Vijay Varma talks about the time he had only Rs 18 in his account: "It was my lowest low"

Vijay Varma is a prominent actor who has garnered acclaim for his diverse roles in films and web series such as 'Darlings,' 'Gully Boy,' and 'Mirzapur.' His career took off with a breakthrough role in the critically acclaimed film 'Pink,' where he starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu.
Despite his success, Varma's path has not been without its challenges.He faced significant financial struggles early in his career. His commitment to his craft often meant prioritizing artistic integrity over financial security, a choice that led him to some of his lowest points.
In a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Vijay reflected on a particularly difficult period in his life when he had only Rs 18 in his bank account. This moment of vulnerability highlights the stark contrast between his current success and the challenges he faced as an emerging actor. He recalls, “It was a very bad time, it was my lowest low. There were just Rs 18 in my account and I could either eat panipuri or idli.”
The ‘Gully Boy’ actor's decision to stop taking money from his family during this time was rooted in a desire to prove himself. He explained, “I had stopped taking money from home because my father wasn’t talking to me.”
His determination to succeed without relying on his family's financial support was fueled by advice from a wise friend. “An intelligent person had told me that till the time you are getting money for rent and basic expenses, you won’t move. You have a fire inside; let it burn,” he recalled. This perspective pushed him to confront his challenges head-on, ultimately leading to personal growth and professional success.
Fast forward to the current time, Vijay Varma will next be seen in 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.' In this series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, he portrays Captain Devi Sharan, the pilot of the hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999. The series, which also features esteemed actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur, is set to stream on OTT from August 29, 2024.