Varun Dhawan worked in many superhit films and established himself as one of Bollywood's most bankable young stars. Know about Varun Dhawan's biography, affairs, age, birthday, father's name, mother's name, religion, wife, Date of Birth, family, relationship, marriage, Show list, annual salary & net worth, awards, height, weight, body measurements, latest news, and upcoming projects.
The son of renowned director David Dhawan, Varun has carved his own path in Bollywood with a remarkable net worth of $48 million (₹400 crores) as of 2025. His journey from a business management graduate in the UK to becoming one of India's highest-paid actors represents the modern Bollywood success story that resonates with both Western audiences seeking cultural education and Indian fans following the next generation of film dynasties.
Currently 37 years old, Varun Dhawan continues to dominate box office collections with upcoming projects like "Border 2" and "Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari" lined up for 2025-2026. His versatility across comedy, romance, and serious drama has made him a favorite among international streaming platforms, bridging Indian cinema with global entertainment through his performances in films that gross over ₹100 crores worldwide.
Unlike many Bollywood stars who follow traditional career paths, Varun's international education and business background bring a unique perspective to his craft. His marriage to childhood friend Natasha Dalal and strong family values represent modern Indian masculinity while maintaining cultural traditions, making his story particularly appealing to the Indian diaspora in the US and UK.
Real Name | Varun Dhawan |
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Screen Name | Varun Dhawan |
Date of Birth | April 24, 1987 (37 years in 2025) |
Net Worth | $48 million / ₹400 crore (2025) |
Height | 5'9" / 175cm |
Industry | Bollywood Actor |
Languages | Hindi, English, Punjabi |
Debut Film | Student of the Year (2012) |
Notable Films | Badlapur, October, Judwaa 2, Sui Dhaaga |
Hindi Name | वरुण धवन |
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Industry Debut | Student of the Year (2012) |
Languages Worked In | Hindi, English |
Film Industry | Bollywood |
Varun Dhawan is famous as one of Bollywood's most successful young actors and is a prominent figure in the Hindi film industry. He is renowned as an actor, dancer, and social media influencer and is considered one of the most bankable stars in contemporary Indian cinema.
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Born into Bollywood royalty as the son of director David Dhawan, Varun has successfully established his own identity in the film industry. His breakthrough came with Karan Johar's "Student of the Year" in 2012, but it was his versatility in films like "Badlapur" and "October" that proved his acting credentials beyond being a commercial entertainer. His ability to seamlessly transition between mass commercial films and critically acclaimed projects sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Currently one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood, Varun commands fees of ₹15-20 crores per film and boasts a social media following of over 30 million across platforms. His influence extends beyond cinema through brand endorsements worth ₹50+ crores annually and his involvement in fitness and lifestyle ventures. His modern approach to stardom, combining traditional Bollywood charm with contemporary social media savvy, makes him particularly appealing to younger audiences globally.
Like other successful stars such as Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan has carved a unique niche in the entertainment world through his combination of commercial appeal and artistic credibility.
Varun Dhawan was born on April 24, 1987 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. His father's name is David Dhawan, who works as one of Bollywood's most successful comedy directors, and his mother's name is Karuna Dhawan, who is a homemaker and former teacher. Varun has one elder brother named Rohit Dhawan, who is also a film director.
Growing up in a film family, Varun was exposed to the entertainment industry from childhood but was encouraged to pursue academics first. The Dhawan family maintains strong Punjabi Hindu traditions while embracing modern values. Despite his father's success, Varun was raised with middle-class values and was taught the importance of hard work and humility. His childhood was spent between Mumbai's film studios and normal school activities, giving him a balanced perspective on fame and success.
The family's approach to stardom was always grounded - David Dhawan ensured his sons understood that success in films requires dedication and talent, not just family connections. This upbringing instilled in Varun a work ethic that would later define his career approach, combining respect for Bollywood traditions with contemporary global sensibilities.
Varun Dhawan completed his schooling from Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai. He was an average student academically but showed early interest in sports, particularly wrestling and dancing. His participation in school cultural programs first revealed his performance abilities, though he initially had no clear plans for an acting career.
After completing school, he pursued commerce at H.R. College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai before moving to the United Kingdom for higher studies. He graduated with a degree in Business Management from Nottingham Trent University, where he experienced life away from the Bollywood bubble. This international education exposed him to different cultures and perspectives, contributing to his later ability to connect with global audiences.
