Actor Vijay Varma, known for his compelling performances, recently opened up about a challenging period in his life. Amid buzz for his upcoming film ‘Gustakh Ishq,’ Varma shared intimate details of his long struggle with depression and the deep-seated family conflicts that marked his early years.
Varma’s struggles began in childhood, characterized by a strained relationship with his father. Speaking on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast, he described his father as “very flamboyant and short-tempered.”
He explained that while his father loved him, he harbored strong desires for Varma’s life path, often clashing with the actor’s own aspirations. “My career, my friends, even how I spent my time, everything about me bothered him,” Varma recounted.
The family business became a point of contention. Varma’s father wished for him to join the ancestral trade, but Varma found it increasingly difficult due to his father’s temperament. He noted, “The more I resisted, the more his anger grew.”
Eventually, Varma made the decisive choice to leave home after securing admission to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), pursuing his passion for acting despite the familial friction.
Years later, the isolation of the 2020 lockdown intensified Varma’s internal turmoil. He found himself alone in his Mumbai apartment, prompting a stark realization about his mental state. “This halt made me realize how alone I had become while constantly chasing work,” he shared.
It was during this period that superstar Aamir Khan’s daughter, Ira Khan, observed Varma’s declining condition. She stepped in, convincing him to participate in workout sessions, a critical intervention that marked a turning point.
Through therapy and yoga, Varma began to find relief, acknowledging that he had been grappling with severe depression and anxiety. This period of healing allowed him to reflect on his journey.
Despite his current success, a sense of regret persists regarding his past. Varma admitted, “I still regret leaving home. I left my family and struggled alone for a decade, but success didn’t come” – a poignant reflection on the personal cost of his artistic pursuit.
Varma’s journey from personal strife to critical acclaim continues to unfold. He is set to appear alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh in the upcoming film ‘Gustakh Ishq,’ slated for release on November 21, 2025.
