Vardhaan Puri calls Vikram Bhatt 'curious and genius mind': 'Bipasha Basu-Dino Morea starrer 'Raaz' is one movie that really scared the living daylights out of me' - Exclusive

Vardhaan Puri made his debut in the horror genre with Vikram Bhatt's Bloody Ishq alongside Avika Gor. While the movie has been receiving mixed reviews from audiences, ETimes caught up with the actor for an interview. In the candid conversation, Vardhaan spoke about working with the Bhatts, what makes the film stand apart, his thoughts on the horror genre, and more. Excerpts...
How was your experience working in the horror genre for the first time in 'Bloody Ishq'?
The experience of working on Bloody Ishq was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.To be directed by the curious and genius mind of Vikram Bhatt sir and to be guided on set every day by the one and only Mahesh Bhatt sahab has been something that I will always cherish. I feel like I wasn't only going on a film set but I was also going to film school, acting school, and psychology classes.

What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
The challenges were mostly technical because we were shooting in a certain way, with a certain technology that's very new to India. So it involved a lot of imagination. Therefore, I needed a lot of silence in order to be able to operate. I needed the constant guidance and love of Vikram Bhatt sir and Mahesh Bhatt sir. Also, my co-actor, Avika Gor, was someone without whom this experience would not be the way it has been.

Tell us something about your character in the movie.
My character in the movie is a highly nuanced, highly layered, highly complex character. And I am just hoping that the audience connects with the character and gives him all the love.
What sets 'Bloody Ishq' apart from other horror films?
What sets Bloody Ishq apart from other horror films is the soul of the film, the depth of the characters, and the fabulous music. Bhatt sir and Vikram sir are known to understand the human mind like no other, and the way they delve into complex human emotions is just inspiring.

Horror films have been gaining popularity in India and globally. What are your thoughts on this trend? Why do you think audiences are drawn to this genre?
Horror films have always had a very loyal audience base, and that I don't think is ever going to change. I don't think horror films being so popular is a trend. I think it's something that has been happening for many, many generations now. And every time you make a good horror film, it will definitely find its audience.
We have had some very popular horror films in Bollywood, right from Veerana, Raaz to 1920. Which one has scared you the most growing up?
The one film which really scared the living daylights out of me was Raaz. I still remember being so petrified to sleep at night after watching the film that I used to not be able to sleep with my sister in our room. We used to have to sleep between our parents for a good one or two months after we watched the film. So such was the impact of that film.
Vikram Bhatt has been one of the iconic filmmakers in Bollywood when it comes to exploring the horror genre in India. Your thoughts on the same...
Definitely, Vikram Bhatt sir is one of the most iconic filmmakers when it comes to horror. And I am just blessed that we could collaborate on this film together.
Have you ever experienced paranormal activities in your personal life, on the set, or otherwise?
I have indeed experienced paranormal activities in my personal life. And all I want to tell everybody is that just like God exists, spirits also do exist. All we have to do is respect them, respect their presence, and not disturb them. Just like we don't like to be disturbed, they don't like to be disturbed. They love to be respected. And we must give them their space and not do anything that harms their peace of mind. And we'll be good.