Mumbai: During the making of Main Tera Hero, Varun Dhawan’s father, David Dhawan had fainted on the sets. The doctor said ‘diabetic coma’. That day the world of the Dhawans changed. Today, Varun admits to being closer to his father than ever before. He has also worked to alter his father’s lifestyle. In a candid chat, the young star talks about his growing stardom, preparing for the ABCD sequel, Sriram Raghavan’s film and his brother Rohit Dhawan.
How is David Dhawan’s health now?
He is very good now and much better after the success of Main Tera Hero. He is happy. (smiles)
As a son, what changes have you got into his daily lifestyle?
The whole incident was very scary and also an eye opener. I try everyday and it becomes difficult. One needs to make up their own mind, and my father is a diabetic, so he has to eat every two hours. In a way he is fit and fine and is enjoying life now. (pauses)
Go on…
I am obviously not at home all the time so I can’t personally do everything. His diet is in order and we have got him doctors and physicians. Whenever I am home, I go for a morning walk with him. Actually, Rohit spends a lot of time with my dad.
When do you start on your brother’s next film?
He hasn’t officially offered it to me yet and nothing is finalised. Obviously he wants to and he will, but it will be next year.
What is the kind of equation you share with him?
I am very close to my brother and my bhabhi. I always call them when I am shooting outdoors. I consider them like my second parents. I share everything about my life with my brother and so does he. He is a very talented filmmaker and I hope his next is with me.
How many times have you seen DDLJ?
I have seen it over 200 times. I am glad people have liked Humpty Shar-ma… It was our humble tribute to DDLJ.
When you go on city tours, you return with scratch marks on your hands. Tell us about that.
The fan following is there, but it’s there for all actors. It’s of course very overwhelming. When I went to Chandigarh, there were literally 10,000 people following us. It gives you more power and belief as an actor.
Have you learnt to deal with it?
Sometimes when I am at an airport feeling very tired and a fan wants to click a picture with me, I am like, “Please!” But if a child or a mother comes to me, I always oblige. Sometimes, they follow me on bikes, so I make sure I stop for them.
You and Alia survived a horrible accident in Ahmedabad…
It was scary, the entire window was in pieces and I had cuts on my hands. Bach gaye! God is kind.
Sriram Raghavan’s film is supposedly very dark, unlike your other films so far. Was it a tough decision?
I had met him to discuss a few scripts in the past, but at that time I didn’t like anything. But I have always wanted to work with him and Dinu (Dinesh Vijan, co-founder Illuminati Films). One fine day Sriram gave me this script and said, I don’t know if you would do it but take a look. He gave me enough time to make my decision.
Why were you hesitant?
Hota hai! It happens for all actors. When you see the film, you will realise I have three different looks in it. We have shot half of the film already. No one knows it yet. It was done very discreetly.
What is the kind of role you would immediately agree to do?
I am taking my own time now. I want to do is an action movie next. Probably my face didn’t suit the genre earlier but by the time I finish this film, things will be different. I want to do a Bourne Identity kind of series and not just any run of the mill action movie.
You are going through an intensive dance workshop before leaving for LA for the ABCD sequel…
Yes that’s full power workshop. It’s hardcore dancing that takes place everyday for 2-3 hours. I got a few injuries as well because I have never done this before. Visually, this film is going to be insane. I have to get a lean body and I want to do a lot of TRX (suspension training).
