Varun Dhawan, the Indian actor best known for his bright screen energy, comic timing, dance skills, and emotional performances in Hindi cinema.
He was born on April 24, 1987 (39 years old) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
On screen, Varun often feels like a live wire, full of movement, charm, and feeling.
He can light up a fun scene like a festival lamp, then turn quiet and intense when the role asks for depth.
He first became widely known with Student of the Year, but his acting range stood out more clearly in films like Badlapur, October, and Bhediya.
Varun Dhawan has also earned major award recognition, including the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role for Main Tera Hero and the Zee Cine Award for Performer of the Year, Male, for Bhediya.
Quick Facts Varun Dhawan
| Full Name | Varun David Dhawan |
| Profession | Actor |
| Age | 39 years old |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1987 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Taurus |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Current Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Gender | Male |
Varun Dhawan Early Life and Education
Varun Dhawan was born and raised in Mumbai. He grew up in a Punjabi Hindu family with close links to Hindi cinema.
His childhood had the shadow of cinema around it, like a stage light quietly glowing in the background.
He grew up around film sets, scripts, dance, and performance from an early age. This early exposure helped him understand films before he became an actor himself.
Education
Varun completed his early schooling at Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai. He later studied at H.R. College of Commerce and Economics.
After that, he went to the United Kingdom and earned a degree in Business Management/Studies from Nottingham Trent University.
| School | Bombay Scottish School, Mumbai |
| Alma Mater | Nottingham Trent University, UK |
| Highest Qualification | Degree in Business Management/Studies |
Varun Dhawan Personal Life
Varun Dhawan is married to fashion designer Natasha Dalal. Their love story is like a quiet thread running behind his bright film life.
Varun and Natasha got married on January 24, 2021, in Alibaug, Maharashtra. Their wedding was a private ceremony attended by close family members and friends.
About Wife Natasha
Natasha Dalal is a fashion designer. She is known for her bridal and ethnic wear label.
She studied fashion design and later started her own work in the fashion field. Varun first met Natasha while studying in sixth grade at Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai.
About Daughter Lara
Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal welcomed their first child, a daughter, on June 3, 2024. They named her Lara.
Varun has kept Lara away from public attention. He has also said that her social media choices should be her own when she grows older. This shows that he wants to protect her childhood and give her a private life.
Family
Varun Dhawan comes from a Punjabi Hindu family with strong links to Hindi cinema.
Father
Varun Dhawan’s father is David Dhawan. His real name is Rajinder Dhawan, and he is a Hindi film director known mainly for comedy and family entertainers.
He has directed many Hindi films over several decades. Some of his known films include Aankhen, Biwi No. 1, Judwaa, Hero No. 1, Partner, Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2, and Coolie No. 1.
David Dhawan has also worked with Varun in films such as Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2, and Coolie No. 1. Their bond is not only that of father and son, but also of director and actor.
In Varun’s life, David is like the first studio light, the person who helped shape the film atmosphere around him from childhood.
Mother
Varun Dhawan’s mother is Karuna Dhawan. She is married to David Dhawan and is the mother of Rohit Dhawan and Varun Dhawan. There are limited verified details about her personal and professional life.
Karuna has mostly stayed away from the spotlight. In Varun’s family story, she stands like the quiet wall behind a bright frame, less seen in public but still part of the family base.
Siblings
Varun Dhawan has one elder brother, Rohit Dhawan. Rohit made his name behind the camera.
He is known for directing films such as Desi Boyz and Dishoom. Varun also worked in Dishoom, which was directed by Rohit.
This makes the Dhawan family a film family where both brothers chose different sides of cinema, one mainly in front of the camera and the other behind it.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Natasha Dalal |
| Children | Daughter: Lara |
| Parents | Father: David Dhawan Mother: Karuna Dhawan |
| Siblings | Brother: Rohit Dhawan |
Varun Dhawan Career
Varun Dhawan did not begin his film career as an actor. He first worked behind the camera as an assistant director to Karan Johar on My Name Is Khan in 2010.
The film starred Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. This early work gave him a close look at film sets before he came in front of the camera.
Acting Debut with Student of the Year
Varun made his acting debut in 2012 with Karan Johar’s Student of the Year. His main co-stars were Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt.
