In a world where the definition of masculinity is constantly evolving, Varun Duggirala stands out for his candid and refreshing take on what it truly means to be a man in today’s times. As a successful entrepreneur, storyteller, and father, Varun has embraced a philosophy that blends strength with kindness, vulnerability with self-awareness, and ambition with self-care. In this exclusive conversation with Best For Him, he shares his journey of breaking away from outdated stereotypes, prioritizing fitness and grooming, and finding balance in a fast-paced, content-driven life.
Q: You’ve been vocal about redefining masculinity — what does being a man mean to you today, compared to 10 years ago?
A: The older I get, the more I realise masculinity has two parts: strength and kindness. Do you have the strength — physical, emotional, and mental — to carry the weight you need to? And do you also have the kindness to care for the people around you, and most importantly, for yourself? That balance, to me, is what being a man is really about now. Ten years ago, I thought it was just about pushing through. Today, I know it’s about choosing how you carry what matters, and what you leave behind.
Q: Have you ever felt pressured to conform to stereotypical masculine ideals? How did you deal with those expectations?
A: Absolutely. And I’ll be honest — not all stereotypes are wrong. Strength, leadership, being dependable — those are good things. But the problem is when masculinity is only defined by control, silence, or dominance. I’ve learned that being a man isn’t about proving yourself to others. It’s about being yourself, even when others don’t get it.
Q: What role has vulnerability played in your growth — personally and professionally — as a modern man?
A: Vulnerability, to me, is strength with self-awareness. It’s not about oversharing — it’s about being honest with yourself. Owning your emotions, your insecurities, your doubts. I’ve found that the more vulnerable I’ve become, the clearer I’ve gotten — in work, in relationships, in how I parent. There’s a freedom that comes when you stop pretending and start showing up real.
Q: Is there a conversation about masculinity you wish more men were having openly?
A: I wish more men talked about how lonely it can feel when you’re trying to “do it right as a man.” How you’re expected to be strong but not too emotional, successful but not too sensitive. We don’t talk enough about the pressure to fit into outdated boxes. We need more honest chats, less performance, more presence. I’m thankful for having male friends who are open to these conversations and are there for each other.
Q: You’ve had a visible transformation in terms of health and wellness. What triggered your fitness journey? Was there a moment that made you say “enough is enough”?
A: Honestly, I just got tired of feeling like I was always running on empty. My energy was low, my sleep was off, and I knew I wasn’t showing up fully for my kids, my wife, my work, or even myself. There wasn’t one big “aha” moment — just a slow build-up until one day I looked in the mirror and said, “I want to feel better and be fit for life.” From there, I started small — fixing my mornings, improving my sleep, planning workouts around my energy levels, and learning what my body actually needed.
Q: How do you stay consistent with fitness while managing a hectic lifestyle of content, entrepreneurship, and travel?
A: I treat fitness like brushing my teeth or charging my phone — non-negotiable. Even if it’s just 20 minutes, that’s what fuels me and sets me up for the day. I’ve stopped chasing perfection. Some days it’s a full workout, some days it’s just stretching and a walk. But I always show up. Because when you’re juggling a million things, your body needs to function for your life’s needs. If it breaks down, everything else will too.
Q: Have you ever experienced body image issues or self-doubt related to fitness? How did you overcome them?
A: I was a typical skinny kid, always trying to bulk up and failing. For years, I felt like I wasn’t muscular enough — the biceps weren’t there and neither were the “visible abs.” But I realised that chasing aesthetics was exhausting and didn’t necessarily help me perform better in life, especially after becoming a father. Now, I focus on feeling energised, mobile, and strong. Your body is not your worth — it’s your vessel.
Q: Do you follow any specific philosophy when it comes to food, sleep, or workouts — or is it more intuitive now?
A: It’s intuitive now, but built on structure. I eat balanced, homestyle meals with enough greens and protein, have daily smoothies to fill nutritional gaps, lift weights 4–5 days a week, and try to get enough sleep (though as a dad to young kids, that’s still a work in progress). The goal isn’t to be ripped — it’s to be functional, focused, and free for as long as possible. And I never call them cheat meals — they’re treat meals.
Q: Men’s grooming is still considered optional by many. What does grooming mean to you personally?
A: Grooming, to me, is a quiet form of self-respect. It’s not about vanity — it’s about feeling fresh and confident. It’s showing you care enough to be presentable, and to do that little extra to bring a smile to your own face.
Q: What are your non-negotiables in your daily self-care or grooming routine?
A: Face wash, moisturiser, mouthwash, a good fragrance, and beard oil. Also, taking 10 minutes to be by yourself before letting the world in. Mental grooming is as important as physical.
Q: Was there a time when you completely ignored grooming or self-care? What changed your perspective?
A: In my 20s, I was all hustle, no pause. One soap and one shampoo — that was it. Self-care meant sleeping in on weekends. Then life, fatherhood, and quiet burnout caught up. I realised looking after yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a responsibility. You can’t pour from an empty cup or a burnt-out body.
Q: Do you think grooming and skincare are becoming less taboo for Indian men now? What’s still holding us back?
A: It’s changing — slowly. Social media, influencers, and actors have made it more visible. But the core problem is still the old mindset that taking care of your appearance makes you “soft” or “vain.” We need to flip that. Confidence isn’t loud — it’s clean and calm.
Q: What’s one habit you picked up during a tough time that still helps you today?
A: Waking up early and spending 5–10 minutes with myself, focusing on my breath. It doesn’t have to be meditation — just breath work. And ensuring I move my body, especially on bad days.
Q: How do you handle off days — when you don’t feel motivated, masculine, or productive?
A: Mindful movement is progress. I give myself permission to feel what I feel. I don’t fight the off days anymore. Instead, I do one small thing — a workout, cleaning a drawer, rubbing my dog’s belly. Masculinity isn’t about always pushing. Sometimes it’s about pausing, and then slowly showing up again
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young boys growing up in today’s digital world, what would it be about self-worth or self-image?
A: Don’t measure your worth by someone else’s perception. The world will try to define you, but you get to choose your own goals, worth, and purpose. Learn to enjoy your own company and have a conversation with yourself. That’s where real confidence begins.
Honest, relatable, and deeply insightful—Varun’s thoughts are a reminder that being a man is not about rigid definitions but about showing up as your truest self.
