Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma Talk About Being Friends for All Seasons

Actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma’s friendship started at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, where they first crossed paths with shared dreams of making it big in the film industry.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ahlawat and Varma opened up about their enduring friendship, and why they’re thankful to have each other to rely on throughout their journeys.

The conversation has been edited for clarity.

What’s the one thing you’re most thankful for about having each other? What do you lean on each other for?

Jaideep Ahlawat: I think it's always been that when you're feeling low — mentally, especially — you know there's a place you can go to any time. You’ll get a cup of tea, and someone will be there to listen to you without giving you wrong guidance, or over-sympathising with you. Some people don’t know how to be more emotional or show that level of empathy, but that hand on the shoulder — that assurance that someone’s there — is enough. In the early days, the need for this was even greater. Every week, you’d hit a low point and wonder, “Why isn’t this happening for me?” You see scripts coming in, but then suddenly realise you're not included. It was a comfort knowing there were people I could turn to without thinking twice about sharing my problems or mental tensions. Even if they couldn't fix it, they'd stand by me, and honestly, nothing else matters more.

Vijay Varma: Jaideep is like an elder brother and a very solid friend. He has a sharper understanding of life, relationships, people, and even the business (of cinema). His cinema sensibilities are more evolved. I’m constantly learning from him, and it’s amazing to have someone so close who’s just one phone call or conversation away. It’s a privilege. There are people in your life who don’t need you to change for them, and that’s incredibly comforting. The moment you step outside, you're expected to behave a certain way, but with Jaideep, you can sit in a room with your mind and thoughts completely unfiltered. There’s no inhibition, no second-guessing what he'll think or say if you speak freely. That kind of space is so relaxing — it soothes your mind, like playing cards for hours.

When we play cards, it’s more than just the game. Everything from global politics to gossip is discussed, and you don’t think about anything else. Though Jaideep takes cards seriously. If people aren’t playing right, he gets irritated — he wants the game played properly.

Ahlawat: Yes, I get angry because these guys don’t play the game properly. But that’s also fine. Like one of our friends, when he gets upset, he will just sit quietly, staring out of the window. Eventually, someone will go and convince him to join in again, and then everything is back to normal. In that space, you don't overthink anything, and that’s what’s important.