It’s not easy to play a character that is equal parts sleazy and lovable, but Vishwas Kini delivered a fun and effortless performance as Bhandari in Veere Di Wedding. t2 caught up with the actor from Jalandhar to chat about the character — who has a thing for Sonam Kapoor’s Avni — that’s put him on the map. 

When did you realise that people are loving Bhandari?

The hints were always there. Even while shooting, the cast and crew were very thrilled with me doing Bhandari. I started getting messages after Ekta’s (Kapoor, co-producer) screening but even then, I played it down because these were people who knew me. But on the Friday of the release, before going to bed, I had 20-25 messages on my phone but when I woke up, it had crossed a thousand. That was when I thought this was going to be a very big film, and Bhandari’s going to be famous.

What kinds of reactions have you got about Bhandari, and how have you played him?

Most of them are saying they don’t know why they fall in love with this creep, and that is very cool, because he has to come across as slightly sleazy. I’m also getting some feedback that he’s hot, which I wasn’t expecting from women. Delhi people can clearly see that he’s a west Delhi boy.

This isn’t your first film, is it?

Not technically. I came to Bombay from Jalandhar in 2010. I worked odd jobs for the first three-four years, schooling myself... I did casting jobs, assistant direction jobs, assistant production jobs... to understand how this world of cinema functions. Then I finally decided to start with acting. I started auditioning for acting parts and doing theatre workshops.

Has it been a struggle to get a film and role that stand out?

I believe that every ball being thrown at you is for a purpose. Every difficult situation I’ve been in has taught me something, and has made me the person I am today. It helps you with making difficult life decisions, and makes you preemptive. I believe that the richer an actor’s life, the richer his characters. That’s why I’ve enjoyed the ups and downs of the last eight years and deep down inside, I always knew that I’d make it.

How did this film come your way?

I was supposed to be doing another project with Rhea (Kapoor, co-producer). I had auditioned for that one, and then there was a small break for some internal reasons, and they started working on Veere Di Wedding. When I got a call to audition for Veere, it was a surprise because I read Bhandari and didn’t see myself playing that role. But Mukesh Chhabra, who was casting the film, told me to test for it, and I did. I dressed up like a Delhi boy and maybe overdid it for my audition scene, but they liked it. 

Then I was called for a look-test with Sonam, and I knew what I needed to crack was comfort levels with her. I had to make sure she was comfortable with me for me to get this part, so I just stood there and stared at her. First she was shocked, then she started laughing and everyone in the room cracked up. That’s how I broke the ice.

What was director Shashanka Ghosh’s brief to you, because Bhandari starts off being creepy and then you do like him by the end...

We were always clear about one thing — that he’s uninhibited. If he wants to say something he’ll just say it. The audience can’t understand why they’re falling in love with him by the end but there’s nothing different about him towards the end. I’m still the same guy right through the film, with that constant persistence which most women don’t like. But it’s coming out of honesty, and he’s non-judgemental; he doesn’t judge her for anything she does. He breaks the ice in the most unconventional way, and he’s fun. So, that was the brief — keep him uninhibited, honest and just at it. He never takes no for an answer... that could be Bhandari’s tagline.

So, what is Bhandari’s first name?

(Laughs) Nice try! I can’t tell you. It’s a secret. 

At least tell us if Bhandari has a first name!

Of course he has a first name, and it’s a name you’ll fall in love with. It’s as beautiful as Bhandari! (Laughs)