Varun Dhawan

FROM WINNING HEARTS AS A MASS HERO TO WINNING ACCOLADES AS AN INTENSE ANGST-DRIVEN FAMILY MAN ON A REVENGE SPREE AND FROM EXPLORING THE BOLD SHADES AS AN ACTOR PLAYING A WEREWOLF ON SCREEN TO NOW DOING AN UNCONVENTIONAL LOVE STORY LIKE BAWAAL, FOR VARUN DHAWAN THE BIGGER THE CHALLENGE, THE MORE EXCITED THE ACTOR IN HIM IS TO PORTRAY THE ROLE ON SCREEN! WE MET UP WITH THE STAR IN DUBAI AHEAD OF BAWAAL’S RELEASE ON AMAZON PRIME. THE NITESH TIWARI DIRECTORIAL ALSO STARS JANHVI KAPOOR AND HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY SAJID NADIADWALA, WARDA NADIADWALA AND ASHWINY IYER TIWARI. TALKING ABOUT HIS ROLE IN BAWAAL, THE ACTOR REVEALED THE MAIN DRAW OF DOING THE FILM AND HIS BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM IT.

As an actor what has been your takeaway from Bawaal especially working with Nitesh Tiwari and what do you think will be the biggest takeaway for the audience after watching the movie?

Firstly, I was excited to be a part of Nitesh Sir’s creative vision. He is such a brilliant creator because he amalgamates so many areas of expertise such as from the advertising and now filmmaking world. His storytelling is extremely emotive and layered which I love. He has such clarity and knows how to draw out the best performance in us. As for what the biggest takeaway would be for audiences after watching the film –I’d have to say this is deeply rooted in the narrative. As audiences experience the film and the trajectory of the characters, I hope they will acknowledge the relentless human condition of constantly yearning for more, and never being fully satisfied with life as is, and the importance of really valuing and appreciating their loved ones more.

What made you say a yes to Bawaal – script or Nitesh Tiwari?

Yes of course the opportunity to work with a creative mastermind like Nitesh Sir and also hand-in-hand it has to be Bawaal’s unconventional take on the love story genre. It’s not just a romantic film but it is a journey of self-discovery, of evolving love, and confronting our inner conflicts, set against the backdrop of World War II. It’s about coming to terms with the conflicts in our human psyche. The script of Bawaal offered the chance to explore a complex and relatable character who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the movie. The mix of personal internal conflict, a unique, unconventional love story and the backdrop, drew me to the project.

Being a big screen star, does an OTT release dampen that excitement or the fact that you are reaching 200+ countries simultaneously heightens it?

Streaming platforms such as Prime Video have really opened up new avenues for reaching audiences worldwide. I mean, Bawaal will be streamed in 200+ countries, which is incredible. For a film like Bawaal, which has universal themes of love, conflict, and self-discovery, the OTT medium can definitely amplify its impact given its reach and its ability to foster a deeper connection with the narrative. Honestly, Bawaal is truly a global film with an Indian heart. I am sure it will resonate with audiences across the globe.

How much of the real Varun do we get to see in the character you play? Are there any similarities at all?

To be honest Ajay or Ajju Bhaiya is VERY different to the Varun in “real” life! It was interesting to portray a person who is so different and self-centered and the transformation Ajay, a history teacher living a life based on a fabricated image, undergoes when he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love.

You have such a strong connect with the current Gen especially the kids, does that affect your choice of films?

I guess my film choices are very much dependent on how much I personally connect to a narrative and how that will resonate with the audience it is intended for, whether Gen Z, X or a millennial!

What’s been the challenging and most exciting part about playing Ajju?

It was both a challenge and also rewarding to balance the lighthearted, popular and “fake” image of Ajay in his town, with the internal war he is fighting with himself and then to also evolve with him in his own transformative journey.

There are so many layers to his character which meant I had to dig deep into his psyche and motivations.

Since your debut, has the criteria of choosing a film changed?

My film choices have always been about the respect for the power of storytelling and whether a narrative gives me a unique opportunity to transform into a different character, and one that resonates with audiences.

You have built a very impressive repertoire of filmography, so would Bawaal be in your personal best?

Thank you so much! Bawaal is certainly high up there for me!

It’s certainly been a transformative experience for me, and I also feel audiences will say the same when they see the film.

The chemistry between you and Janhvi is being much appreciated, what was it working like with her? How’s she as a co-star? Working with Janhvi was wonderful. She’s delivered a phenomenal, nuanced performance especially as her role was not only emotionally, but physically challenging as well.

3 Reasons to watch Varun in Bawaal?

1. It’s not your usual love story

2. It’s a journey of selfdiscovery

3. And Nitesh Tiwari!