But Bollywood often knocked at his door, even if with smaller opportunities. The actor featured in Hansal Mehta’s Shahid (2013), and Abhishek Chaubey’s Udta Punjab (2016). Unknown to Vicky, it was during the making of Udta Punjab that Kohrra creator Sudip Sharma spotted him. Sharma, who wrote the Shahid Kapoor-Alia Bhatt crime drama, was so impressed by Vicky that he decided he would cast him in a bigger role whenever the opportunity arose. Sudip sir then cast me in Paatal Lok [2020], where I just had a few days’ shoot. So, I found it unbelievable when he rang me up and asked if I would do Kohhra,” the actor shares.

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Even though he played a significant role in CAT (2022), headlining a Hindi show was beyond Vicky’s imagination. He candidly shares, “I read the first few pages of the script, and then went directly to the last page to see if they have killed my character.” There was no denying that the story—exploring the dark side of love, father-son bond and familial violence—was powerful. But more than that, it was Sharma’s unflinching faith in him that made Vicky come on board. “The script was complex. I was so scared if I would be able to do it. But when the show’s creator says, ‘I won’t make the show if you don’t do it,’ then that becomes your guiding light.”

Now, Vicky feels emotionally prepared to visit Mumbai and explore more opportunities. “I have done many credible films, where I’d be mentioned as a scene-stealer, but it’s the first time, every praise mentions me as the leading man. It’s such a different feeling, especially when directors like Karan Johar, Hansal Mehta and Deepa Mehta specifically mention your name,” the actor smiles.