Mumbai: Bollywood actor Vijay Varma has opened up about a deeply personal and vulnerable moment on the sets of his upcoming film, Gustaakh Ishq, involving co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh.

Fatima Sana Shaikh has previously been open about her battle with epilepsy, a condition she manages while continuing her demanding acting career. In another interview, Vijay Varma shared the moment he witnessed her struggle firsthand, revealing his feeling of utter helplessness.

Speaking to Mashable India, Vijay Varma recalled that Fatima had proactively given the crew instructions on how to handle a seizure, but he initially believed she was just saying it to scare them.

The advice became critical one night after the shoot had wrapped when Fatima suffered a seizure.

"I felt so vulnerable and helpless. But then I recalled all the things that she had told me. We emptied a bed on the shoot, made her lie down, and asked people to give her space," Vijay Varma shared.

Vijay described the emotional moments as the team rushed to care for her: "I just kept my hand on her head and sat near her. We waited for the seizure to pass."

After the seizure ended, they took her back to the hotel. Fatima later confirmed that during a full-blown seizure, the person is usually unaware of what is happening.

Vijay Varma concluded that the incident deeply bonded them. He realised the severity of her condition and felt a strong, protective instinct towards his co-star.