Though actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma have worked together in only a few projects — such as Chittagong (2012), Baaghi 3 (2020) and Jaane Jaan (2023) — the two have been close friends since their days as students at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. Actor Rajkummar Rao too was their classmate; in fact, all three appeared together in Chittagong, directed by Bedabrata Pain.

Despite being outsiders with no prior connections to the film industry whatsoever, all three actors have managed to leave a lasting impact on audiences, with many considering them among Bollywood’s finest talents. Although Jaideep and Vijay faced considerable challenges early on, they maintain that none of those experience felt like struggles, thanks to a strong circle of supportive friends they have always had.

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“What people call ‘struggles,’ we didn’t feel it that way because we had people to share them with,” Jaideep said during a chat with The Hollywood Reporter India. Vijay added, “Despite having nothing, we felt that we had everything and were kings.” They both also mentioned that while money was scarce, their days at FTII and shortly thereafter were among the happiest of their lives. “We lived carefree lives with no agenda,” Vijay recalled.

Nonetheless, Jaideep noted that getting around Mumbai wasn’t easy. “One day, I boarded a bus to save money. By the time I reached Infiniti Mall from Malad, I was drenched in sweat. So, I just walked into the mall and sat there for a while. It became a routine whenever I travelled that route from Malad. In Mumbai, you are drenched half the time either by the rains or the heat. And I sweat profusely. That day, I realised I couldn’t do it anymore. I decided that even if it meant giving up one roti, I wouldn’t travel like that again. So, I’d go inside Infiniti Mall, sit in the free AC for half an hour and then continue my journey.”

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