Bollywood Star Vijay Varma Overcomes Crippling Depression with Ira Khan's Support

In November 2025, Bollywood actor Vijay Varma bravely shared his deeply personal story of overcoming severe depression and family conflicts. Appearing on a podcast, Vijay revealed that his emotional struggles began in his teenage years, shaped by a tumultuous relationship with his father, who was "flamboyant, short-tempered, and unpredictable." As Vijay grew closer to his mother, the tension at home only worsened, with his father wanting him to join the family business despite Vijay's desire to pursue acting.

After leaving home to attend the Film and Television Institute of India, Vijay faced years of struggle, working odd jobs until his breakthrough role in the 2019 film Gully Boy. However, the success did not erase the scars of solitude. During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Vijay's isolation magnified his inner turmoil, and it was then that Aamir Khan's daughter, Ira Khan, noticed his worsening condition and encouraged him to join her Zoom workout sessions.

Vijay was subsequently diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, leading him to seek therapy and turn to yoga as a means of healing. Through this process, years of unprocessed emotions resurfaced, and Vijay began to confront the childhood wounds that had shaped his adult relationships. He now hopes to inspire others by sharing his journey of resilience and self-discovery.