Varun Badola: From Assistant Director to One of Indian Television’s Most Versatile Actors

Many believe Varun Badola made his acting debut with Banegi Apni Baat in 1994. However, his journey in the entertainment industry began much earlier. Through multiple behind-the-scenes roles before he became a familiar face in shows like Your Honour and Mere Dad Ki Dulhan. In a conversation with SAURABH TANKHA, the actor reflects on his unconventional career path, early struggles, and evolving television landscape.

Varun Badola recalls that his first “role” in the industry was not acting but working as a kind of informal detective. His sister Alka Kaushal and brother-in-law Ravi G Kaushal ran the production setup. He later took on various responsibilities, including costume coordination, assistant direction, and writing. Badola admits costume coordination was not his strength and jokes that his own dressing sense was poor, making it difficult to dress others. He then moved into assistant direction, though he describes himself as a reluctant assistant because his primary interest was acting.

A turning point came when he began working as an additional dialogue writer under filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia in the mid-1990s. He recalls a moment when Dhulia entrusted him with writing responsibilities while leaving for a trip, which gave him confidence in his abilities. He later assisted Dhulia on films like Haasil and Charas, which shaped his understanding of filmmaking.

Badola says he once felt he might have been better suited to direction, but acting opportunities kept coming his way, leading him to continue in front of the camera. Eventually, he chose acting as his primary career path.

On choosing roles, he explains that he is drawn to complex characters. In Mere Dad Ki Dulhan, his character Amber Sharma is flawed, emotionally unstable, and often difficult, yet remains likable due to his love for his daughter. Similarly, in Astitva… Ek Prem Kahani and Koshish – Ek Asha, he played morally complex characters that still needed to appear human and relatable to audiences.

He believes his strength lies in taking up roles others may avoid and finding emotional truth within them.

Reflecting on the entertainment industry, Badola says technology has improved but storytelling has become more commercial. He feels television missed an opportunity to evolve meaningfully during the pandemic period. However, he acknowledges that Doordarshan still retains strong reach and educational value compared to many satellite channels.

On OTT platforms versus television and films, he believes OTT offers more creative freedom. But the quality of storytelling should remain the priority across all mediums.

Badola says it is natural to feel left out or disappointed but cautions against overusing terms like depression casually. He emphasises on acceptance, resilience, and focusing on one’s work rather than external validation. His journey reflects a steady evolution from behind-the-scenes roles to becoming one of television’s most respected actors.