Once a household name in Indian television, actor and former host Aman Verma is now making headlines for an unexpected career twist. The 2000s TV star, who graced shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Khullja Sim Sim, and appeared in Bollywood films such as Baghban and Raaz, is now performing magic tricks at small events. He says it’s all for the sake of his “paapi pet” (a colloquial Hindi term meaning livelihood).
Aman recently shared a video of himself performing a magic trick on stage — making a champagne bottle vanish behind a newspaper — while a modest crowd applauded. Captioning the post, he wrote:
“Well this is where I learnt the tricks of being a magician… Was a little difficult but managed. It’s all in the sleight of hand. Ladies and gentlemen, here comes the magician… called AMAN YATAN VERMA.”
The video quickly garnered attention online, racking up nearly half a million views. Reactions from the internet ranged from amused curiosity to sympathetic concern.
One user commented, “Bhaisahab ye kis line mein aa gaye aap?” (Brother, what line of work is this?), to which Aman candidly replied, “Paapi pet ka sawaal hai dost. Kya karein?” (It’s about survival, my friend. What to do?). Another remarked sadly, “Itne talented actor ko kya kya karna padta hai,” (Such a talented actor has to do such things), prompting Aman to clarify, “Kaam mere bhai kaam total hai. Chota kya aur bada kya,” (Work is work, big or small doesn’t matter). He even cheekily added, “If I tell you the amount I got for doing this, you’ll want to replace the assistant who handed me the bottle.”
Despite the light-hearted tone, Aman admitted to going through a tough time. In a response to a concerned fan, he wrote: “Yes I am doing good. God is kind. Going through some upheaval. But hanging in there.”
The shift in profession has certainly stirred conversations, with some users trolling the actor. One said, “Sir, ap zinda ho abhi tak, sun kar bura laga,” (Sad to hear you’re still alive), to which Aman fired back wittily, “Bete, tum buddhe ho jaoge, hum tab aise hi rahenge. Jaise hum 25 saal pehle the.” (Son, you’ll grow old, but I’ll remain the same as I was 25 years ago.)
A Look Back at Aman’s Career
Aman Verma made his television debut in 1995 with Pachpan Khambe Lal Deewarein on Doordarshan. His subsequent projects included Gharana, Rishtey, and Saturday Suspense, and he also made a brief appearance in Tanuja Chandra’s Sangharsh (1999). In the early 2000s, he gained massive popularity with shows like Dushman, Kalash, and as host of Khullja Sim Sim on Star Plus.
His film work includes playing Amitabh Bachchan’s son in Baghban, and small roles in Raaz and Sangharsh. He was also a contestant on Bigg Boss 9.
However, his journey hasn’t been without controversy. Aman was one of the figures caught in the 2005 sting operation that shook Bollywood. More recently, reports of trouble in his marriage with actor-wife Vandana Lalwani surfaced, though Aman declined to comment, stating, “No comments… All I can say as of now.”
Vandana, however, posted an Instagram story that read, “Truth Shall Prevail,” hinting at her side of the story in the ongoing speculation.
Despite personal and professional turbulence, Aman Verma is choosing resilience and reinvention. As he says himself — work is work, no matter the stage.
Sources By Agencies
