Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Brunch
A few of our favourite films
“If I were to name works of mine that I’m really proud of, I’d pick two pieces. One is Badlapur (2015), because a lot of people betted for me to fail… And two, Main Tera Hero (2014): Unlike my first film, this was the movie I was shouldering myself. If it hadn’t worked, I would never have been recognised as an actor.”
Natasha’s favourites: “She tells me what she liked and what she didn’t in a film of mine. I still have to do a film that she can call her favourite, I guess. Natasha loves scary movies, especially watching them at night… that’s her thing! And she loves Harry Potter! Dad David Dhawan: “Dad loved Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017).
He keeps saying it!”
With his dad, filmmaker David Dhawan; (Inset) Varun with his niece Niara
“Nothing has changed in our relationship after the wedding,” he continues. “I think we’ve known each other for too many years. I’m happy and all, but post the wedding, I’ve also gone deep into work. I’m starting a new film, I had some assignments to complete, there has also been a lot of prep work. I do feel more focused and more anchored. But then again, I’ve just gotten married, so I’m figuring it out myself!”
While most men let themselves go after marriage, Varun seems to be fitter than ever. What gives?
Varun laughs. “Honestly, it’s for a film I’m getting into. I’ve been doing a lot of animal flow: I don’t need much muscle, but lots of core strength. And post-covid, that’s been challenging!” (See box.)
FUTURE FILMOGRAPHY
Unlike stars who flirt with pretty faces, Varun’s been flirting with genres of films. From extremely commercial ones to niche, cerebral stories that have a limited audience. “Ok, so October could be called arthouse. But
A pic from Varun’s Instagram feed that he captioned “Life isn’t always black & white”. It had over 10 lakh likes last week
“SOCIAL MEDIA IS NO PLACE TO MAKE GRAND STATEMENTS. TAKING STANDS IN REAL LIFE IS WHAT MATTERS. ACTIONS SHOULD SPEAK...” —VARUN DHAWAN
no, this is not strategic either. People think I’m a random guy. These decisions are about what I feel at the moment artistically…” he explains.
So now that he can pick and choose, will such a mix be his formula for the future?
“I don’t want to have a formula. I don’t know if that’s the right thing to say or the wrong thing. These rules are made by human beings, so if they have to be challenged and broken, that has to be done by us only,” Varun says.
Does he think he is #Bollywoodsmostloved because of his jovial father David Dhawan and his warm, sociable mother, Laali? What’s the work ethic he’s learnt from his dad, and the social skill he’s taken from his mum?
“The work ethic I’ve learnt from dad is twofold,” says Varun. “First, producer ka paisa waste nahin kar sakte (never waste a producer’s investment). And two, give every shot like it’s your last shot. And from my mum? I’ve got too many life lessons. I am what I am today more because of my mother than anyone else. She’s my Hero No 1!”
jamal.shaikh@hindustantimes.com Follow @Jamalshaikh on Twitter and Instagram