In a recent revelation that highlights the dedication of aspiring actors, Vijay Varma shared an inspiring story about his determined pursuit to learn from legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah. The actor, who later worked alongside his idol, recalled a pivotal moment when he and a friend stood outside Shah's Pune acting class until they were finally invited in.
The Day Determination Overcame Rejection
Vijay Varma recently opened up about his long-standing admiration for Naseeruddin Shah, confessing that he had "hero-worshipped" the veteran actor since his early twenties. During his time at the prestigious Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Varma missed crucial opportunities to learn from Shah when the veteran actor visited the campus both before and after Varma's batch period.
Determined not to miss another chance, Varma discovered that Shah was conducting acting classes in Pune. He immediately decided to enroll with a friend. However, their enthusiasm met with initial resistance when Shah refused them entry, concerned that their senior status might distract younger students in the class.
Patience That Paid Off
Rather than accepting the rejection, Varma and his friend demonstrated remarkable persistence. They waited outside the classroom throughout the entire day, showing their commitment to learning from the master actor. Their patience ultimately caught Shah's attention by evening, and he invited them to join the next session.
Varma described the following two months under Shah's mentorship during winter as truly transformative. "Getting an opportunity to work with Naseeruddin Shah for two months in the winters made my life successful," the actor reflected emotionally.
From Student to Co-Star: The Full Circle Moment
Reflecting on Shah's teaching methods, Varma emphasized the veteran actor's meticulous approach. "He was meticulous. He'd catch you. If you try to be smart about it, boss, you're gone! He's got a very sharp eye!" Varma shared, highlighting Shah's observant nature and exacting standards.
Years after this formative learning experience, Varma's dedication and persistence culminated in a dream-come-true moment when he got the opportunity to share screen space with his mentor in the upcoming film 'Gustaakh Ishq'. This collaboration represents a perfect full-circle moment in the actor's career, from waiting outside Shah's classroom to working alongside him as a professional colleague.
The story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination in the competitive world of acting, showing how genuine admiration and persistence can eventually lead to achieving one's dreams.
