After debuting with Ashutosh Gowariker’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey in 2011, Vikramjeet Virk went on to create a space for himself in Punjabi and Telugu films. The actor will soon be seen in the Disney+ Hotstar series Karmma Calling starring Raveena Tandon. In an exclusive conversation, Vikramjeet opened up about his role, the show and his journey so far.

How did you land your role in Karmma Calling?

Vikramjeet Virk: Karmma Calling is a story of a rich family from Alibaug. I play Sameer, an ex-army officer working for the family. When the producers approached me for this role, they told me they had been looking for an actor with a physique and personality like mine for a long time. They had auditioned quite a few actors but when I met director Ruchi Narain, she was very satisfied with me. I was also very satisfied with the way they explained the character to me. It was the kind of role that I was looking for.

Where does Sameer, the character you play, stand in the show in terms of his relationship with the other characters?

Vikramjeet Virk: Sameer is a distant relative of Indrani Kothari, played by Raveena Tandon, and he works for her too. The twists and turns that you saw in the trailer… Sameer is the specialist to solve those puzzles.

What was it like to work with Raveena Tandon?

Vikramjeet Virk: I am a reserved person. I do my work and step aside. Most of my interactions with Raveena were during work. Working with her was a good experience. I was with her like I would be with any actor.

Although you made your feature film debut with Ashutosh Gowariker’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey in 2010, you haven’t done many Hindi films.

Vikramjeet Virk: After Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, I gave many auditions and got through them. But when they narrated the story and the character, I didn’t find them meaty enough. I felt that if my personality and potential were not being showcased properly, then there was no point in doing that role. I would rather sit at home than do roles that have nothing to offer.

I got better roles in Telugu films, so I started doing those. There, too, I have done limited work. I have been choosy about work from the beginning.

My role in the TV show Devon Ke Dev Mahadev was quite great. I thought that Drive (2019) and my role in it were good but later on, it drifted away. I agree to do a role if I think I’ll have fun playing it. I don’t work for money or just to be busy. It was quite difficult because people get upset. They would be like, ‘How can you say no to us? What have you done in life?’ I think it doesn’t matter what you have done. What matters is what you want to do.

You have worked predominantly in the Telugu film industry and the Punjabi film industry. How have these two experiences shaped you as an actor?

Vikramjeet Virk: Punjabi is my mother tongue, so it is easy for me to act in Punjabi films. Knowledge and understanding of a language is an important tool for an actor because it boosts your confidence. I feel good working in Punjabi.

However, I enjoy working in the Telugu industry because they are extremely professional. The language was a barrier for me initially, but now I understand it to a great extent. Telugu industry professionals are punctual and work systematically. They are my type of people because I like to follow a regimen. I want to do a lot more work down south.

What are your expectations from Karmma Calling?

Vikramjeet Virk: Being an actor, my expectation is always for people to like my work and the film/series. Karmma Calling is based on Revenge (2011), which is streaming on Netflix, and it is very different from the Indian content that is being made currently.

Your personality is quite an integral part of the roles that you have done. What is your fitness mantra and routine?

Vikramjeet Virk: It’s all about the mind. If you follow a healthy routine, your mind will be healthy. Waking up on time is important. Working on your mind after waking up is also important. For example, meditation. I do my paath (devotional reading) because I believe in it. I like to have control over the food I eat. What you eat affects your brain. Your body is not a garbage bag that you can put anything in it. It is important to have healthy thoughts about yourself and others as well.

I do kickboxing, taekwondo, weight training, and I play cricket. Sometimes, I go for a run. If you can’t take out an hour a day for your body and mind, then what’s the use? Life is very simple. We complicate it.

After Karmma Calling, what are your upcoming projects?

Vikramjeet Virk: I am currently shooting for a Telugu film. I will start shooting for a Punjabi film by the end of February. Another film is in the writing stage.