During his time in the UK, Varun worked various jobs, including distributing leaflets and even attempting to secure a position at a London bank. These experiences gave him a real-world perspective beyond the film industry and helped shape his grounded personality that fans appreciate today.
Varun Dhawan is currently married to Natasha Dalal, his childhood sweetheart whom he wed in January 2021. The couple had been in a relationship for over 15 years before marriage, representing one of Bollywood's most stable and enduring love stories. They met during school days and maintained their relationship through Varun's rise to stardom.
Natasha Dalal is a fashion designer who prefers to stay away from the limelight, running her own successful fashion label. Their relationship exemplifies modern Indian values - they dated for years with family approval before marriage, and Natasha continues her independent career post-marriage. Their intimate wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, attended only by close family and friends, reflected their preference for privacy over publicity.
The couple currently doesn't have children but has expressed their desire to start a family when the time is right. Their relationship dynamic, where both pursue successful careers while maintaining traditional family values, resonates strongly with young Indian couples, particularly those in the diaspora who navigate similar cultural balances.
Varun Dhawan is known for his energetic and down-to-earth personality. He enjoys wrestling, dancing, and maintaining his fitness regime, often sharing workout videos with fans. His favorite food includes Punjabi cuisine, particularly his mother's homemade meals, and he loves to travel, especially to destinations that offer adventure sports and cultural experiences.
Favorite Food | Punjabi Cuisine, Italian Pasta |
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Favorite Color | Blue, Black |
Favorite Actor/Actress | Dwayne Johnson, Alia Bhatt |
Favorite Music | Bollywood, Hip-Hop |
Hobbies | Wrestling, Dancing, Fitness |
Favorite Destination | Thailand, Switzerland |
Beyond entertainment, Varun supports various charitable causes, particularly those related to animal welfare and education. He owns a pet dog named Joey and is actively involved in promoting responsible pet ownership. His spiritual beliefs remain rooted in Hinduism, and he often visits temples before film releases, maintaining cultural traditions while embracing modern lifestyle choices. His approach to work-life balance, maintaining friendships outside the industry, and staying connected to his roots makes him relatable to audiences across different demographics.
Varun Dhawan started his film career in 2012 with Karan Johar's "Student of the Year" alongside newcomers Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra. His journey began when he returned from the UK and worked as an assistant director on his father's film "My Name Is Khan" (2010), where Karan Johar noticed his potential and offered him the lead role in his upcoming project.
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The debut film "Student of the Year" was a commercial success, earning over ₹96 crores worldwide and establishing Varun as a promising newcomer. His portrayal of Rohan Nanda, the athletic and charismatic student, showcased his dancing skills and screen presence. While the film received mixed critical reviews, it successfully launched three careers and became a cultural phenomenon among young audiences.
Following his debut success, Varun strategically chose diverse roles to avoid being typecast. His early career was marked by collaborations with established directors and production houses, learning from industry veterans while building his own fan base. The transition from being "David Dhawan's son" to establishing "Varun Dhawan" as a brand required careful selection of scripts and co-stars.
His early struggles included proving his acting credentials beyond his family connections and finding his unique space in an industry already dominated by established stars. However, his dedication to fitness, dance rehearsals, and method acting helped him overcome initial skepticism from critics and audiences who questioned nepotism in Bollywood.
Varun Dhawan gained massive recognition with his second film "Main Tera Hero" (2014), directed by his father David Dhawan. This comedy became a significant success and established him as a viable commercial hero. However, his performance in Sriram Raghavan's "Badlapur" (2015) was particularly praised for showing his dramatic range and proved he could handle intense, complex characters beyond typical commercial roles.
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His filmography showcases remarkable versatility across genres. "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" and "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" established him as a romantic hero, while "ABCD 2" demonstrated his exceptional dancing abilities. "Judwaa 2" proved his commercial appeal with ₹138+ crore collections, and critically acclaimed films like "October" and "Sui Dhaaga" showed his commitment to meaningful cinema.
Recent successes include "Jugjugg Jeeyo" (2022), which earned ₹85+ crores, and the horror-comedy "Bhediya" (2022), showcasing his ability to carry different genres. His collaboration with major production houses like Dharma Productions, Balaji Telefilms, and Yash Raj Films has resulted in consistent box office performance, with most of his films crossing the ₹100 crore mark globally.
