Mother used to make parathas and Varun used to sell them. Mother used to make parathas and give them, Varun used to sell them: he used to eat small bhature with that money; I wanted to become an actor after watching Shahrukh’s film Baazigar.

Actor Varun Sharma has worked in many Bollywood films. These days he is in the news for the film ‘The Garfield’. The actor has lent his voice in the Hindi version of the film. This film will be released in theaters on May 17. Varun is very excited about this film. During a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Varun Sharma apart from ‘The Garfield’ also talked about his upcoming films and his days of struggle.

What was your first reaction when you were approached for ‘The Garfield’?

I have been reading the character of Garfield since childhood. When he used to read the newspaper before going to school, there were four-five pictures of Garfield and a storyline written in it. There was a wait for the next day to see what would be written today? I have very fond memories of Garfield. I had no idea that growing up I would have the opportunity to be his voice. I am very thankful to Sony Pictures for giving me the opportunity to lend voice in the Hindi version of the film.

This is the first time you have dubbed for an animation character, how challenging was it?

There are many challenges technically. Dubbing in animation has been a first experience for me too. It took a day or two to understand how dubbing works. There are some words which change when translated from English to Hindi. His four words become our eight. Or their 10 words end up in just 5 of ours. Balance has to be done accordingly. Because the story line has been written according to them.

Has it ever happened that you were scolded in your childhood because of ‘Garfield’?

Study is not everything in life. Entertainment is also very important. Garfield used to study first after waking up in the morning and then go straight to school. Balance is very important in life. Apart from Garfield, I have liked Tom and Jerry very much from the beginning. But it never happened that because of this I got scolded in school or at home.

By the way, the stories of your school have been very famous, they used to sell potato parathas given by their mother?

I was very fond of eating in the canteen. My mother used to make potato parathas very well. My friends in school loved the parathas made by my mother. I used to sell parathas to them for Rs 5 each. With the money he collected, he used to buy Chole Bhature and Campa Cola. In this way I was running a very interesting business. But when mom came to know, she started giving bread and butter. Which had no taker in the school.

You have been business minded since childhood, then how did the idea of ​​becoming an actor come to your mind?

I watched the movie ‘Baazigar’ and when the song ‘Kaali – Kaali Aankhe’ started, I stood on the bed and started dancing. I told my mother that I want to become an actor when I grow up. Mom said – Son, eat your food now, we will talk later. Mom postponed the matter at that time, but it was always in my mind that I wanted to become an actor when I grow up. After completing 12th, when it was time to do graduation, mother asked what to do? I said that I have to do acting only. The whole process started from there. The journey to Mumbai started while doing theatre.

When you met Shahrukh Khan, would you have shared the story of ‘Baazigar’ with him?

Yes, of course I did. I was very fortunate to get a chance to work with Shahrukh sir and Kajol ma’am in ‘Dilwale’. Abbas-Mustan sir had directed ‘Baazigar’. Got a chance to work with him in the film ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon’. I had told everyone the story of ‘Baazigar’. Everyone was very happy and supported me.

You have also been associated with casting, do you believe that this makes the journey of an actor easier?

A journey is a journey. Nothing is easy. The medium was casting, through which I got to learn how other actors approach the same scene. What is his viewpoint regarding that scene? In this way my learning was very interesting. Assisted Nandini Srikanth in casting in many films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Student of the Year, Talaash. He also kept giving his own auditions on the side. When she started getting work in acting, Nandini said that now focus only on acting.

Today you are at such a position that you inspire people. What kind of problems did you face when you came to Mumbai?

My journey has been learning for me. Just as challenges come in the life of a common man, challenges also came in my life. But the family has been very supportive. In my initial days, I went to the set of a film. Where food was given to me in a paint box. Then I got a little shock. The events of that time have become legends today.

Now when you look back, what kind of feeling do you feel?

I consider myself very lucky and thank God. I got a chance to do whatever I wanted to do since childhood. I am getting a chance to make people laugh through different films and characters. We have stopped making each other laugh in real life.

Would you like to tell us something about your upcoming projects?

Luv Ranjan’s film ‘Wild Wild Punjab’ is about to come. The teaser of the film was released in February, but its release date has not been finalized yet. Recently finished the shooting of ‘Sab First Class Hai’. Apart from this, I am doing a film for Maddock Films.