Varun Dhawan’s recent podcast episode has ignited discussions about his interactions with co-stars Kiara Advani and Alia Bhatt, drawing scrutiny and criticism from netizens. Allegations of inappropriate behavior arose following viral clips showcasing his seemingly flirtatious actions at promotional events and photoshoots. Dhawan addressed these concerns candidly, aiming to clarify any misunderstandings.
During the podcast hosted by Shubhankar Mishra, Dhawan elaborated on the first incident involving Kiara Advani. A clip where he planted a kiss on her cheek during a photoshoot went viral, leading to various interpretations of the moment. “I’m glad you asked me this. It was planned. Both Kiara and I postedthat clip. It was for a digital cover, and they wanted some movement and action, so we plannedthat,” he explained. Despite the calculated nature of the act, some fans perceived it as crossing boundaries. Dhawan, confident of his process, attributed Advani’s surprise to her acting skills, reinforcing his viewpoint by claiming responsibility for less orchestrated moments.
He also recalled another playful moment during promotions for their recent film. Dhawan described the time he jokingly tried to push Advani, insisting, “That I did on purpose. It was all in good fun. It wasn't planned. That's just my nature, I guess.” This statement aimed to communicate his jovial demeanor, emphasizing the playful relationship shared with his co-stars.
When the discussion shifted to Alia Bhatt, Dhawan faced criticism for touching her belly during a live event, prompting allegations of inappropriate conduct. Responding to these allegations, he expressed, “I did it in fun. It wasn't flirting. We're friends.” Such clarifications were necessary as Dhawan highlighted the close-knit friendship he shares with Bhatt, stemming from their debut together in Karan Johar's Student of the Year.
Throughout the conversation, Dhawan remained adamant about the nature of his interactions: harmless fun. He noted, “Chhedam-chhaadi, if it is done in a happy space, a good space, whether it is a man or a woman… I have fun with my male co-stars as well, but nobody mentionsthat.” His attempt to evoke a feeling of shared camaraderie touched upon equal treatment among male and female peers.
Despite the controversies surrounding these incidents, Varun Dhawan is currently focused on his film career and the impending release of his upcoming project, Baby John. Scheduled to hit theaters on December 26, the film features notable names such as Jackie Shroff and Keerthy Suresh, with the original helmed by Tamil star Thalapathy Vijay. Directed by Kalees, it's billed to be one of the major releases aimed at concluding the year on a high note.
With his dynamic personality often grabbing both fan adoration and scrutiny, Dhawan maintains his stance on playful relationships with co-stars. Whether or not he crosses lines remains open to interpretation, but his intention seems firmly rooted in creating enjoyable experiences with colleagues.
