Vijay Varma is one of the most striking and versatile actors in modern Hindi cinema and streaming
He first came to wide attention after Pink (2016), and since then he has moved between mainstream films, indie features and prestige streaming series.
Varma is known for characters who are quiet but volatile, simple but complex. His performances tend to linger.
Fans and critics often praise him for choosing projects that let him dig into shade and contradiction rather than opt for safe, glossy star turns.

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Table of Contents
Vijay Varma’s Biography
Early life and training
Vijay Varma was born and raised in Hyderabad in a Marwari family. He is the youngest of three siblings.
Growing up he had a strong interest in stories and theatre. Sunday films and comic books were part of his childhood routine and helped shape an early love for performance.
He took to theatre in Hyderabad and later decided to take formal training. Varma attended the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune which provided him structured training and a launchpad into screen acting. 1
FTII is a notable route into Indian cinema for actors and technicians. For Varma the combination of theatre experience and institute training made a difference when he moved to Mumbai.
He has spoken in interviews about the value of craft and of choosing varied roles rather than chasing stardom alone.
Artists and entertainment industry always requires a lot of support, nurturing, encouragement.. and acknowledgment. thank you for the kind words honourable prime minister ji. 🌸🙏🏻 This is very encouraging ❤️ https://t.co/D7beBXlKTT
— Vijay Varma (@MrVijayVarma) December 31, 2024
Stats Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Vijay Varma |
| Date of birth | 29 March 1986. |
| Age (as of 2025) | 39 years (born 1986). |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, India. |
| Education | Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. |
| Years active | ca. 2008–present. |
| Known for | Pink, Gully Boy, Mirzapur, Darlings, Dahaad, Jaane Jaan. |
| Major awards | Filmfare OTT Award — Critics’ Choice Best Actor (Drama series) for Dahaad (Critics). |
| Agency / Representation | Not publicly consolidated; works across films and streaming platforms. |
| Notable collaborators | Directors: Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Zoya Akhtar, Hansal Mehta (project announced 2025), Nagraj Manjule (web series). |
Early screen work (short films, TV, supporting roles)
Varma’s first on-screen work includes short films and small parts in features. He appeared in short films like Shor and in TV work before getting supporting roles in feature films.
His early film credits include a part in the historical drama Chittagong (2012), and supporting parts in films such as Rangrezz and Gang of Ghosts.
These roles were small but gave him set experience and visibility among casting directors. 2

Breakthrough: Pink and the path to more visible work
Vijay Varma’s wider public recognition started after his part in Pink (2016). While the film’s principal spotlight was on the lead actors and its social message, Varma’s steady presence added depth to the ensemble.
After Pink, Varma moved on to more prominent projects and began to be seen as a reliable character actor who could carry complicated emotional beats.
In the years that followed he balanced indie sensibilities with commercial visibility. He took parts that offered substance over star billing. That choice helped him build a filmography with variety and range.3

Notable Films and Roles
Below are some of the roles that defined Varma’s career and why they matter.
Gully Boy (2019) — Varma played Moeen, a supporting role in Zoya Akhtar’s film that became a landmark for urban storytelling in Hindi cinema.
Gully Boy reached international audiences and brought more industry attention to Varma. The film’s success opened doors for him but did not change his habit of picking layered supporting parts.
Darlings (2022) — Varma played Hamza Sheikh in a dark-comedy drama that was produced for streaming. The film showcased his ability to handle tone shifts and to play characters within morally complex stories. Critics noted his timing and the restraint he often brings to scenes.
Dahaad (2023) — This streaming series gave Varma one of his most praised performances. He won critical attention and the Filmfare OTT Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role. The series highlighted Varma’s capacity to anchor a tense, procedural narrative and to humanize difficult characters. 4
Jaane Jaan (2023) — Varma’s presence in this thriller further solidified his status as a go-to supporting actor for high-profile streaming projects. His choices indicate a strong affinity for content-driven cinema and for platforms that let actors explore nuance.
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024) — A Netflix series where Varma appeared alongside veteran actors in a dramatized retelling of a real-life event. The project added a historical-political dimension to his resume and exposed him to new audience segments.