Year | Film | Role | Box Office (₹ Crores) | Status |
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2012 | Student of the Year | Rohan Nanda | 96 | Hit |
2014 | Main Tera Hero | Seenu | 76 | Hit |
2015 | Badlapur | Raghu | 32 | Critical Success |
2017 | Judwaa 2 | Raja/Prem | 138 | Blockbuster |
2018 | October | Dan | 15 | Critical Acclaim |
2022 | Jugjugg Jeeyo | Kukoo | 85 | Hit |
2022 | Bhediya | Bhaskar | 65 | Moderate Success |
Varun Dhawan has achieved remarkable financial success through his career in Bollywood entertainment. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $48 million (₹400 crores), making him one of the highest-paid young actors in the Indian film industry.
Net Worth (2025) | $48 million / ₹400 crores (approx.) |
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Annual Income | ₹80-100 crores |
Monthly Income | ₹7-8 crores |
Per Movie Fee | ₹15-20 crores |
Brand Endorsements | ₹3-5 crores per deal |
Other Income Sources | Investments, Production |
His primary income sources include film remuneration, brand endorsements with companies like Reebok, Skybags, and Diesel, plus profit-sharing arrangements with production houses. He has endorsed over 15 major brands and commands one of the highest endorsement fees among young Bollywood actors. His business acumen, developed during his UK education, has led to smart investments in real estate and startup companies.
Varun Dhawan enjoys a luxurious lifestyle with his substantial wealth. He owns multiple properties in Mumbai's prime locations and a collection of luxury vehicles. His lifestyle reflects modern Indian success while maintaining family values and social responsibility.
Houses | Juhu, Mumbai - ₹30 crores Goa Villa - ₹8 crores |
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Cars | Range Rover Vogue - ₹2.5 crores Audi Q7 - ₹80 lakhs BMW X6 - ₹95 lakhs |
Investments | Real Estate, Tech Startups, Fitness Ventures |
Height | 5'9" / 175 cm |
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Weight | 78 kg / 172 lbs (approx.) |
Body Type | Athletic, Muscular |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Black |
Skin Tone | Wheatish |
Distinctive Features | Dimpled smile, Athletic build |
Varun Dhawan is known for his athletic physique and youthful appearance that has remained consistent throughout his career. He maintains his fitness through regular gym workouts, wrestling training, and dance practice. His style evolution has progressed from the casual college look in early films to a more sophisticated, international fashion sense.
His fashion choices blend Indian and Western elements, often seen in designer kurtas for traditional events and contemporary streetwear for casual appearances. He frequently collaborates with stylist teams for red carpet events and has become a fashion icon for young Indian men. His fitness regime and diet discipline have made him a role model for health-conscious fans, particularly in promoting body positivity and natural fitness over extreme transformations.
Varun Dhawan has received numerous accolades for his outstanding contribution to Bollywood cinema. His talent has been recognized through various film awards, commercial success, and cultural impact recognition.
Year | Award | Category | Movie/Work |
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2016 | Filmfare Award | Best Actor (Critics) | Badlapur |
2019 | Filmfare Award | Best Actor (Critics) | October |
2024 | News18 Showsha Reel Awards | Best Actor (Popular Choice) | Jugjugg Jeeyo |
2018 | Madame Tussauds | Wax Statue Honor | Hong Kong |
Varun Dhawan has achieved several milestones, including being featured multiple times in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list, ranking among the top earners in Bollywood. He was honored with a wax statue at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in 2018, making him one of the youngest Bollywood actors to receive this recognition. His contribution to dance and fitness culture has been particularly appreciated by youth organizations.
His films have collectively grossed over ₹2000 crores worldwide, establishing him as one of the most bankable stars of his generation. Beyond commercial success, his social impact through various campaigns and his representation of modern Indian masculinity have earned recognition from cultural institutions and international Indian diaspora communities.
Currently, Varun Dhawan is working on several high-profile projects that showcase his range as an actor. His upcoming releases include "Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari" with Janhvi Kapoor, "Border 2" - the much-anticipated sequel to the 1997 war film, and "Bhediya 2" following the success of his horror-comedy franchise.
