"Moving from being the ‘ladli’ of my home to standing on my own in Mumbai wasn’t easy—but today, being self-made makes me feel like a free bird. I fought, I rebuilt, and I have no regrets."
1. From Lucknow to Mumbai—how has this journey shaped you?
My journey from Lucknow to Mumbai has been truly transformative. It taught me resilience, independence, and adaptability. Moving from a protective environment to a fast-paced city like Mumbai was a challenge, but it helped me grow—both personally and professionally. I came here as an 18-year-old, leaving behind the comfort of being the ladli of my home, and faced a completely different world. Managing everything on my own was difficult at times, but I embraced it. Looking back, I feel proud of how far I’ve come. Being self-made gives me a sense of freedom—I love that I can afford the lifestyle I’ve built for myself. I owe a lot to my faith in Mata Rani—her Durga avatar inspires me to be bold and fearless.
2. How do you balance acting, content creation, and music videos?
Balancing these different aspects of my career is challenging but incredibly fulfilling. Time management is key—I set clear goals and stay organized to give my best to every project. I also make it a point to attend acting workshops whenever possible because learning never stops.
3. You’ve faced personal challenges, including past controversies. How did you rebuild yourself?
Rebuilding myself wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I took time for self-reflection, leaned on my close friends and mentors, and even sought therapy. At one point, I completely withdrew for two to three years, giving myself space to heal. But I came back stronger. One thing I’ve learned—never let anyone bully you. Stand up for yourself, even if it becomes controversial. Looking back, I have no regrets because I know I did what was right for me.
4. You promote self-love and mental health awareness. What’s your key message to those struggling?
Be kind to yourself. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and it’s okay to seek help. You are not alone, and healing takes time. One thing I truly believe in is that time is the best healer and revealer. What feels like the end of the world today will seem trivial years later. Life has so much more to offer—just hold on.
5. What do you wish people understood better about therapy and seeking help?
I wish more people realized that therapy is a strength, not a weakness. Seeking help is a brave step toward healing and growth. We take care of our physical health—why should mental health be any different?
6. You’ve worked in TV, web series, and short films. Which format excites you the most?
Web series excite me the most because they allow for deep character development and storytelling. With multiple episodes, there’s space to explore complex narratives and bring out different shades of a character.
7. What do you look for in a brand or creative collaboration?
Authenticity is key. I want to collaborate with brands that align with my values and genuinely resonate with my audience. If a brand promotes something meaningful and positive, I’m all in.
8. Your journey has been inspiring. What keeps you motivated?
My passion for storytelling and the connection I have with my audience keeps me going. Knowing that my work has an impact, even in a small way, motivates me to keep creating and pushing boundaries.
9. If you could play any role in a dream project, what would it be?
I would love to portray a strong, complex female character who challenges societal norms—maybe a gangster or a powerful, pivotal role. Something that breaks stereotypes and leaves an impact.
Bio:
Varsha Bhagwani is a Mumbai-based actor, influencer, and content creator originally from Lucknow. She has made a mark in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content while also building a career in acting. Known for her roles in TV serials like Balveer Returns, Vish, Bhagyalaxmi (as Ishita), and Chahenge Tumhe Itna (as Nisha), she has also appeared in short films like Special Day and music videos, including Haaye Oyye with Nishant Malkani. Varsha will be seen in the upcoming web series The Cancer Bitch on Sony LIV.
Having overcome personal challenges, including past controversies and battles with depression, Varsha is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and self-love. She encourages people, especially young women, to seek help without hesitation. Her authenticity, resilience, and dedication to her craft make her a standout voice in both entertainment and digital media.
Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
){kind=link}
0 Comments