Varun Chakravarthy: From Junior Artiste to Indian Cricketer
Varun Chakravarthy, now a well-known spinner for India and a notable performer in the IPL, once faced a very different life path. Speaking with Ravichandran Ashwin on the podcast Kutti Stories with Ash, he reflected on his early years before cricket and his short-lived stint in films.
Early Career Struggles
Before fully committing to cricket, Varun moved through multiple fields including architecture, music, and filmmaking. His journey to professional cricket only began in his mid-twenties, after exploring various creative and professional directions.
Experience in the Film Industry
At around 25, Varun tried his luck in the film industry, hoping to become an assistant director. However, fate led him down a different path on the film set.
“I started hanging out with the movie guys in my group. We used to watch the shooting of films. One day, I got to know that this cricket movie Jeeva was being shot in many cricket stadiums. So I went to the location, thinking I would try to be an assistant director. I had seen some films like Varanam Aayiram and Subramaniapuram. These inspired me a lot during those days. So I felt that I could express myself through the movies. But I couldn’t make it to being an AD on set. But one day on set, an AD came up to me and offered me a part as a junior artiste, asking if I knew how to play cricket. The salary was Rs 600 per day. That was pretty helpful at that time.”
From Rs 600 to Daily Allowance in Dollars
Today, having transitioned from earning Rs 600 a day as an extra, Varun now receives a $300 daily allowance representing India on the international stage. His journey reflects resilience, reinvention, and the unpredictable ways success can unfold.
Author’s Summary: Once a film extra earning Rs 600 daily, Varun Chakravarthy now excels as an Indian cricketer with a $300 daily allowance — a testament to persistence and transformation.