‘I am a martial artiste first’

Mona

A martial artiste first and an actor later, Vidyut Jammwal is winning over fans with hashtag #ITrainlikeVidyutJammwal. The lockdown has given him the chance to answer questions on how he trains. “This time is not going to come back,” says the actor. Having spent time in South India lately, he is richer in life skills, something which he is happy to share on social media. “We all are strong inside; just that we need to tap it, realise it and live it. Lockdown has got me in touch with my inner creativity; I am seeing a new side of life – birds, animals and even human beings.”

Back to the roots

Vidyut takes pride in being a representative of Kalaripayattu. “It’s a 3000-year-old form of martial art and I take huge pride in tracing it back to the roots,” says Vidyut, who started learning it as a child. “I was born to do it,” he says with emphasis, recalling how last year he went to China to receive an award from Jackie Chan for the best action in Junglee. “What made me even happier was that someone like Chan acknowledged and appreciated Kalaripayattu.”

Though Vidyut hasn’t been watching any film or series like the rest of the world, his fans would get a chance to see Commando 3 on Zee Cinema come May 31. “That this franchise reached its third film is a huge achievement,” says Vidyut. He loves it when he’s called a commando on the streets. “I think I did a fair job representing the mighty Indian forces,” he beams.

Calculated risk

Known for performing his stunts himself, in Commando 3 Vidyut even helped his female co-stars perform the stunts. “It was a huge moment in Indian cinema to have leading ladies perform action stunts really well on their own.” But why take the risk? “The stunts might seem rather risky to someone who is not trained. When one has in-depth knowledge, these are calculated risks.”

The fact that cinema halls would open the last even if the pandemic is brought under control does not worry him. “I am a martial artist first, an actor later; there is no anxiety, no fear.” And unlike many of us, he’s making the most of the lockdown and not preparing a list of what to do as soon as the world is free to move about. “I am fully prepared; it’s going to be a brave new world. I am happy enjoying the present and would merrily greet whatever comes up next.”