Commentating reminds me of doing theatre, says Varun

After a bevy of comic capers, Varun Sharma has now forayed into sports commentary. The actor is hosting the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is working in a controlled bio-bubble in Mumbai. He compares this new experience to that of performing a play before a live audience.

Sharma tells us, “I have done theatre for five-six years in Chandigarh and Delhi. Once I came to Mumbai, the whole focus shifted to films and I missed performing plays. With a format like this, I am getting to interact with the audience once again. I am having a lot of fun!”

While the Roohi actor is enjoying this stint, he admits that it is quite challenging. He elaborates, “There’s a live audience and if you mess up, you are on your own. You always have to be on your toes. It has a lot to do with observational spontaneity.

There’s no room for retakes here. Everything that you observe has to be conveyed to the audience in a humorous way.”

What drew him towards this project is his love for cricket. “I was a cricket fanatic. I still am! Cricket is in my blood. As a child, I would look up to cricketers and be inspired by them. While in Jalandhar, playing gully cricket was a part of our routine. I couldn’t play for my school team but I was a part of local tournaments. I was also awarded the best fielder a number of times,” the 31-year-old shares.

So, would he want to act in a sports film someday? “Why not!” Sharma exclaims, adding, “I would have to work really hard to learn the sport, but I would love to.”