The film introduced him as Rohan Nanda, a rich student with charm, confidence, and a soft heart under his stylish image. This film became the first step in his acting career.
Early Romantic and Comedy Films
After his debut, Varun moved into romantic comedy. In 2014, he acted in Main Tera Hero, directed by his father, David Dhawan. His main co-stars were Ileana D’Cruz and Nargis Fakhri. The film helped build his image as a comic actor with fast energy and dance appeal.
In the same year, he starred in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania with Alia Bhatt. The film gave him a softer romantic image. His role as Humpty felt like a young man made of mischief, love, and street-smart confidence.
Strong Turn with Badlapur and Dance Success with ABCD 2
In 2015, Varun changed his screen image to Badlapur. His main co-stars were Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Yami Gautam Dhar, Huma Qureshi, and Radhika Apte. He played Raghav, a man hurt by loss and revenge. This role was much darker than his earlier films and showed that he could handle serious drama.
The same year, he starred in ABCD 2 with Shraddha Kapoor and Prabhu Deva. The film used his dance skills like a drumbeat, giving his career a strong musical and youth-based push.
Bigger Commercial Films
Varun also became part of bigger Hindi film projects. In Dilwale in 2015, he acted with Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Kriti Sanon.
In Dishoom in 2016, his main co-stars were John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez. These films kept him close to action, comedy, and big-screen entertainment.
In 2017, he returned to romance with Badrinath Ki Dulhania, again with Alia Bhatt. The film became one of his popular romantic roles.
Later that year, he starred in Judwaa 2 with Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu. In this film, he played a double role, which added comedy, action, and dance to his screen image.
Serious Roles in October and Sui Dhaaga
In 2018, Varun acted in October with Banita Sandhu. He played Danish Walia, a hotel management trainee dealing with grief and emotional change.
The role was quiet and slow, like a candle burning in a dark room. It was different from his usual lively image and earned him praise and a Filmfare Critics Award nomination.
The same year, he starred in Sui Dhaaga with Anushka Sharma. He played Mauji, a simple man from a small-town setting who tries to build a clothing business with his wife. The film added a grounded, family-based role to his career.
Kalank, Street Dancer 3D, and Coolie No. 1
In 2019, Varun acted in Kalank with Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditya Roy Kapur. He played Zafar, a blacksmith in a period drama. The film gave him a more intense and dramatic look.
In 2020, he starred in Street Dancer 3D with Shraddha Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, and Prabhu Deva. The film again used his dance strength.
In the same year, he worked with his father, David Dhawan, in Coolie No. 1. His main co-star was Sara Ali Khan. The film was released online on Amazon Prime Video during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Return with Jugjugg Jeeyo and Bhediya
In 2022, Varun starred in Jugjugg Jeeyo with Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor, and Neetu Kapoor. He played Kuku, a married man facing problems in his relationship. The film gave him a family drama role with humor and emotion.
In the same year, he acted in Bhediya with Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, and Deepak Dobriyal. He played Bhaskar, a man who turns into a werewolf. The film mixed comedy, horror, and fantasy and became one of his more talked-about works in recent years.
Digital Work and Action Phase
In 2023, Varun starred in Bawaal with Janhvi Kapoor. The film was released digitally on Amazon Prime Video. It brought him back into romantic drama, but the film also received criticism for its theme and treatment.
In 2024, he acted in Citadel: Honey Bunny with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. This was his first full action-led streaming role.
In the same year, he led Baby John with Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Zara Zyanna, and Jackie Shroff. The film was a Hindi remake of the Tamil film Theri.
Recent Films and Present Career
In 2025, Varun reunited with Janhvi Kapoor in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. The film also starred Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf. It was a romantic comedy directed by Shashank Khaitan.
In 2026, he appeared in Border 2 with Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Medha Rana, and Anya Singh. He played Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya in the war film. This became the highest-grossing release of his career, according to the cited source.
He also starred in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan. His main co-stars included Pooja Hegde, Mrunal Thakur, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mouni Roy, and Rohit Saraf. This kept him in the romantic comedy space while continuing his long work link with family-style entertainers.
Upcoming Projects or Lineup Projects
Varun Dhawan has a few future lineup projects:
- Bhediya 2: The film is in production. The film is scheduled for release on 14 August 2026. The film is expected to bring Varun back to the horror-comedy space.
