![\"Vardhaan](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-118429730,imgsize-23120,width-400,resizemode-4\/118429730.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nVardhaan Puri, the grandson of legendary actor Amrish Puri, is steadily carving his own niche in the film industry. With a deep-rooted passion for cinema and a legacy to uphold, Vardhaan is currently seen as a romantic hero in his latest release, Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, where he stars alongside Kaveri Kapur, the daughter of veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and actress Suchitra Krishnamoorthi. It was amazing! When we met, we didn\u2019t know each other at all. We had some common friends, but we had never met. However, my grandfather, Amrish Puri, and Shekhar Kapur made an iconic movie together (Mr. India), which featured the legendary Mogambo. I had heard a lot about Kaveri from Shekhar sir and my grandfather but had never met her. ‘Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story’ Trailer: Kaveri Kapur and Vardhaan Puri starrer ‘Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story’ Official Trailer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Being the grandson of such a legendary actor, do you feel any pressure to carry forward his legacy?<\/span> One memory that comes to my mind is from a film shoot. Salman sir, my grandfather, Rani ma\u2019am, and Preeti ma\u2019am were all there. There was a power cut in Rani ma\u2019am and Preeti ma\u2019am\u2019s makeup room, and they couldn\u2019t get ready. My grandfather found out about their problem, quickly came out, and said, “Rani, Preeti, you please use my room.” They refused at first, but he insisted, “No, no. You are standing in the heat. I don\u2019t like it. Please go inside.” He sent them inside and sat outside in the heat himself. I asked him, “Dadaji, but you are older than them. Why did you come out?” He replied, “If any woman is facing discomfort, even if you have to be uncomfortable, never let them suffer. We are men. It is our job to take care of women. Always remember this, son.” That moment left a deep impression on me, and I have never forgotten it. Have you faced challenges in the industry? Have you encountered difficult people?<\/span>
In this candid conversation with ETimes, Vardhaan opened up about his experience working on the film, collaborating with Kaveri Kapur, his cherished memories of his grandfather Amrish Puri, and reflected on the influence of the iconic actor on his career.
How was your experience, and what was your first reaction when you got this role as a romantic hero?<\/span>
Amazing! I feel that we really need to make more love stories. It was an amazing experience. When I was young, I had a dream to become a cinematic actor, a film actor. Earlier, I used to do theatre, and I had seen Hum Tum in the theatre. I watched it at least 16-17 times. Back then, I used to think, “I wish I get a chance to work with Kunal Kohli in the future.”
One day, I got a call from Jio Studios saying, “We want to meet you. There is a film in which we want to cast you. Would you like to meet the director?” I asked about the film and the genre. They said it\u2019s a romantic comedy, a love story. When I asked about the director, they said, “Kunal Kohli.” I was shocked and said, “Are you serious? I have always wanted to work with him. Can I meet him right now?”
They called Mr. Kunal, and he said, “I am sitting at Soho House right now. If he wants to come right now, he can.” Without wasting time, I ran to meet him. He told me that the film was a love story, similar to Hum Tum, with a young lover and a musical chemistry-driven theme. I immediately said, “Sir, I would love to do this film.” He said, “Let\u2019s talk for a while. If I feel you fit perfectly in this role, I would love to cast you.” After some time, I got a call from the studio. They were shouting, “Congratulations, you are doing Kunal Kohli\u2019s film with us.” That\u2019s how I got this film.
Did you have to audition for the role?<\/span>
No, I didn\u2019t have to audition. I was a very young actor then, so I even asked sir to take my audition and lock me in this role. But he said, “No, I have seen your work. I really like it. There is no need for an audition. I just want to talk to you and see your personality. If I feel you match the character perfectly, I will be happy to lock you.” And that\u2019s how I got finalized. We made this film with a lot of love.
While preparing for this role, did you find any personal connection with your character, Rishi? Any similarities?<\/span>
The similarities are in our energy levels. Both Rishi Sharma and I are very energetic. Our sense of humor is also quite similar\u2014we always try to make people laugh and keep everyone around us happy. Both of us are very passionate and don\u2019t take too much stress in life. We live in the moment without overthinking the past or future.
