Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has recently stirred the pot with his comments on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, referring to him as the 'Hanuman' of Indian politics. Speaking at the Agenda AajTak conclave, where he attended to promote his upcoming film 'Baby John', Dhawan emphasized Shah's selflessness and dedication to the country. He noted how, during their brief interaction, Shah prioritised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India over his own public image.
Describing his admiration for Shah, Dhawan stated, "I feel he’s Lord Hanuman because… He kept India and Modi Ji at the forefront in every answer. He was not promoting himself. For him, the country was the priority. This is what I liked about him. He’s working toward the country’s prosperity and not toward his public image." This statement not only reflects Dhawan's respect for Shah but also highlights the broader expectations on public figures to focus on national issues.
Despite the praise, Dhawan is well aware of the backlash such comments can invoke. When informed by reporters about the potential for social media criticism and the possibility of being labeled as 'sanghi'—a derogatory term referring to supporters of the ruling party—he replied, "Let the critics speak. I am not a political man. When I have not liked certain things, I have called them out." This stance indicates Dhawan's willingness to hold his ground against criticism.
During his conversation with Shah, Dhawan posed thought-provoking questions centered on concepts from the Ramayana. He asked Shah, "What was the biggest difference between Lord Rama and Ravana?" to which Shah responded, delving deep by explaining the differences between interests based on duties versus self-interests. He articulated, "See, for some people, their interests are determined by their duties (dharma), whether or not they should pursue them. Others' obligations are motivated by their self-interests. This is the distinction between them." Such philosophical discussions not only highlight Dhawan's engagement but also place him at the intersection of politics and culture.
Shah continued the discourse by contrasting the moral standings of the two characters from the Ramayana, stating, "Rama led his life based on his dharma, whereas Ravana tried to alter duties to fit his own definitions and thoughts." Dhawan seized upon this pivot to bring up the concept of arrogance, echoing Shah's prior remarks on the subject. He noted, "You mentioned ahankaar. Ravana was arrogant about his knowledge, whereas Rama was knowledgeable about arrogance." This reflection on morality showcases Dhawan's depth and interest beyond mere film promotion.
Despite the respect and consideration Dhawan expresses, his comments have been met with significant scrutiny. Social media users quickly pointed out what they perceived as excessive enthusiasm or perhaps misplaced political praise, dubbing the moment as Dhawan's attempt to garner favors for his upcoming film release. Netizens have accused him of being “too desperate” as they connected his comments to promotional strategies for 'Baby John'. This inevitable merge of cinema and personal expression often draws the public's skeptical eye.
Moving beyond the debate, Varun Dhawan, who has described Amit Shah as the 'Hanuman' of Indian politics—an image denoting service without selfishness—has reaffirmed his commitment to his own views. "People call him Chanakya in politics, but I would like to call him the Hanuman of our country, who serves the nation selflessly," he reiterated at the conclave. These remarks have inspired dialogue on the relevance of celebrity endorsements or critiques on political figures and how society perceives them.
The timeliness of Dhawan's comments also aligns with the impending release of his film 'Baby John', which is set to hit theaters on December 25, 2024. Directed by Kalees and presented by Atlee, the movie is anticipated to be another addition to Dhawan's filmography following similar success patterns. The film's backdrop serves as additional commentary to his recent interactions, linking his artistic endeavors to his public persona.
Regardless of the conversation surrounding his politically charged statements, Varun Dhawan continues to walk the tightrope of celebrity and social discourse. Whether they will spark long-term scrutiny of his career or reinforce his position among Bollywood’s elite remains to be seen, but his remarks certainly have placed him firmly at the center of this dynamic exchange.
With the film's premiere drawing close, audiences will be watching closely to see how Dhawan navigates both the cinematic and political landscapes he has now intertwined with his public declarations about Amit Shah.
