Speak Like Them, Be Them: Vijay Varma On Getting Into Characters

Vijay Varma is a master of his craft, known for his intense and nuanced performances that leave a lasting impression. With a passion for taking on diverse roles across various platforms, he has established himself as one of the most promising talents in the Indian film industry. His standout performances in Gully Boy and Darlings have earned him widespread acclaim, with critics praising his authenticity and depth. As a result, he has received numerous nominations and awards, cementing his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.

Varma shared his inspiring story with Dr. Anurag Batra, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld at the Future of Design Summit 2024. As he looked back on his journey, Varma revealed that his teenage years were a time of exploration. He said, "I experimented with various things as a teenager. In my early 20s, I was searching for my path. My first dream was to become a comic book artist. I spent hours sketching and even wrote letters to Raj Comics. I eventually moved on to video games. For a brief time, I wanted to be a tattoo artist too. I knew I wanted to do something related to art and design. I even considered fashion designing. But my father threw each of these ideas out of the window. I was left with no choice but to run away from home.”

If he weren’t an actor, he would likely have pursued a career in video games or comic books, he added.

Preparation Is The Key

The key to unlocking an actor's performance is preparation. It's a crucial part of the acting process. The same is true for Varma, who puts in a lot of homework before each role. "I try to sound like the character, using their language, accent and surroundings as my starting point," he explained.

 "For example, for Gully Boy, I studied the dialect of Dharavi, a Muslim neighbourhood in Mumbai. It's different from the dialect spoken in other parts of the city. Differentiating between them is important. I focus on the character's voice and diction first, and then move on to other aspects of the role," he added. 

Movies And Society

Movies can have a profound impact on society. The medium can be a powerful tool for sparking conversations and raising awareness about important issues. Varma noted, "It does put a magnifying glass, for sure. In Pink, for example, the whole idea of consent became a conversation at the dining table. Even with Darlings, the theme was about domestic abuse and women finding the power in themselves to battle it. Recently, Laapata Ladies and Dahaad did the same. People watching are receiving what they are supposed to receive."

Varma is a renowned actor who graduated from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. He made his film debut in 2012 with Chittagong, but it was his role in the 2016 courtroom drama Pink that brought him to wider attention. Since then, he has appeared in a number of acclaimed films, including Gully Boy in 2019, for which he was nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has also had success in web series, starring in Mirzapur and Dahaad. Varma is known for his intense performances and his ability to fully immerse himself in his roles. He is considered to be one of the most talented actors in Indian cinema.

Soumya Sehgal Bhutani

BW Reporters Soumya is the Senior Editorial Lead at BW Marketing World. She extensively writes on the Indian media, marketing and advertising ecosystem in India.