Actor Vijay Varma, widely recognized for his performances in Pink, Mirzapur, and Gully Boy, is set to take on a challenging new role in the highly anticipated series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. As the series premieres today on Netflix, Varma candidly discussed his journey with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes the loss of pigment and results in white patches on the skin.
In a recent interview with ETimes, Varma revealed that he only conceals his vitiligo during film shoots, explaining that he does so to avoid distracting viewers from his performances. “I cover it up for my movies because it distracts, and I don’t want my audience to focus on anything else except what I want to show them,” he stated. However, he added that in public appearances, he has never felt the need to hide his condition, embracing it fully.
Varma noted that he has not faced negative feedback about his skin condition, expressing confidence in today’s more understanding and responsible audience. “I have never been spoken about loosely for my skin condition,” he said, underscoring that while vitiligo is noticeable, he has not allowed it to become a significant issue in his life. He considers it a cosmetic concern rather than a major problem.
Reflecting on his 12-year journey in the film industry, Varma acknowledged that during his early years, he worried that vitiligo might hinder his career. “It was a concern when I was struggling to find work,” he admitted. However, since establishing himself as a successful actor, he no longer sees his skin condition as an obstacle.
In OC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Varma portrays Captain Devi Sharan, the pilot of the ill-fated Indian Airlines Flight 814, which was hijacked in 1999. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, and Dia Mirza, and promises a gripping account of the dramatic real-life event.
