@Inditalk
Matters that matter to the average Indian
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:31
In conversation with actor Varun Vazir
Varun Wazir is an actor who has traveled through many roles across many mediums and is a familiar face in the advertising world. Varun has featured in many plays, movies, the latest being Fields like ish on Netflix and commercials including the Hyundai commercial with Sharukhan and many many more. Maroon, Besides acting, loves working with children through his speech and drama workshops and is a social media enthusiast. Welcome Varon
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 0:15
Hello. Hi. Hi. Thank you so much for having me here. I think it's a great platform to be on and this is going to be my first podcast, so I'm really excited to be here. Thank you for having me
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:24
Varun in one of your interviews, I heard you mention that your parents supported you in going after your dream of becoming an actor in a country that is obsessed with academics. This is a refreshing perspective. How did they support you in your dreams and also even as a child? How are you so very clear that this is what you wanted to do
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 1:32
In fact, I actually started off acting as a child and hardly did I know that I will be pursuing it as an adult because in my childhood it was more like a hobby for me. But I still remember when I actually started deciding to take it up as a career. One thing that they really told me was the fact that we will support you for everything that you do, but just ensure one thing that you can make your ends meet at all times
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 0:21
I'd also like to add one more point. You know, the fact that my parents trusted me with acting in return, I also had a lot of responsibility of not letting them down. I always had in mind that no matter what I do, I don't want to let my parents down because they've trusted me with something which is so uncertain. That is acting
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:33
Maroon. Thank you for that response. I think this approach that your parents had of trusting you with your decision, but at the same time, letting you know that financial independence is of utmost importance. You know, that approach is just, just so wonderful. And the trust they placed in you must have inspired you to naturally give your very best you have worked across genres and mediums, from theater advertising to OTG platforms, which among these has been the most challenging
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 1:55
And because the audience is sitting right in front of you, you get a spontaneous reaction from them, whether it's going well, whether it's not. Theater is a lot about energy and vibes. You can feel it from the audience. When they give you that energy and vibe, you give it back to them, you receive it from them, you give it back to them
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:35
Yes. The love for Theatre must be something that is deep rooted, I'm sure. And the high that you get from a live audience is unmatchable and also helps you master the craft in so many ways. I understand that. Thank you for sharing this. You also work a lot with children. And of course, my son is a huge fan of yours. And they simply love your workshop kids. So can you share little about your work with children
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 1:01
I mean, I just feel that all these years, whatever little that I've been able to learn about acting, I just want to try and pass it on to them so that they get an early start in life
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:18
Often I have felt that it's luck more than talent that has favored a few of the big stars in the Indian film industry, especially Bollywood. Do you think things are changing and more opportunities are emerging for real talent
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 1:19
I think every emerging talent or every good actor is on OTT right now and everybody has equal amount of screen space and a platform to show their talent. So luck is always going to play an important role, but it is eventually going to be your acting skill set which is going to be seen on screen
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 0:20
So you know, you can be a lucky actor who's getting more opportunities or who's got the opportunity, but you can't just be a lucky actor. You also have to be a good actor to get more work. You might get your first break because of luck, but to succeed, staying it is eventually going to be your work that is going to get you more work
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:18
That's very exciting to know that it's a level playing field now and it's all about talent and hard work. Moving on to the next question. What is the mantra that has kept you going in an industry that is so full of uncertainties
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 1:27
You know, because it is so uncertain. It is also exciting and thrilling in a way. When you shoot for a particular project, you don't know when it's going to be your next project. So that always keeps you on your toes to work better and stronger, drive harder. But one of the things with the mantras that I believe is that you cannot be complacent no matter how much work you've done or you are doing at the moment
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 0:40
And that's what I believe, that even if I'm going for a small shoot, I want to ensure ensure that the kind of work that I do leaves a tiny impact on people so that they would want to have me again on their side. And I think that's what is very important
Sreeja V
@Wordsmith · 0:16
True. There is no shortcut to success, as they say. It's hard work and pure grit and determination. What would be your words of advice to youngsters who are interested in pursuing acting as a career
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 1:09
I'd like to say that it's going to be difficult if you choose to be an actor, but it will be worthwhile in the end. You can't expect to wake up one day and say that AJ Muja Actor Banana thinkeringale it's not that simple. If possible, please get a formal training in acting. It is something which is not self learned. There are different techniques and science to it. So I think getting that knowledge is very important
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 0:23
One more advice that I'd like to give everyone is to learn languages. That is something that you will never regret in life. If you're planning to enter Hindi film industry then please no basic knowledge of Hindi and English for sure. If you're planning to enter the south then you have different languages in the south. So I think having a good command of language is very important
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 0:46
Like even at home, every time I have a self test or an audition to send, my whole family comes together to help me out. My body will hold the phone, my dad will give me the queues. My nephew will become the prop. My dad and my mom will hold the lights. So I think it's eventually the people that you are surrounded with make it happen for you. Thank you so much. Once again
Hi. I just want to say thank you so much for making this welcome. I listened to all the conversations. It was just really interesting to hear about someone who is already in the industry and has had success. I think the conversation is over. But if you are up to answer any more questions, I was just wondering what your greatest kind of advice is for acting because I know that you touched on a few, but what do you think is most important?
Swell Team
@Swell · 0:15
Varun Vazir
@varunvazir · 1:08
So you have to constantly keep learning at every single chance an opportunity you get to. I think also learning different languages is something that really helps you and you don't know what skill set and what language will come in handy at what point in time. So nothing goes waste. And third thing would be to be physically fit