Struggle, Success, and Friendship: Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma | Ride or Die | THR India
In this heartwarming episode of Ride or Die a show on film friendships, Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma take us on a nostalgic journey through their two decade long friendship, from their days at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to their rise in Bollywood. The duo candidly shares their experiences of struggling together, supporting each other through tough times, and celebrating each other's successes. They reminisce about their early days in Mumbai, living on a tight budget, and how their bond helped them navigate the challenges of the film industry.
As established actors now, Jaideep and Vijay reflect on how their friendship has evolved while remaining a constant source of support in their lives. They discuss the importance of having a trusted circle in the competitive world of cinema, their collaborative work in films like "Baaghi," and how they continue to lean on each other for both personal and professional advice. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the genuine camaraderie that exists behind the scenes in Bollywood, showcasing how true friendship can thrive amidst the glitz and glamour of showbiz.
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Welcoming Jaideep and Vijay
01:45 First memories of each other
05:23 Nicknames
06:12 "Wisdom Tree" at FTII
09:03 Initial days and projects at FTII
11:28 Feeling the need to learn
12:30 Language barriers
14:05 Bonding over films
14:42 Overcoming fear of judgment
15:45 Forming the group and group chats
17:18 Importance of friendship in industry
18:15 Praising each other's work
21:00 Fame and friendships
22:29 Story of Jaideep's wedding
26:18 Emotional openness
27:32 Calling each other out
28:19 Auditioning for same roles
29:36 Supporting each other's careers
31:02 Early days in Mumbai
32:18 Meeting regularly
33:31 Cherished memories
35:23 Changes after fame
36:34 Working together on set
38:01 Deciding to do "Baaghi 3" together and praising director Ahmed Khan
40:15 Supporting each other
42:24 Value of genuine friendship
44:10 Conclusion