The world of Bollywood is filled with stories of actors from different backgrounds coming together to create cinematic magic. What's fascinating is when these actors share a history that goes beyond the screen. Recent buzz reveals that Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat, both known for their performances in the thriller ‘Jaane Jaan,’ actually go way back as batchmates from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
Vijay Varma, born on March 29, 1984, in Hyderabad, displayed an early interest in acting, participating in community theater before attending FTII in Pune. He faced opposition from his parents initially, but with a friend's financial help, he pursued his acting dreams. After graduating from FTII, Varma moved to Mumbai in 2008 to begin his Bollywood journey.
Jaideep Ahlawat, born on February 8, 1980, in Kharkara, Haryana, also graduated from FTII in 2008. His path to acting wasn't straightforward, as he initially aspired to join the Indian Army. After failing the SSB interviews, he turned to acting, participating in stage shows before joining FTII. Like Varma, Ahlawat moved to Mumbai after graduation to pursue his acting aspirations.
The two actors' shared alma mater, FTII, is a prestigious film institute that has nurtured numerous talents in the Indian film industry. Both Varma and Ahlawat honed their skills at the institute, studying acting and developing their craft. In fact, Rajkummar Rao and Sunny Hinduja were also their batchmates at FTII. A photo of Ahlawat, Rao, Varma, and Hinduja from their FTII days went viral, showcasing their bond and shared history.
Varma and Ahlawat's journey from FTII classmates to co-stars in ‘Jaane Jaan’ is a testament to their dedication and perseverance. In ‘Jaane Jaan’, Varma plays a sharp inspector, Karan Anand, while Ahlawat portrays Naren, a lonely math teacher. The film, an adaptation of Keigo Higashino's novel "The Devotion of Suspect X," features Kareena Kapoor Khan as the lead, with Varma and Ahlawat playing pivotal roles. Critics have praised the performances of the lead cast, including Varma and Ahlawat.
The camaraderie between Varma and Ahlawat extends beyond their shared history as FTII classmates. They have also worked together in other films, such as ‘Baaghi 3’. Varma and Ahlawat also shared screen space in the 2012 film ‘Chittagong’. Both actors have expressed appreciation for each other's work and have maintained a strong friendship over the years.
The success of ‘Jaane Jaan’ has further solidified Varma and Ahlawat's positions in the industry. Varma, who gained recognition for his role in ‘Pink’ (2016), has since appeared in several films and web series, including ‘Gully Boy’ (2019) and ‘Mirzapur’. Ahlawat, known for his role in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ (2012), has also starred in critically acclaimed series like ‘Paatal Lok’ (2020).
The story of Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat is an inspiring example of how shared experiences and a common passion can lead to lasting friendships and successful careers. From their days as FTII batchmates to their recent collaboration in ‘Jaane Jaan,’ their journey is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the bonds they forged along the way.
