Mumbai: Actor Vijay Varma has opened up about one of the most difficult phases of his life – battling childhood trauma and depression during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Speaking on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast “Chapter 2,” the actor revealed how Ira Khan, daughter of actor Aamir Khan, played a crucial role in helping him seek therapy and begin his healing journey.
A Complicated Relationship with His Father
Vijay reflected on his strained relationship with his father, describing it as both admiring and challenging.
“When I was a little boy, I was fascinated by my father. He had a very dynamic personality – flamboyant, short-tempered, unpredictable. That kept me both surprised and shocked,” he said.
However, as he grew older, admiration turned into conflict.
“My love for my father took a beating when I became a teenager. He loved me, but he wanted so many things from me that I didn’t want – my career, my friends, even how I spent my time. Everything about me seemed to bother him,” he recalled.
Lockdown Struggles and Loneliness
Varma revealed that during the Covid-19 lockdown, he faced a deep emotional crisis while living alone in Mumbai.
“I was all alone in an apartment in Mumbai. I had a small terrace – that sky saved me. The pause made me realise how lonely I had become while constantly chasing work,” he said.
It was during this period that Ira Khan stepped in to support him. “I kept deteriorating. Ira was the first to say, ‘Vijay, you need to start moving.’ She made me join Zoom workouts. She was like my coach,” he shared.
Therapy, Yoga, and Healing
The Mirzapur actor credited therapy and yoga for helping him confront long-buried emotional wounds.
“She told me therapy isn’t bad. Coming from a dysfunctional family, if you don’t sort things out, it leaves a lasting mark. You think you’ve forgotten childhood hurt, but the subconscious remembers,” he said, echoing Ira’s advice.
Varma said he often cried for hours without knowing why – until therapy helped him understand the impact of his early experiences. He also reflected on how childhood patterns can influence adult relationships:
“Often, failed relationships during childhood make love seem frightening. You start pushing people away without realising why.”
Finding Strength Through Vulnerability
Vijay Varma’s candid revelations have struck a chord with fans, highlighting the importance of mental health conversations in the entertainment industry. His journey from loneliness to emotional awareness underscores the message that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.