Project | Role | Director | Release Date | Status |
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Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari | Sunny | Shashank Khaitan | 2025 | Post-production |
Border 2 | Army Officer | Anurag Singh | 2026 | Filming |
Bhediya 2 | Bhaskar | Amar Kaushik | 2026 | Pre-production |
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai | Lead | TBA | 2026 | Announced |
Varun has embraced the digital revolution in entertainment, with discussions ongoing for his first major OTT series debut. His production company is developing content specifically for streaming platforms, recognizing the global reach and cultural bridge-building potential of digital content. These projects aim to showcase Indian stories with international production values, appealing to both domestic and diaspora audiences.
His social media content creation, including behind-the-scenes footage and fitness videos, has garnered millions of views, positioning him as a digital content creator beyond traditional cinema. His upcoming collaborations with international streaming services represent Bollywood's evolution toward global storytelling.
Industry insiders report that Varun's upcoming "Border 2" role required intense physical preparation and military consultant training. The film, backed by a ₹350 crore budget, represents his most ambitious project to date. His commitment to the role, including learning military protocols and weapon handling, demonstrates his dedication to authentic portrayals.
Recent interviews reveal his interest in international collaborations and potential Hollywood projects, following the success of other Bollywood actors in global markets. His production company is actively developing scripts that can appeal to worldwide audiences while maintaining Indian cultural authenticity.
Like many celebrities, Varun Dhawan has faced his share of challenges throughout his career, primarily centered around nepotism debates in Bollywood. Critics initially questioned his rapid rise, attributing it to his father's influence rather than merit. However, his consistent performance and box office success have gradually silenced most skeptics.
His early career faced scrutiny over film choices, with some critics labeling him as limited to commercial entertainers. However, his strategic selection of diverse roles in films like "Badlapur," "October," and "Sui Dhaaga" proved his versatility and commitment to craft over easy commercial success. His willingness to take pay cuts for meaningful projects like "October" demonstrated artistic integrity over financial considerations.
Currently, Varun enjoys a positive public image, having successfully navigated industry politics while maintaining cordial relationships with co-stars and directors. His approach to handling criticism through improved performances rather than public arguments has earned respect from industry veterans and audiences alike.
Here are some fascinating and lesser-known facts about Varun Dhawan that showcase his unique personality and journey:
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Varun Dhawan has a massive social media presence with over 30 million followers across platforms. He actively engages with fans and shares glimpses of his personal and professional life, fitness routines, and behind-the-scenes content from film sets.
Platform | Handle | Followers | Content Type |
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@varundvn | 19.2 million followers | Fitness, Family, Film Updates | |
Twitter/X | @Varun_dvn | 10.5 million followers | Industry News, Fan Interaction |
Varun Dhawan Official | 8.3 million likes | Film Promotions, Events | |
YouTube | Varun Dhawan | 2.1 million subscribers | Dance Videos, Interviews |
Varun Dhawan's social media strategy focuses on authentic content that shows his personality beyond films. His most viral posts include workout videos with celebrities, family moments with wife Natasha, and dance rehearsal clips that often garner millions of views. He often uses his platform to promote fitness awareness, animal welfare, and support for emerging artists.
His engagement rates consistently rank among the highest in Bollywood, with fans appreciating his regular interaction through comments, live sessions, and story features. His social media milestones include reaching 15 million Instagram followers faster than most Bollywood contemporaries and maintaining consistently high engagement across all platforms.
Varun Dhawan has cultivated strong professional relationships across Bollywood, working with established directors like Karan Johar, Rohit Shetty, and Sriram Raghavan. His collaborations with co-stars Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor have resulted in multiple successful films.
His friendship with fellow actors Janhvi Kapoor and Rohit Saraf from his debut film continues to be strong, often appearing together at industry events. His professional relationship with production houses like Dharma Productions and Balaji Motion Pictures has resulted in consistent project opportunities and creative freedom.
Varun Dhawan was born on April 24, 1987, and is currently 37 years old as of 2025.
Varun Dhawan stands 5'9" (175 cm) tall and weighs approximately 78 kg (172 lbs).
Varun Dhawan is married to Natasha Dalal since January 2021. They were childhood friends and dated for over 15 years before marriage. Natasha is a fashion designer who runs her own label and prefers staying away from the limelight.
