Basketball is a go-to activity when I am not working: Varun Sood

Varun Sood is known for his reality show stints, and for his roles in projects like Ragini MMS Returns and Jugjugg Jeeyo. But besides being an actor, Varun is a passionate basketball player. In town for a charity match, we caught up with the actor to discuss his on-court enthusiasm, his process of character development, and more. Excerpts:
‘Whenever I can, I play basketball’
Varun was introduced to basketball in school while he was trying to cut down on his weight.“I needed a fun way to get fit and lose weight. In my school, there were a lot of people playing football, but the field was huge,” says Varun, adding, “So, I thought basketball would be easier.” The actor eventually fell in love with the sport. He adds, “It’s my favourite activity to do when I am not working. It makes me relaxed and calm.” Varun also attributed his style and sneakers collection to his love for basketball. “When you watch something, you like to take certain things from it. I have watched a lot of overseas basketball matches and have adapted the players’ style and mannerisms,” says Varun.

‘The shift from reality TV to acting wasn't easy’
“Once you do a couple of reality shows, you're typecast as a reality TV person and it’s difficult to break the stereotype,” says Varun. He feels he faced rejection in acting auditions despite having all the required qualities. Sood then took a two-year break from TV before returning to the screen with a cameo in Jugjugg Jeeyo. “People showed sensitivity towards my role, and I think they also started believing I could act,” he says.


‘I always make the character my own’
Varun has been experimenting with roles and says that to prepare for a role, he notes down the similarities between him and the character. “If you understand what the character’s mindset is, you can get it right. I want people to feel and believe that the character is a part of me,” says Varun. As for the challenges he has faced, the actor adds, “Every actor faces challenges. I like to take them with a smile on my face as I enjoy playing different characters and being on different sets.” On a concluding note, we ask Varun if he’s committed, to which the actor replies with a smile, “I am committed to my work.”