Valentine's Day 2023: My father set the standard of romance very high, says Vardhan Puri

Pic Courtesy: PR

After having been brought up in a joint family and has been trained in acting by Pandit Satyadev Dubey and his grandfather (late) Amrish Puri, the youjng and dynamic Vardhan Puri went onto work with Yash Raj Films as Assistant Director in films like ‘Ishaqzaade', ‘Daawat E Ishq' and ‘Shuddh Desi Romance'. This was followed by his grand Bollywood debut with ‘Yeh Saali Aashiqui', which paved the way for many other films in his kitty.

Mid Day Online caught up with Vardhan Puri for an exclusive interview on the occasion of ‘Valentine's Day'.

When was the first time you realized / understood the significance/ importance of Valentine's Day?
I think the first time I realized the importance of Valentine's Day was when I was a child… maybe in the first grade. My father gave a handwritten card with flowers to my mother, and she was delighted. So, I remember that emotion and him taking her out on a date followed by a drive that same night. That is my first memory of Valentine's Day. My father set the standard of romance very high.

Also Read: Vardhan Puri: Follow what my grandfather would have done

Who was your first Valentine? Please be honest… Honesty appreciated…
The story of my first Valentine is actually a very twisted one. There was this girl I really liked who used to play tennis with me at a nearby club. I liked her and she liked me back. At least that's what I'd like to believe. On Valentine's Day I went to her and gave her a flower which had fallen by the pool. She took it and ran away coyly. So… technically she is my first valentine. Her name was Priyanka and she was a very beautiful girl.

Do you think that the concept of Valentine's Day has been misinterpreted?
I think India is more open to the idea of Valentine's Day today. In our country, it is really about celebrating love every day, but now we have embraced Valentine's Day with open arms. Of course, it is more prevalent in the cities. But, if you go into the interiors, no one really knows about it. I think cinema has increased the reach of this day and today it is celebrated like any other special day, just as it should be.

Also Read: Valentine's Day 2023: The whole essence of Valentine's Day has gone hither-tither, says Sneha Wagh

Is Valentine's Day only about romance and love? Or can that day be celebrated for friendship as well?
Of course, it can be celebrated for friendship as well. I wish all my close friends on Valentine's Day and sometimes I even send them flowers and chocolates. So, Valentine's Day is just an excuse to celebrate love of every variety.

Which is the best book on Valentine's day that you have read?
I haven't really read a book based on Valentine's Day, but I really feel like ‘A Fault In Our Stars' pretty much talks about how love should be and how unconditional love is invincible. It is something I go back to very often as it is a beautifully emotional book.

Can you recall your most memorable Valentine's Day?
My most memorable Valentine's Day would have to be when I was in the 11th grade. I had an experience like no other. I bought a very special person some really special gifts and wrote a card. It was actually the first time I was really experiencing Valentine's Day. It just felt good to put in that kind of effort for someone I really loved and admired. So, I remember that day very fondly.

What type of a Valentine are you? Card-Roses types/ romantic poems types or the candle light dinner types? Or is there anything besides these?
I think flowers are cute, and handwritten cards and letters are even cuter. I like writing things for special people. Even though I am not a professional singer, sometimes I like to hum a song. I remember, back in the day, when I used to make a lot of short films, I made one for someone I really liked on Valentine's Day. She found it really special. So, it's safe to say I am the kind of person who makes movies for the people I love.

Has anyone rejected your Valentine's Day proposal or have you rejected any Valentine's Day proposal?
I have been very lucky as no one has ever rejected my Valentine's Day proposal. And I haven't rejected anyone either. Love is always welcome!

If you had to choose a Bollywood celebrity as your Valentine, whom would you choose and why?
That's a tough one. I would love to choose the eternal Madhuri Dixit of the ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kaun' days. I think she is the most ethereal, most beautiful and most charming face we've had, and what a beautiful personality. My family and I have always been huge Madhuri Dixit admirers.

If you had to choose a Hollywood celebrity as your Valentine, whom would you choose and why?
I think Scarlett Johansson would be very cool to go out with on a date. Not only is she so talented and beautiful, she is also very intelligent. It would be amazing to discuss cinema and the arts with her.

Do you have any special plans for this year's Valentine's Day?
Of course, I do have some amazing plans for this Valentine's Day. I am going to spend it with my niece Devika. She is 9 months old and she is the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world. So, I am going to hold her tiny hand and feed her khichdi and just have the best time with her.

It's a given that you will definitely have many admirers. In that case, have you ever received any card or gift from a secret admirer? If yes, what was it and what was your reaction to it?
Yes, in fact only yesterday… I received two beautiful bouquets of flowers which are actually right in front of me (smiles). I have no idea where they came from. They just have two cards which say, "Vardhan sir, I love you" on each of the bouquets and I find it very motivating as an artist. It's very flattering, humbling and a beautiful feeling to know that there are people who love you so much. There are people whose lives you impact in ways you don't even realize.

In your opinion, is Valentine's Day the most romantic day of the year?
I think Valentine's Day is a romantic day, but the most romantic day of the year for me is my birthday because I get so much attention on that day, especially from the ladies (winks).

What's your idea of a perfect Valentine's Day date?
My idea of a perfect Valentine's date is a nice swim followed by a lovely candle-lit Japanese meal. It should be followed by a movie and popcorn night. And then, end the night with a nice late-night drive to Mount Mary. So, that's my idea of a lovely romantic evening.

Valentine's Day is about love and Cupid. Have you ever played Cupid in anyone's life? Or has anyone played Cupid in your life?
Of course, I have played cupid in many of my friends's lives and most of them are now married. Some of them have babies and some of them are about to have theirs. In my life, once someone played cupid for me but I realized it's better to get to know people really well before you start dating them. So, don't go by anyone else's opinion. Be the master of your own destiny. First you should invest time and effort into getting to know someone because everyone's perspective about everyone else is different.