In the film, Rishi meets a stranger, gets close to her, and falls in love. Has this ever happened to you in real life?<\/span>
Yes, it has happened to me! It\u2019s an amazing experience. You meet someone, get to know them, become good friends, and eventually fall in love. Such experiences are special and unforgettable. You can\u2019t plan them; they just happen. God decides it for you. You never know that a person you just met will become such an integral part of your life.
Are you dating anyone right now?<\/span>
No, I am single. Right now, I am only dating my career. I am in a long-term relationship with storytelling and acting. My full focus is on work. I am fully committed to work! No cheating when it comes to work. I am always thinking about filmmaking, acting, and storytelling. The Hindi film industry, Indian film industry, and even the global film industry\u2014I love them all.
In this movie, Kaveri made her debut. How was your experience working with her?<\/span><\/p>\n![\"vardhanpuri02_1737964697_3554627979817532726_6138734680\"](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/imgsize-23456,msid-118429750,width-600,resizemode-4\/118429750.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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When I learned she was cast in this film, I was excited. I Googled her, watched her song, and realized she is a pure artist. We met for the first time on set. She was a little nervous, and I tried to make her comfortable. Initially, we were just co-actors, but we became such good friends that today, she is my best friend. We talk at least 5-6 times a day, watch movies together, read scripts together, and give each other advice. She is like family to me now.
Since your grandfather Amrish Puri played Mogambo in Mr. India, if Shekhar Kapur ever decides to make a sequel, would you and Kaveri be interested in playing the lead roles?<\/span>
That would be a lot of fun! I would go and tell Shekhar sir right now that I want to play Arun Bhaiya, and Kaveri can be Hawa Hawai. With AI, we can even recreate Mogambo! It\u2019s a fantastic idea, and I will definitely talk to Shekhar sir about it.
You mentioned that Shekhar Kapur is mentoring you. Are you working with him on a project?<\/span>
Yes! Very soon, I will be working with him on an amazing medical film that he is heading creatively. I can\u2019t reveal much right now, but you will hear about it soon. It\u2019s an honor to work with him.<\/p>\n
No, I don\u2019t feel pressure. Pressure can slow you down, like carrying a heavy sack. I do feel a great sense of responsibility, though. Being Amrish Puri\u2019s grandson, I have to work with the same dedication and intensity as he did. But I don\u2019t take pressure because that would restrict my growth.
He was a legend. Even today, people love him, and his fan following is increasing, even though he is no longer with us. My goal is to carve my own path and create my own legacy. He will always be immortal. Just yesterday, I heard a 5-year-old kid on the street saying, “Mogambo khush hua!” That\u2019s the power of his work! Mr. India came out in 1987, and in 2025, kids are still quoting his dialogues. That\u2019s incredible.
I consider myself fortunate to be born into this family. My grandfather and I had different strengths, but our soul is the same. I want to create my own journey, be original, and not copy anyone. Only then will my grandfather truly feel proud of me.
Has your grandfather\u2019s approach to acting influenced you?<\/span>
Absolutely! I am very inspired by him. He acted in over 500 films and played a variety of roles\u2014positive, negative, comic, villainous\u2014and did justice to all of them. His dedication, versatility, and passion for acting inspire me every day. However, I don\u2019t try to copy him. I want to bring my own authenticity to acting. His legacy motivates me to work harder and make my own mark in the industry.
How was your relationship with your grandfather? Were you close to him?<\/span>
Very close. He was my grandfather, my best friend, my guru, my god. And he will always be. He always told me, “Son, you are an actor of theater, you are an actor of stage. You will go to the world of film. And if you become a film actor, then don\u2019t become a film. Don\u2019t go to late-night parties. Don\u2019t drink alcohol. Don\u2019t smoke cigarettes. Cigarettes and all these things destroy an actor a lot. Be disciplined. Be punctual. Always reach before time. Believe in the vision of the character. Believe in the Bhagavad Gita. What the director says is the truth. And always be humble. No matter how big you are, no matter how famous you are, remember that nothing is permanent. Your fame, your money\u2014everything is on rent. Nothing is yours. One day, everyone leaves. So there is no use for arrogance. Always be simple. Do your work. Don\u2019t say bad things about anyone. Don\u2019t think badly about anyone. Walk on your own path. Don\u2019t look left and right with blinkers. Don\u2019t worry about competition. If you do your work with full dedication, you will reach your destination.” This is what my grandfather used to say.
