The actor says he was formally diagnosed with depression and anxiety after struggling with loneliness and work pressure.

Mumbai, November 10: Popular Bollywood actor Vijay Varma has opened up for the first time about his personal battle with depression and anxiety, sharing how therapy, yoga, and emotional support helped him recover from one of the most difficult periods of his life.

Speaking on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast, the 39-year-old actor said he was formally diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, describing that time as “lonely and terrifying.”

“I was all alone in an apartment in Mumbai. Luckily, I had a small terrace where I could see the sky and be with the elements. Otherwise, I would’ve gone mad. Actually, I did,” Varma said.

A Lonely and Difficult Phase

Varma recalled that constant work pressure and isolation had taken a heavy toll on his mental health.

“That constant running after work the byproduct is that you become so lonely. I felt very lonely, very afraid, and I was like, why can’t I move from my couch for four days? What’s going on?” he shared.

His openness marks one of the few times a mainstream Bollywood actor has spoken publicly about depression and anxiety, contributing to the growing conversation about mental well-being in the film industry.

Support from Friends: Ira Khan and Gulshan Devaiah

The actor credited Ira Khan, daughter of Aamir Khan, and fellow actor Gulshan Devaiah for standing by him during his lowest moments.
Varma shared that Ira encouraged him to stay active through exercise and online check-ins.

“She motivated me to keep moving,” he said. “That helped me regain focus before I decided to see a therapist.”

Healing Through Therapy and Yoga

After consulting a mental health professional, Vijay was formally diagnosed and began his recovery journey through a combination of therapy and yoga practices like Surya Namaskar.

“Yoga and therapy helped me reconnect with myself. I started feeling a little lighter every day,” he said, urging others to seek help without stigma.

Varma emphasized that mental health awareness and open dialogue are vital for both personal healing and breaking societal taboos.

Upcoming Projects

On the professional front, Vijay Varma was last seen in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack and Murder Mubarak.
His upcoming film, Gustaakh Ishq, is scheduled for release on November 28.