Abiran Bunny shares his journey as an upcoming actor who quit a software job to pursue tinsel dreams; and grabbing opportunities that are diverse and promising for his long lasting career in TFI
Abiran Bunny quit his software engineer job in Hyderabad to chase acting dreams, battling brutal auditions where directors dismissed him with a scribbled number. His home-recorded reels flipped the script, landing roles in Thimmarusu and Kirrak Party. Now, as the hilarious Bhummayya in 2025 hit Champion, his journey screams hard work pays off. In this interview, he spills the grit behind the glory.
From Code to Camera: The Big Leap
Once a stable software engineer at a Hyderabad tech firm, Abiran felt trapped in endless code lines and deadlines. “Coding paid bills, but acting ignited my soul and every late-night script read felt like freedom,” he shares. In 2018, he resigned without a safety net, paving the way for his debut as the lead in George Reddy (2019). Directed by B. Jeevan Reddy, the biographical drama allowed him to channel the revolutionary fire of student leader George, earning critical nods and a loyal fan base. This risky pivot set the stage for his unyielding pursuit, proving early doubters wrong with sheer determination.
Audition Nightmares and Background Blues
Rejections stung like daily defeats. “Casting crews would say, ‘Great energy, but write your number and go.’ They never called back,” Abiran recounts vividly. He’d earn “good actor” compliments, only to be shoved into background scenes, flickering unnoticed. Telugu industry’s favoritism toward star kids and insiders amplified the struggle, turning every audition into a test of resilience. Yet, these setbacks honed his craft, building the quiet fire that would soon erupt in debuting as a vibrant sidekick in Kirrak Party (2018).
Home Reels: Hustle That Delivered
Undeterred, he transformed his modest Hyderabad home into a one-man studio, complete with a phone tripod and natural lighting. Scripting original dialogues, acting with full immersion, and editing audition videos himself, Abiran bypassed the brush-offs entirely. “For Thimmarusu (2021), I sent a DIY tape embodying the thriller’s brooding hero. They cast me instantly, stunned by the polish!” he laughs. The film showcased his intensity, marking a turning point. This resourceful innovation not only secured spots but built his unique portfolio, impressing directors with professional-grade passion on a zero-budget.
Success Earned, Future Beckons
Champion, the 2025 sports drama blending action, emotion, and comedy, crowned Abiran Bunny’s rise with Bhummayya, a comic powerhouse whose loyal sidekick antics lit up screens and social media reels. “Hard work bridged my engineer past to this spotlight; every rejection was rocket fuel,” he reflects proudly. Fans rave about his seamless shift from George Reddy’s intensity to Bhummayya’s infectious mirth, hailing him as Tollywood’s next versatile gem. For aspiring actors, Abiran’s advice rings clear: “Resign from doubt, record your fire, and keep pushing.” At the cusp of lead roles, his story inspires a new generation, and a passion plus persistence crushes cubicles every time.
Abiran is buzzing with excitement for his upcoming role opposite Priyadarshi, a challenging character that demands emotional depth and high-stakes intensity. “It’s the kind of part I’ve waited for, pushing my limits like never before,” he teases, hinting at a career-defining performance.
Abiran Bunny’s Do’s & Don’ts Guide
Do’s – Build Your Edge:
- Observe everywhere: Capture walks, talks, vibes at stations, weddings, markets, life’s your acting lab.
- Inspire from real/films: Mimic friends like Pasha’s Imran; binge genres for depth; wait it out.
- Create self-auditions: Script, shoot, edit reels to wow casters from home.
- Prioritize discipline: Be early, stay committed, and punctuality opens gates.
Don’ts – Steer Clear:
- Don’t bail on vague promises. Flip “call later” into wins.
- Don’t lean only on stage skills; real-world homework forges a connection.
- Don’t harbor fear, trade doubt for unstoppable drive
Abiran had a different approach to playing a character, according to him, he is good observer and being observant in all situations around him, will give a textbook of emotions, character of different human beings around him, taking a railway station visit as an example, he sits there and observes a rich man, and poor man on the platform, their reactions, their mannerisms, their character analysis, their walking, talking and dressing styles. His homework included a lot of watching, different genres of movies. For budding actors out there to refer efficiently.
For dreamers, Abiran’s advice: “Resign from doubt, record your fire.” At the cusp of leads, his story inspires, proof that passion plus persistence crushes cubicles.
