Varun Sood says working in Jug Jugg Jeeyo was ‘life-changing’

Model-actor Varun Sood spoke to India Today Digital about his career-defining experience in Jug Jugg Jeeyo. Otherwise known for his television stints and reality shows, Varun’s foray into mainstream Bollywood with this Dharma production marked a pivotal moment in his transition from a TV personality to a film actor.
Though he wasn’t cast in a leading role, Varun Sood made a significant impact with his performance as Prakajta Koli’s love interest in the film. The film featured Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, and Maniesh Paul in lead roles.
Reflecting on his journey, Varun Sood told India Today Digital, “Even though the role was a small cameo, and the film did so well overall that every character was noticed. I started getting calls from casting agents and different production houses. I find myself to be very lucky that Karan [Johar], Raj [Mehta], and Apoorva [Mehta] picked me to do that part because it was life-changing for me.”
Varun spoke about his experience on the sets of the film, “I had never been on a film set where everything is larger than life. Obviously, it was a Dharma set and I still remember my first day. Even though my shot was at 2 at night, I arrived on the sets at 2 in the afternoon because I wanted to take in the entire experience. I sat with Raj [Mehta], and said I was going to be there and observe everything because I really wanted to take every bit of this experience in.”
The actor added, “I saw how Anil [Kapoor] sir was working with such enthusiasm, even Kiara [Advani] and Varun [Dhawan] were in it. I loved the fact that everybody was doing their bit and still working towards making the scene better. Nobody was being selfish about the fact about how much they were getting to do, but were all working towards the goal. That was a major shift that I saw from being a reality TV contestant to being on a film set. In a film set, everybody has the same goal: to make the project win. But in a reality show, you’re obviously focused on making yourself win. So the teamwork is not really there. But on a film set, you’re performing your best, and you’re working as a team. I found that really beautiful.”
Varun also spoke about his days of struggle before Jug Jugg Jeeyo happened: “Ever since I joined the industry, it has been great. However, there was a time of two years when I did not pick up anything. I tried not to be part of reality shows as a contestant ever again. That’s the time when I decided that I’ll take acting workshops and will try to audition and hopefully become an actor. So for two years, nobody reached out, and I was not getting any callbacks after my auditions. I kept giving auditions wherever in whatever capacity, but failed to get callbacks from anybody. So there was a time that I felt like, am I really meant to do this? Shifting from reality TV to films is a big jump, and not a lot of people have done it.”
However, Varun asserted that he worked really hard to get where he is today. “There was uncertainty and fear, but I also believe in the fact that I’ve worked really hard on my craft. I have been training at my ground for a very long time. So one day or the other, it will potentially pay off,” said the actor.
Further citing Jug Jugg Jeeyo’s example, he told us, “Ever since I got that small part in the film, I felt like I’m meant for bigger things. Since then, everything has been great. I know that whatever I do, I will give my best and there’s no compromising on performing for any project.”
On the work front, Varun Sood was seen in Ananya Panday’s Call Me Bae.