- No Entry Sequel and Rannbhoomi: Both are under production for 2026.
Varun Dhawan Awards and Achievements
Varun Dhawan’s award record shows how his career has moved through comedy, romance, dance, action, and serious drama.
Key Wins
- Stardust Award for Best Debut Male, 2013, for Student of the Year.
- IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role, 2015, for Main Tera Hero.
- IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role, 2017, for Dishoom.
- Zee Cine Award for Best Actor, Male, 2018 for Badrinath Ki Dulhania.
- Indian Television Academy Award for Actor of the Decade, 2022, after completing ten years in the Hindi film industry.
Key Nominations
- Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for Student of the Year.
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Badlapur.
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Badrinath Ki Dulhania.
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for October.
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Bhediya.
Controversies
Varun Dhawan has mostly kept a clean public image, but his name has come up in a few media reports, social media debates, and film-related controversies.
Twitter Exchange Involving Rangoli Chandel: Varun Dhawan was involved in a Twitter exchange with Rangoli Chandel, Kangana Ranaut’s sister. The issue started after Varun praised the trailer of Judgementall Hai Kya but did not mention Kangana Ranaut’s name in his tweet. Rangoli criticised him online, and Varun later replied to the matter.
Gigi Hadid NMACC Stage Moment: In 2023, Varun Dhawan faced online criticism after he lifted model Gigi Hadid on stage and kissed her on the cheek during an event at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. Some users claimed the moment looked uncomfortable and raised questions about consent. Varun later said the act was planned. Choreographer Shiamak Davar also said the sequence was pre-planned, and reports said Gigi Hadid later thanked Varun for the Bollywood-style moment.
Bawaal Holocaust Criticism: In 2023, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s film Bawaal faced strong criticism for using Holocaust and Auschwitz references in a romantic drama. The Simon Wiesenthal Center asked Prime Video to remove the film, saying it misused the Nazi Holocaust as a story device. The film was criticised because some viewers and groups felt that it made a painful historical tragedy look too light. Varun responded to the backlash and said his character in the film was meant to be flawed.
Varun Dhawan Net Worth
Varun Dhawan’s net worth is around ₹416.5 crores ($50 million), and his annual salary is ₹15-₹25 crores ($1.6-$2.7 million) per year.
His monthly income is around ₹1.2-2.5 crores ($129,000-$269,000).
| Net Worth(Approx.) | ₹416.5 crores ($50 million) |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₹15-₹25 crores ($1.6-$2.7 million) per year |
Varun Dhawan Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Here are the physical stats of Varun Dhawan:
| Height | In centimetres: 175 cm In meters: 1.75 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 75 kg In lbs: 165 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 40-32-15 inches |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Interesting Facts About Varun Dhawan
- Varun Dhawan’s nickname is Pappu.
- He had eleven back-to-back commercially successful films from 2012 to 2018.
- Varun has a pet dog named Joey.
Varun Dhawan Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube
 @varundvn | |
| X |  @Varun_dvn |
 @VarunDhawan.co | |
 @varundvn | |
| YouTube |  @VarunDhawan |
FAQs
How old is Varun Dhawan?
Varun Dhawan is 39 years old. He was born on 24 April 1987 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
What is Varun Dhawan best known for?
Varun Dhawan is best known for his work in Hindi films, especially for his energetic acting, dance skills, comedy timing, and emotional roles.
Which was the first film of Varun Dhawan?
Varun Dhawan made his acting debut with Student of the Year in 2012.
Who is the wife of Varun Dhawan?
Varun Dhawan’s wife is Natasha Dalal. She is a fashion designer.
Does Varun Dhawan have children?
Yes, Varun Dhawan has a daughter named Lara.
Who are the parents of Varun Dhawan?
Varun Dhawan’s father is David Dhawan, a film director. His mother is Karuna Dhawan.
Who is the brother of Varun Dhawan?
Varun Dhawan’s elder brother is Rohit Dhawan. He is also a film director.
What is Varun Dhawan’s educational qualification?
Varun Dhawan has a degree in Business Studies from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.
What are the best films of Varun Dhawan?
Some of Varun Dhawan’s popular films are Student of the Year, Badlapur, October, Bhediya, ABCD 2, and Badrinath Ki Dulhania.
