Varun Dhawan is Bollywood's today and tomorrow. Here's why
There's something inherently Bollywood about Varun Dhawan. That he grew up in the shadow of one of the world's largest film industries is evident - in his understanding of the business, his love for the craft and his nuanced performances. As he is wooing both audiences and critics with his latest film 'October', here we look at why he is a superstar in making.
A versatile actor
At a time when actors are known to work hard on everything but acting, Varun Dhawan makes for a refreshing exception. His Raghav in Badlapur, a broken man on a vendetta, was as convincing as his Student of the Year's entitled, spoilt Rohan Nanda or his lovesick Humpty/Badrinath or Dan, the hotel management trainee in October. Dhawan is charming but also earnest.
People's hero
At only 10 films old, Dhawan's popularity is dizzying and not undeserved. Recently, a young girl camped outside his house and didn't leave until he met her. He was once chided by the Mumbai police for leaning out through his car's window in the middle of a traffic signal to click a selfie with a fan. Dhawan is defining stardom all over again.
A hit machine
None of his movies in his six-year-long career have tanked. In fact, most of them have been major blockbusters. He was loved even in the films panned by critics (remember Dishoom, Main Tera Hero?) Sample the worldwide box-office collections of some of his films: Dilwale: Rs. 380.75 crore Judwaa 2: Rs. 227.59 crore Badrinath Ki Dulhania: Rs. 206.95 crore ABCD 2: Rs. 159 crore
An icon you can connect to
Dhawan is the de-facto representative of Indian millennials. He's funny, has a gorgeous body and enviable dancing skills. He's talented, hardworking but not too uptight. He knows his job, does it well, is hugely successful but feels approachable, like the guy you could hang out with over chai-sutta. That's the brand power of Varun Dhawan. He's a star but doesn't feel like it.
Beyond stereotypes
Thanks to his diverse filmography, Dhawan has no baggage of an image to live up to. He can play a small-town buffoon as effortlessly as a double role in a popular film's remake. Though he is bankable, it's his remarkably restrained performances in Badlapur and October that make him a dark horse, who will surprise you every time you think you've understood his game.
October: A story of love, life and loss
Are you a Varun Dhawan fan? Or that of Shoojit Sircar? No? Doesn't matter. Go watch their latest film. It's as beautiful as the Shiuli flower that grows in October and dies a little too soon, leaving you with fragrance and memories of a lifetime.
