“Before rising to fame as one of the country’s top cricketers, this bowler explored a variety of careers — from filmmaking to acting — showcasing a passion for creativity long before stepping onto the pitch.”- Varun Chakravarthy
“In India, cricket and cinema reign supreme, often blurring the line between sport and stardom. It’s not uncommon for cricketers to venture into the world of acting—whether driven by passion or circumstance, as seen with names like Sourav Ganguly and Sreesanth. One such story belongs to a star spin bowler from Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, who once earned just ₹600 working as a junior artist in a Tamil film, long before the limelight found him on the cricket field.”
- From ₹600 on a Film Set to the IPL: Varun Chakravarthy’s Unlikely Journey to Cricketing Stardom
Before becoming a household name in cricket, Varun Chakravarthy—fondly known as CV Varun—wore many hats. In a candid conversation with former Test cricketer R. Ashwin on his YouTube channel, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ spin sensation opened up about his winding path to professional cricket, which only began to take shape at the age of 26.
Now 33, Varun revealed that he tried his hand at several professions, including architecture, music, filmmaking, and even acting. During his college years, he worked at an architectural firm, starting at a monthly salary of ₹14,000, which eventually rose to ₹18,000. But it was storytelling through films that intrigued him next.
At 24, he stepped into the world of cinema, joining filmmaker Suseenthiran as an assistant director for the 2014 Tamil sports drama Jeeva. In a twist of fate, Varun even landed a brief role in the movie—as a cricketer—earning just ₹600 for his appearance.
- “I signed on as a junior artist for ₹600 a day,” Varun recalled with a laugh during his chat with R. Ashwin.
When Ashwin playfully asked what his daily allowance looks like now as a professional cricketer, Varun grinned and replied, “Right now it’s $300—around ₹25,000.”
Varun’s Chakravarthy on-screen cricket cameo in Jeeva wasn’t just luck—it stemmed from his active participation in local tennis ball tournaments. “They used to announce prize money during matches—₹300 if you hit a six, ₹200 for a perfect yorker,” he shared, highlighting how even those early casual matches played a role in shaping his cricketing instincts.
From earning ₹600 a day as a junior artist to ₹12 crore per IPL season, Varun Chakravarthy’s journey proves that life is full of surprises. Sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the biggest dreams.