Model-actor Varun Sood spoke to India Today Digital about his career-defining experience in Jug Jugg Jeeyo. Known for his television and reality shows, Varun’s entry into mainstream Bollywood with Dharma Productions was a pivotal moment in his journey from TV personality to film actor.

Although he was not cast in the lead role, Varun Sood made a significant impact with his performance as Prakash Koli’s lover in the film. The film featured Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor and Maniesh Paul in lead roles.

Talking about his journey, Varun Sood told India Today Digital, “Even though the role was a small cameo, the film overall did so well that every character got noticed. I started getting calls from casting agents and different production houses. I consider myself very lucky that Karan (Johar), Raj (Mehta) and Apoorva (Mehta) chose me to play that role 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 was larger than life. Obviously, it was a Dharma set and I still remember my first day. Even though my shot was at 2 am, I reached the set at 2 pm because I wanted to take in the entire experience. I sat down with Raj (Mehta), and said I will go there and see everything because I really wanted to take in every bit of this experience.”

The actor further added, “I saw how Anil (Kapoor) sir was working with enthusiasm, even Kiara (Advani) and Varun (Dhawan) were involved. I really liked the fact that everyone was doing their job and working towards making the scene better. No one was selfish about how much they were getting to do, but everyone was working towards their goal. That was a big change that I saw from being a reality TV contestant to being on a film set. On a film set, everyone has the same goal: to make the project win. But on a reality show, you are obviously focused on making yourself win. So there’s not really teamwork. But on a film set, you do your best, and you work as a team. I found that really beautiful.”

Varun also spoke about his struggling days before Jug Jugg Jeeyo: “Ever since I joined the industry, it has been great. However, there was a period of two years when I didn’t learn anything. I tried never to be a part of a reality show as a contestant again. That was the time when I decided I would take acting workshops and try to audition and hopefully become an actor. So for two years, no one got in touch and I didn’t get any callbacks after the auditions. I kept auditioning everywhere, in any capacity, but failed to get a callback from anyone. So there was a time when I thought am I really meant to do this? Going from reality TV to films is a huge leap and not many people have done it.”

However, Varun said that he has worked really hard to reach where he is today. The actor said, “There was uncertainty and fear, but I am also sure that I have worked really hard on my skills. I have been training at my ground for a very long time. So one day it will definitely benefit me.”

Citing the example of Jug Jugg Jeeyo, he told us, “Ever since I got that small role in the film, I felt I was meant for bigger things. Since then, everything has been great. I know that whatever I do, I will give my best and will not compromise on performance for any project.”

Talking about work front, Varun Sood was seen in Call Me Bae with Ananya Pandey.