Geri & longing in Chandigarh

Let me start by saying that I am a Punjabi at heart. Large hearted and care free, I'm your effervescent Punjabi. I belong to Jalandhar, did my schooling from the Lawrence School Sanawar and went to college in Chandigarh ( ITFT). The acting bug bit me at a very young age. My mom always tells me that I would stand in front of the mirror for hours, admiring myself and dancing to Shahrukh's songs playing in the background. But it was ITFT that groomed and prepared me. The actor in me wanted a breakthrough and explore. My professors saw the potential and trusted me enough to give me my first break in a play. One play followed another, and from there on, I started participating in street plays and performing at the national level. That time Bollywood was still a far- fetched dream. But as they say, behind every man's success there is a woman. This holds true in my case as well, just that instead of one, there are two of them— my mom and sister. It was they who gave their unflinching support and constant encouragement. Soon, Mumbai beckoned. I love the fact that Mumbai is so welcoming. The adage that this city never sleeps was reason enough for it to grow on me. I have received a lot of love here, but I still get home sick at times. Like I said, I'm still the same affable Punjabi boy who likes his geris at Chandigarh’s Sector 10- 11 market. Whenever I go back to the city, my friends and I sneak out at night. Chandigarh has this culture of accepting people with open arms. If you're a Punjabi, then you're sadda puttar. And if you're not, then you're always sadda jigri yaar! Whatever name the people give to the relationship, you are always accepted with complete honesty. The city feels like one big happy family. Everyone's as much a part of your low moments as they are of the high ones. Chandigarh may have changed a lot today in terms of new malls and restaurants, but it will always remain this warm, comfort zone for me. And let’s not forget, I am a ‘ Punjabi Go Getter’! Varun Sharma is an actor

As told to