Vijay Varma Breaks the Mold: 'I'm Not Competitive, It's Not About Winning or Losing in Arts'

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In an industry often defined by cutthroat competition, actor Vijay Varma stands out for his refreshing perspective. In a candid conversation at IFP Season 15, he revealed that he's never been a competitive person, even as a child. For Varma, the focus is on enjoying the journey, not on being the best. Varma has made a name for himself in Bollywood with standout performances in films like 'Pink', 'Gully Boy', 'Darlings', and 'Jaane Jaan', as well as the show 'Dahaad'. His latest film, 'Gustaakh Ishq', sees him play a budding poet who falls for his teacher's daughter, essayed by Fatima Sana Shaikh. One of the highlights of the film, according to Varma, is working with veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. He praises Shah's incredible talent, saying, 'He has got that baritone, that voice that comes from somewhere else. It sounds like the voice of the universe.' Varma also mentions that Shah's ability to switch between languages and dialects is truly remarkable. Varma's co-star, Fatima Sana Shaikh, shares similar admiration for Shah, referring to him as a 'teacher' who helped her understand the importance of 'living in the moment' as an artist. The on-screen chemistry between Varma and Shaikh is attributed to their genuine friendship, which they've developed through their time spent together on set. When asked about the secret to their on-screen romance, Varma attributes it to their friendship and a strong connection built on humor. Shaikh adds that the ease of their on-screen relationship stems from their shared warmth and friendship. Varma's unorthodox approach to competition is a refreshing change of pace in an industry often defined by rivalry. As he says, 'It’s not the Olympics. I feel I have my own journey, I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing.' His commitment to enjoying the journey, rather than focusing on winning or losing, is a valuable lesson for artists and audiences alike.