There are reports all over the entertainment portals claiming that Tamil superstar Vijay Sethupathi had to opt out of the Aamir Khan project Laal Singh Chaddha because he couldn’t lose weight.
Dubbing for his forthcoming film Tughlaq Durbar, Vijay takes time off to clear the air. “First of all I’ve always had the highest regard for Aamir Sir as an actor. His selection of roles always inspired me to attempt something different every time. When I got to know him personally for Laal Singh Chaddha I was even more impressed by his humility and knowledge of cinema. Just being with him is a learning experience.”
Vijay reveals how the role was offered to him. “Aamir Sir personally offered me the role. He then flew down to a small town in Tamil Nadu where I was shooting to narrate the script to me. For some reason the director Advait Chandan couldn’t come. Aamir Sir came alone, narrated the script and stayed overnight in that town and left the next morning. Such a big superstar and no airs. And he is a marvelous storyteller. The way he narrated the story was mesmerizing. I immediately said yes.”
Then what happened? “Then Covid happened, Sir. It ransacked all our plans. After the lockdown I had five Telugu projects in various stages of production to complete. I just couldn’t accommodate Laal Singh Chaddha in my schedule.”
Vijay has nothing but gratitude for Aamir’s kindness. “When I went to Mumbai, Aamir Sir invited me to his home. He personally gave instructions to my driver on how to reach his home and was the perfect host, not just once but twice. I can never forget his kindness and his knowledge of cinema. It would be an honour and a pleasure to work with him sometime in the near future.”
As for being asked to quit the project for his weight Vijay gives a classic reply. “I am very comfortable with my body and my mind. Whichever project I go into, they go with me.”
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