Vijay Varma, now a celebrated Bollywood actor, recently shared an anecdote about his early struggles, revealing that he was once denied entry into a class led by the veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. This occurred during his time as a student, highlighting the challenges and rejections he faced on his path to success.
Varma's journey began far from the film industry's spotlight. Born and raised in Hyderabad, he initially pursued a B.Com degree before deciding to follow his passion for acting. He joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, a decision that strained his relationship with his family, particularly his father, who had hoped he would join the family's handicraft business. Overcoming this opposition, Varma left home to enroll in FTII.
Before finding success in Bollywood, Varma worked various odd jobs to support himself. He sold SIM cards, worked in call centers, and took on temporary roles, learning valuable lessons about resilience and seizing opportunities. He humorously recalls the pressure of selling SIM cards for Idea Cellular, where his boss would push him relentlessly to achieve higher sales targets.
After completing his training at FTII, Varma moved to Mumbai and began his career with small roles in theater and film. His early performances showcased his authenticity and intensity, setting him apart from conventional actors. He made his on-screen debut in the short film "Shor" (2008), which received accolades at various film festivals. He followed this with his feature film debut in "Chittagong" (2012) and supporting roles in films like "Rangrezz" (2013) and "Gang of Ghosts" (2014).
Varma gained recognition with his role in the film "Pink" (2016). He continued to impress with his performances in "Gully Boy" (2019), "Darlings" (2022), and web series such as "Mirzapur". His ability to portray complex characters has made him a respected figure in the industry.
Despite his current success, Varma has openly discussed the rejections he faced early in his career. In a recent interview, he shared a bizarre incident where he was dropped from a film because the filmmaker's astrologer didn't approve of his pictures. The astrologer "did not believe in" the prospect of casting him.
During his early years, Naseeruddin Shah's advice played a crucial role in shaping Varma's perspective. Shah advised his students that if they had a Plan B, they should take it, because the path to becoming an actor is filled with tough times. This guidance instilled a sense of determination in Varma, who chose to focus solely on acting and wait for the right opportunities.
Varma's filmography includes notable films such as "Pink", "Gully Boy", "Baaghi 3", and "Darlings", and web series like "Mirzapur", "She", and "Dahaad". His upcoming projects include "Murder Mubarak" and "Mirzapur 3".