Do you have any memorable experience with him that you would like to share? How much did he influence you in life, and do you still follow his teachings?<\/span><\/p>\n![\"vardhanpuri02_1736580698_3543018152544834770_6138734680\"](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/imgsize-23456,msid-118429772,width-600,resizemode-4\/118429772.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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Another memorable incident was related to the film Virasat. Initially, the filmmakers were considering Dilip Kumar for a pivotal role. When they narrated the story to him, he said, “I have heard the film, but I don\u2019t see myself in this role. I can only see one person\u2014Amrish Puri. You should go to Amrishji because no one else can do justice to this role like him.” So, Kamal Haasan, Boney Kapoor, and Priyadarshan approached my grandfather. He received a call from Dilip Kumar, who told him, “Amrish, you are my favorite actor, and I would like you to do this film. Please listen to the story, and if you like it, do it.” My grandfather said, “Dilip sahab, if you have said it, then the matter is settled. If you think I should do this, then I will.” And that was it. He did the film. From this, I learned that no matter how great you become, you must always respect your seniors. Their words should hold value. My grandfather taught me that respecting your seniors is an invaluable virtue.
Did you always want to act? Because your father is a businessman, how did you develop an interest in acting?<\/span>
Since childhood, I was always entertaining people. I used to make my family and friends laugh and perform for them. I was a showman at home. Even if two people came over, I would create a stage and start performing. My family realized that I was an actor, or rather, a showman. But I was getting too filmy, so they put me into theater. And you know how tough theater is. Initially, I didn\u2019t get to act\u2014I did backstage work, served tea, made paan for senior artists, held rickshaws for them, took printouts, and worked as an understudy. I worked hard for years. After school, I would spend 10-11 hours in theater, get exhausted, come home, do my homework, and sleep. My sleep was compromised, but my passion was fulfilled. That\u2019s when I became an actor.
My grandfather put me under the guidance of Pandit Satyadev Dubey, one of the greatest theater gurus. He was my teacher, and I learned a lot from him. I had two acting gurus\u2014Pandit Satyadev Dubey and Amrish Puri sahab, my grandfather.
You made your debut in 2019 with Yeh Saali Aashiqui. It\u2019s now 2025. What has been your biggest lesson in the industry so far?<\/span>
I have learned that this industry is not a 100-meter race; it\u2019s a marathon. You have to keep learning and moving forward. Never give up. Don\u2019t take success too seriously, and don\u2019t take failure too seriously. You are not running someone else\u2019s race; you are creating your own path. Keep getting better every single day. Work on yourself. Don\u2019t lose patience\u2014this is a patient person\u2019s game. Even the biggest superstars feel restless, wondering when their moment will come. But you must have faith in yourself.
Discipline is crucial. Spontaneity is important. Hard work is vital. But most importantly, self-confidence is the key. If you have confidence, you can go anywhere. This industry is magical. One Friday can change your life. You just have to keep working hard for that one Friday. And even when that day comes, don\u2019t get carried away. Keep moving forward. Keep working hard. Keep going.<\/p>\n
Yes, of course. In any industry, you will meet both good and bad people. Some may scold you, some may say things that hurt you, and some may gossip about others. But this is true for any field\u2014whether it\u2019s films, shipping, airlines, hospitals, or hospitality. It\u2019s not about the industry; it\u2019s about people.
There are good people, and when you meet them, you must cherish them. There are difficult people, and from them, you must learn and move on. That\u2019s how you grow. The film industry demands hard work, but if you respect it and embrace the struggle, it will give you immense love in return. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n