"This was so awkward to watch."
Vijay Varma won the Best Performance award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 for his role in the web series Matka King.
However, it was not just his award that caught attention, but also a witty and memorable exchange with host Dolly Singh on stage.
The actor and content creator noted how Vijay has become widely associated with morally complex and antagonistic roles across his career.
She cited his performances in projects like Darlings and Dahaad, calling him the “biggest red flag” on screen for viewers.
Dolly told him that whenever audiences see his name attached to a project, they immediately wonder who is in trouble.
She said: “You are a walking-talking red flag for us, but we also know that you are also one of the nicest people to work with.
“Everybody says that… so what’s the trick? How do you do it?”
Vijay responded with a casual and deliberate joke, saying:
“Just buy a piece of red cloth and keep it at home, and make as many flags as you want.”
Dolly immediately and playfully dismissed the response, calling it a “lame joke” in front of the entire audience gathered at the ceremony.
Vijay did not miss a beat and fired back with a sharp and confident punchline that left the crowd thoroughly entertained.
He said: “Just as I let go of your terrible compliments aside.”
The exchange quickly went viral on social media after a video from the ceremony began circulating widely across multiple platforms.
Many were divided over whether the interaction was light-hearted banter or slightly uncomfortable to watch.
Some felt the entire exchange was simply a fun moment and that Dolly had clearly referenced his on-screen characters.
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One comment read: “It was a fun banter and she clearly mentioned on screen twice.”
Another viewer wrote: “This was so awkward to watch.”
A third user added: “He usually plays negative roles, which is why she said this.
“Not sure how he took it but she sure wasn’t ill-intentioned.”
Despite the divided reactions, most viewers acknowledged Vijay’s quick wit and his ability to hold his own on a live stage.
His ability to deliver a sharp comeback demonstrated the same charisma that has made him one of Bollywood’s most exciting performers.
Vijay Varma has built a formidable reputation over the last few years for taking on complex characters with grey shades across film and streaming.
