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Vijay Varma recalls casting couch experience: Model coordinator was getting touchy-feely
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MumbaiUpdated: Aug 1, 2026 02:30 PM IST Vijay Varma has built one of the most versatile careers in recent years. From Gully Boy and Darlings to Dahaad, each project has showcased a different facet of his craft, with the actor consistently delivering performances that are both distinct and memorable. Whether in a leading role or a brief appearance, Vijay has always found a way to leave a lasting impression, cementing his place among the finest actors of his generation. Recently, the actor opened up about the struggles he faced before finding success, recalling how his early attempts at modelling left him deeply discouraged after an uncomfortable encounter with a model coordinator. ‘Model coordinator misbehaved with me’ Speaking to Prakhar Gupta on his YouTube channel, Vijay said, “I tried modelling in Hyderabad, just small-time, amateur-level work. But I came across this weird model coordinator. He started to misbehave with me a little bit, like just trying to get a little touchy-feely. I said, ‘Bro, what is this? What are you doing?’ So I got discouraged immediately. You get discouraged very quickly when you’re still inexperienced. Then I thought, I think I should address it head-on. If acting is what I want to do, then I have to do it.”The road to acting, however, proved no easier. “So I went to a theatre school in Hyderabad called Sutradhar School of Acting. I told them, ‘I want to learn acting.’ But they turned me away. They said, ‘It requires commitment, it requires dedication. This isn’t something you’ll do for two days and then leave.’ I thought, they’re not even giving me a chance.” Vijay Varma got rejected by FTII He added, “Then I applied to FTII. I found out they had a two-year acting course. I applied, made it to the final round, and got rejected. And for the first time, I realised that your dreams aren’t entirely in your hands. It’s not like you want something and you automatically get it. You don’t.” Reflecting on the lesson those setbacks taught him, Vijay added, “When you’re growing up, you’re entitled in a way. Your parents are there, your family is there, everything is taken care of. You get what you want. Eventually, you get what you want. But then you realize that in the outside world, it’s not easy to get what you want, whether it’s getting a seat in a college or getting to do what you feel like doing.” Vijay eventually returned to FTII, where he was finally accepted into its acting programme. At the institute, he studied alongside future actors Rajkummar Rao and Jaideep Ahlawat.Story continues below this ad He was last seen in the web series Matka King. DISCLAIMER: This article contains personal reflections on early career challenges, rejection, and sensitive workplace experiences shared in an interview context. The narrative represents individual recollections and is presented solely for informational and editorial purposes.
Chennai Metro warns of Rs 2,500 fine for playing music without earphones inside trains (Image generated using AI)Chennai Metro Railway new rules: The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has advised passengers to use earphones while playing music or videos inside trains and on station premises. It said that passengers violating the rule can face a fine of up to Rs 2,500. The move aims at improving the passenger experience, reducing noise pollution and disturbance inside metro trains. “CMRL requests all passengers to use headphones; avoid speaker mode and loud conversations in metro premises to respect fellow commuters’ comfort,” it said.In its Gazette notification dated June 19, 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) announced that following the amendment under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, the penalty under Section 59 has been revised. According to Section 59 of the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002, any act that causes nuisance or discomfort to fellow passengers or interferes with the comfort of passengers is a punishable offence. This includes: using mobile phones in a manner that creates excessive noise such as loud conversations, playing music or videos without headphones, and using speaker mode inside metro trains and premises. In a statement, the CMRL said: “…as detailed in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Gazette notification dated 19.06.2026 – the penalty under Section 59 for creating a nuisance (such as listening to music without a headset) has been increased from the earlier fine of Rs. 500/- to a fine of up to Rs. 2,500/-, alongside potential removal from the metro premises by authorized officials.” Last month, the CMRL conducted a passenger awareness campaign to promote safe and disciplined travel and to enhance the overall commuter experience. The campaign focused on the following important practices: Allow passengers to alight before boarding. Keep train doors clear and unobstructed. Do not cross the yellow line while waiting on the platform. Follow the “Stand Left, Walk Right” practice while using escalators. Use headphones for personal audio and video entertainment. Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More Tags: Chennai Chennai Metro Tamil Nadu
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