Sai Tamhankar on Vijay Varma: Talented, rooted, fantastic co-actor in Matka King
Synopsis
Sai Tamhankar's endorsement of Vijay Varma transcends the usual co-star soundbite. She identifies in him a rare breed — an actor who subordinates ego to craft, whose preparation is meticulous, and whose generosity on set lifts those around him. For an ensemble piece like Matka King, that alchemy matters.
Key Takeaways
Sai Tamhankar praised Vijay Varma as talented, approachable, and grounded in their Matka King collaboration.
Tamhankar credited Varma's craft-first approach and patience for enhancing her own performance through on-set chemistry.
Varma is a FTII graduate who rose to prominence via Amitabh Bachchan's Pink (2016).
Matka King , also starring Kritika Kamra , is set in 1960s Mumbai and explores the invention of the gambling game Matka .
Varma's career spans theatrical releases and major OTT series including Mirzapur , Darlings , and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack .
Actress Sai Tamhankar has lauded her Matka King co-star Vijay Varma, describing him as exceptionally talented, approachable, and grounded — qualities she credits for elevating her own performance in the upcoming film. Speaking to media about their collaboration, where she essays the role of Barkha, Tamhankar outlined what sets Varma apart as a scene partner.
What Sai observed on set
"I think Vijay is a very talented actor, and he's very approachable and quite rooted," Tamhankar said. "That's a great quality of his. He has a lot of patience, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him." She highlighted her ability to observe his craft firsthand — his preparation methods, his performance choices, and his overall approach to the role.
A co-actor who prioritises the craft
Tamhankar distinguished Varma as an actor who works toward the outcome rather than self-promotion. "I like actors who work for the outcome, who look at the bigger picture rather than serving their image or themselves. And Vijay is one of those," she explained. This commitment to the story, she suggested, creates a ripple effect that strengthens ensemble dynamics.
The alchemy of good acting partnerships
Crediting Varma as a "fantastic co-actor," Tamhankar underscored the symbiotic nature of on-screen chemistry. "Acting is a game of action and reaction, and when you have such an amazing co-actor, your performance naturally flourishes. That's what has happened with Vijay and me in Matka King." She expressed particular enthusiasm about being part of what she termed a "special project" for Varma.
About Matka King
Matka King, which also features Kritika Kamra, is set in 1960s Mumbai and chronicles the rise of an enterprising cotton trader who seeks legitimacy and respect by inventing a gambling game called Matka. The narrative explores ambition, risk, and the underbelly of post-independence urban commerce.
Vijay Varma's trajectory
Varma, a Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) graduate, gained prominence through Amitabh Bachchan's 2016 crime drama Pink. His subsequent theatrical releases include Middle Class Abbayi, Gully Boy, and Baaghi 3. On the streaming front, he has built a formidable presence across Mirzapur, Darlings, Dahaad, Kaalkoot, Jaane Jaan, and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, cementing his status as a versatile performer across formats.
Point of View
Her specificity — his patience, his preparation, his refusal to serve image — stands out. That such qualities warrant mention says something about how rare they have become.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sai Tamhankar say about Vijay Varma?
Sai Tamhankar described Vijay Varma as very talented, approachable, and rooted. She praised his patience, his preparation methods, and his craft-first approach to acting, crediting him as a fantastic co-actor who elevated her performance in Matka King through on-set chemistry.
What role does Sai Tamhankar play in Matka King?
Sai Tamhankar plays the character Barkha in Matka King, a film set in 1960s Mumbai that follows an enterprising cotton trader who invents a gambling game called Matka.
Who else stars in Matka King?
Matka King also features Kritika Kamra alongside Sai Tamhankar and Vijay Varma. The film is set in 1960s Mumbai and explores themes of ambition and legitimacy in the gambling underworld.
What is Vijay Varma's background and notable work?
Vijay Varma is a Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) graduate who gained prominence through Amitabh Bachchan's 2016 crime drama Pink. He has since appeared in films like Gully Boy and Baaghi 3, and starred in major OTT series including Mirzapur, Darlings, Dahaad, and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
