so far. Viewers will be able to experience this new chapter when the movie releases on November 28, 2025.