TALENT SPOTLIGHT: VARUN SARANGA

2015 Actors Conservatory Alumnus

Varun Saranga was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario. He became interested in acting during high school through filmmaking, directing and starring in various student films. After attending an open call at 18 and landing his first major role playing the geeky but lovable AJ Mehta on the hit YTV show How to Be Indie, he was inspired to pursue an acting career professionally.

“My journey into acting began unexpectedly when I landed my first-ever audition at 18 as a series regular on YTV’s How to Be Indie. Because of this sudden entrance to the craft, I always felt like my success was unearned,” said Varun. “Despite my passion for film and television, I never saw myself as a ‘real actor.’ However, when I joined the CFC and participated in Lindy Davies's Autonomous Actor workshop, I developed a deep appreciation for the craft and gained confidence in my talents. She cultivated my ability to trust my instincts and stay present in whatever I was doing. I consider my time at the CFC as a major turning point in both my career and life.”

Lots of gigs followed Varun’s residency at the CFC, including roles on CBC’s Schitt's Creek, Workin’ Moms and Strays, CTV’s Nurses, Hulu’s Endlings, and regular roles on Burden of Truth and most notably, the People’s Choice Award-Winning supernatural sci-fi hit Wynonna Earp

“My time at the CFC was instrumental in shaping me as a creator. Before attending the CFC, I felt my acting was limited by external techniques, always focused on ‘looking the part,’” shares Varun. “Through the program, I learned to fully embody my characters. The highlights [of the Conservatory] for me were the sense of camaraderie among the actors, the mutual support we provided to one another, and the realization that acting is a collaborative art form.”

You can watch Varun on CTV’s Shelved, an ensemble comedy by Anthony Q. Farrell, and as part of the cast for Daniel's Gotta Die, an upcoming ensemble comedy featuring the late Bob Saget. He’s also a guest star on SyFy’s SurrealEstate, starring Tim Rozon and Sarah Levy. And, you can catch him on the critically acclaimed CBC / HBO Max series Sort Of, which follows the life of a non-binary millennial as they navigate relationships, family and career in Toronto, which is gearing up for Season 3. “The show [Sort Of] has been a joy to work on, and I am honoured to be a part of a cast and crew committed to telling diverse and authentic stories.”