Vardhan Puri, grandson of the legendary Amrish Puri, is carving his own path in Bollywood with a passion that runs deep in his veins. Despite being born into a family of celebrated artists, he is determined to create a legacy of his own, guided by the invaluable lessons his grandfather instilled in him. In a heartfelt conversation with The Pioneer, Vardhan reflects on his journey so far, from his intense debut in Yeh Saali Aashiqui to embracing the charm of romantic comedies with Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story
Tejal Sinha
Carrying the weight of a cinematic legacy can be daunting, but for Vardhan Puri, grandson of the legendary Amrish Puri, it is a source of immense pride rather than pressure. With a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and a relentless drive to carve his own niche, Vardhan is steadily building a filmography that reflects both his versatility and commitment to his craft.
In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, he delves into his journey, the experience of working on Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story and his aspirations for the future.
For him, acting is not just a profession—it is a calling, a way of life. Reflecting on his early years in the industry, he credits Yeh Saali Aashiqui as his first love, a film that pushed him to explore complex characters and prepared him for the challenges ahead.
“That film keeps giving and giving,” he says with a smile. “It was my first love, my first child and a movie I’m extremely proud of. Playing two distinct characters in my debut was challenging but also immensely rewarding. It was a great warm-up into what my career would lead to. Doing something so difficult early on served as a preparatory platform for me as an actor.” With an inclination toward dramatic and intense roles, he found himself craving a shift in tone. He wanted to explore something lighter, something that would challenge him in an entirely different way.
“Comedy is the most difficult genre to attempt,” he states. “As a theatre actor, I was always known for my drama and comedy. So when Kunal Kohli offered me Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, I said yes in a split second. It was such a simple decision. And honestly, doing this film has changed my life.” Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story is a romantic drama that blends nostalgia with modern emotions, a signature of Kunal Kohli’s storytelling. He describes it as a film with the same soul as Hum Tum, one that is lighthearted, musically rich, and emotionally grounded.
“It stands out because of its strong emotional core. Kunal sir has such a deep understanding of romance and rom-coms and that translates beautifully on screen. The film isn’t just about romance—it’s also extremely funny. That balance is what makes it special.”
A crucial aspect of any romantic film is the chemistry between its leads and Vardhan found an incredible co-star in Kaveri Kapur. Their bond evolved naturally, strengthening over time and translating seamlessly onto the screen. “Kaveri and I became inseparable on set. Initially, we were just getting to know each other, but as we started readings—even on Zoom calls—our chemistry kept growing. Kunal sir could see the progression, and once he said, ‘Yes, the chemistry is perfect,’ we flew to London for the shoot.”
Off-camera, the duo shared countless laughs, keeping the mood light and fun, a reflection of the film’s genre.
“If you caught us between takes, you’d see us laughing our lungs out. We just had so much fun, and that energy translated into our performances. We weren’t trying to fit into a mold—we wanted our characters to feel real, to feel believable. And I think that approach really worked.” Born into a family of celebrated actors, Vardhan is keenly aware of the expectations that come with the Puri name. Yet, rather than feeling burdened by it, he embraces it with gratitude. “My grandfather, Amrish Puri, is my god. I pray to him. But I don’t feel any pressure—I only feel a sense of responsibility. Every artist is unique, and I believe in creating my own path rather than emulating someone else’s journey. My grandfather’s career was different, my journey is different, and I just want to make him proud in my own way.” His grandfather’s advice still rings in his ears—discipline, punctuality, and persistence make an actor.
“He always told me, ‘Cinema cannot be a part of your life—it has to become your entire life.’ He warned me against distractions, against losing focus, and reminded me that my purpose is to entertain and bring happiness to people. That lesson has stayed with me.”
The Puri family’s contribution to cinema extends far beyond Amrish Puri. Vardhan is deeply aware of the lineage he comes from, tracing back to the legendary K.L. Saigal, his grand-uncles Chaman Puri and Madan Puri and Om Puri, whom he considers family. “We are a family of entertainers. And that’s a privilege, not a pressure. I wake up every day with stars in my eyes, thinking about what story I can tell next, what character I can bring to life.”
Having played intense, dramatic roles, Vardhan is eager to explore more lighthearted characters in the future.
“I love doing dramatic roles, but this rom-com was such a breath of fresh air. Now, I really want to do an out-and-out comedy. Filmmakers, please offer me comedies!” he laughs. “I’m already reading some scripts, and hopefully, I’ll lock in something soon.” Vardhan’s aspirations go far beyond just playing specific roles. His vision is to be a storyteller who leaves an impact on audiences, shaping narratives that resonate deeply.
“I want to tell stories that have social relevance without being preachy. I want to play characters that are both challenging and relatable. I want to be the hero, the villain—anything and everything—because we only have one life. I’m hungry to explore unique stories, and I believe the world is my oyster. I’m just raring to go.”
