Actor Vijay Varma Speaks About Mental Health Journey

MUMBAI: Actor Vijay Varma, known for his powerful performances, has opened up for the first time about his personal struggle with depression and anxiety.

In a candid conversation, the 39-year-old star shared how therapy, yoga, and friendships helped him recover from a period he described as “lonely” and “terrifying.”

During an open discussion on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast, Vijay Varma revealed that he was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety.

The actor described this time as one of immense loneliness, saying, “I was all alone in an apartment in Mumbai. Luckily, I had a small terrace where I could see the sky and be with the elements. Otherwise, I would’ve gone mad. Actually, I did.”

Varma admitted that constant work pressure and isolation took a heavy toll on his well-being. “That constant running after work — the byproduct is that you become so lonely. I felt very lonely, very afraid, and I was like, why can’t I move from my couch for four days? What’s going on?” he recalled.

Vijay credited Aamir Khan’s daughter, Ira Khan, and fellow actor Gulshan Devaiah for supporting him during his difficult phase. Since Ira was working on Dahaad at the time, the two became close and often interacted online.

As his condition worsened, Ira encouraged him to stay active and join her workout sessions. “She motivated me to keep moving,” he said, adding that this guidance played a key role in helping him regain focus before he sought professional help.

After consulting a therapist, Varma was formally diagnosed with depression and anxiety. He explained that therapy, along with yoga practices like Surya Namaskar, gradually helped him feel more balanced and connected.

“Yoga and therapy helped me reconnect with myself. I started feeling a little lighter every day,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and open conversations about it.

On the work side, Vijay Varma was last seen in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack and Murder Mubarak. His upcoming project, Gustaakh Ishq, is scheduled for release on November 28.

The actor’s openness about his mental health marks an important moment in Bollywood, where such discussions are still emerging from the shadows.