Work in Streaming and Web Series
Over the last few years, streaming platforms gave Varma broader canvas to both star in and support projects.
From gritty dramas to psychological thrillers he has become a regular presence on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other platforms.
Roles in Mirzapur, Dahaad, Jaane Jaan and IC 814 show a clear tilt toward bold, often morally ambiguous storytelling that streaming viewers prefer.
Critics have noted that some of his best work comes in this format because it allows the slow burn that suits his acting style.
Collaborations and Recent Projects
Varma has worked with acclaimed directors and casts. He has collaborated with Zoya Akhtar, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Nagraj Manjule and others.
In mid-2025 he announced a collaboration with director Hansal Mehta, a pairing that caused industry buzz because Mehta is known for layered, socially conscious films and series.
Varma has also wrapped work on a period web series titled Matka King, directed by Nagraj Manjule, a project set in 1960s Mumbai. These projects indicate a continued focus on ambitious and character-led narratives.5
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Awards and Recognition
Varma’s most notable accolades so far include praise and awards from streaming-focused institutions.
He won the Filmfare OTT Critics’ Choice Best Actor (Drama series) for Dahaad and received nominations for supporting actor categories earlier in his career.
While not a conventional “award sweep” star, he has steadily earned critical recognition that underscores his strength as a performer in serious, sometimes experimental storytelling.
Personal Life
Publicly available information indicates that Varma keeps his personal life relatively private. Media coverage over recent years discussed a relationship reported in press pieces.
He has also been photographed and covered in lifestyle interviews that highlight his travel and culinary preferences.
While the actor occasionally appears in lifestyle features, he tends to return interviews to the subject of acting and script choice rather than personal detail.
For factual items about relationships and personal timeline, rely on published interviews and contemporary reporting.

Filmography
This is a short, selective list of films and series that show his range. For full filmography consult film databases.
Selected films and series
-
Shor (short, 2008) — early festival short.
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Chittagong (2012) — supporting role.
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Pink (2016) — notable early breakout.
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Gully Boy (2019) — supporting role that increased visibility.
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Ghost Stories (segment, 2020) — anthology film.
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Baaghi 3 (2020) — commercial action.
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Bamfaad (2020) — gritty drama.
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Darlings (2022) — streaming hit.
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Dahaad (2023) — acclaimed OTT series.
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Jaane Jaan (2023) — high-profile streaming thriller.
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IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024) — ensemble drama on Netflix.
Databases such as IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes keep updated filmography pages.
Impact and future trajectory
Vijay Varma’s career path shows a modern actor blueprint: strong foundation in theatre and formal training, then a careful selection of film and streaming projects.
His move into prestige streaming work and collaborations with top directors suggest a future where he may take on more lead roles in character-driven films and series.
The collaboration with Hansal Mehta announced in 2025 is a sign that established filmmakers see him as a compelling lead or central supporting performer in serious cinema.
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FAQ’s
Q: When was Vijay Varma born?
A: He was born on 29 March 1986.
Q: Where is Vijay Varma from?
A: He is from Hyderabad, India.
Q: Did Vijay Varma attend a film school?
A: Yes. He trained at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
Q: What was Vijay Varma’s first major film?
A: He gained wider recognition after his role in Pink (2016). Prior to that he worked in short films, TV and small feature roles.
Q: Which role won him major critical recognition?
A: His role in the series Dahaad earned him the Filmfare OTT Critics’ Choice Best Actor (Drama series) award and wide critical praise.
Q: Has Vijay Varma worked in regional cinema?
A: Yes, he has worked across languages. For example, he appeared in the Telugu film Middle Class Abbayi (MCA).
Q: Is he active on streaming platforms?
A: Very much so. He has notable credits on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming services, including Darlings, Jaane Jaan, Mirzapur and IC 814.
Q: What makes Vijay Varma stand out as an actor?
A: His restrained intensity, careful use of silence, and preference for complex, morally ambiguous roles. Critics often credit him for elevating supporting parts.
Q: What projects are coming up for him?
A: As of 2025 he had signed on for a film with director Hansal Mehta and completed a web series titled Matka King directed by Nagraj Manjule. Release dates depend on platform schedules.
Closing Thoughts
Vijay Varma is a model of a modern character actor in Indian cinema. He blends theatre roots, formal training and a careful selection of roles to build a body of work that rewards close viewing.
His trajectory suggests more central roles in prestige projects and continued collaboration with filmmakers drawn to layered storytelling.
For up-to-date release dates and new projects, check his official agency announcements and platform release calendars.
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