As of 2025, Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal do not have children yet, but they have expressed their desire to start a family when the time feels right for both their careers.
Varun Dhawan completed his schooling from Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai, graduated from H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, and earned a Business Management degree from Nottingham Trent University in the UK.
Varun Dhawan comes from a prominent Bollywood family. His father, David Dhawan, is a successful comedy director, his mother, Karuna Dhawan, is a homemaker, and his elder brother Rohit Dhawan is also a film director. The family follows Punjabi Hindu traditions.
Varun Dhawan was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and spent his childhood between Mumbai's film industry environment and normal school activities.
Born on April 24, Varun Dhawan's zodiac sign is Taurus, which explains his determined, practical, and hardworking personality traits.
Varun Dhawan is related to several Bollywood personalities through family connections, including actor Anil Dhawan (uncle) and designers Manish Malhotra and Punit Malhotra through extended family relationships.
Varun Dhawan started his career by working as an assistant director on "My Name Is Khan" (2010). Karan Johar noticed his dedication and offered him the lead role in "Student of the Year" (2012), which became his successful Bollywood debut alongside Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra.
Varun Dhawan's biggest hits include "Student of the Year" (₹96 crores), "Judwaa 2" (₹138 crores), "Dilwale" (₹148 crores), "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" (₹76 crores), and "Jugjugg Jeeyo" (₹85 crores), along with critically acclaimed films like "Badlapur" and "October."
Varun Dhawan is currently working on "Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari" with Janhvi Kapoor, "Border 2" (war film), "Bhediya 2" (horror-comedy sequel), and "Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai" scheduled for release between 2025 and 2026.
Varun Dhawan reportedly charges ₹15-20 crores per film, making him one of the highest-paid young actors in Bollywood. His fees vary based on the production budget and his role in the film.
As of 2025, Varun Dhawan has not appeared in international films but has expressed interest in global collaborations. His upcoming projects include discussions for international streaming platform content.
As of 2025, Varun Dhawan's estimated net worth is $48 million (₹400 crores), earned through films, brand endorsements, investments, and business ventures. His annual income ranges from ₹80-100 crores.
Varun Dhawan's car collection includes Range Rover Vogue (₹2.5 crores), Audi Q7 (₹80 lakhs), BMW X6 (₹95 lakhs), and several other luxury vehicles worth approximately ₹5+ crores total.
Varun Dhawan owns properties in Juhu, Mumbai (primary residence worth ₹30 crores) and a vacation villa in Goa (₹8 crores). He lives with his wife, Natasha Dalal, in their Mumbai home.
Varun Dhawan is the brand ambassador for Reebok, Skybags, Diesel, Zara, and over 15 major brands. He earns ₹3-5 crores per endorsement deal, contributing significantly to his annual income.
Varun Dhawan has investments in real estate, technology startups, and fitness ventures. He's also developing his production company for creating content across films and digital platforms.
Varun Dhawan loves Punjabi cuisine, especially his mother's homemade meals, and Italian pasta. He maintains a balanced diet for his fitness routine but enjoys cheat meals occasionally.
Varun Dhawan maintains his physique through daily gym workouts, wrestling practice, dance rehearsals, and functional training. He follows a high-protein diet and practices intermittent fasting.
Varun Dhawan actively supports animal welfare organizations, education initiatives, and healthcare charities. He and his wife Natasha recently launched their own charitable initiative focusing on animal shelters in Mumbai.
Varun Dhawan has won Filmfare Awards for Best Actor (Critics) for "Badlapur" and "October," News18 Showsha Reel Awards for Best Actor, and received a Madame Tussauds wax statue honor in Hong Kong in 2018.
Varun Dhawan is fluent in Hindi, English, and Punjabi. He's currently learning Tamil to expand his reach into South Indian cinema and connect with pan-Indian audiences.
Varun Dhawan's official Instagram handle is @varundvn with over 19.2 million followers, where he shares fitness content, family moments, and film updates.
Across all platforms, Varun Dhawan has over 40 million total followers - 19.2 million on Instagram, 10.5 million on Twitter, 8.3 million on Facebook, and 2.1 million YouTube subscribers.
Varun Dhawan has largely maintained a clean public image. Early career faced nepotism debates, but his consistent performances and professional behavior have earned industry respect and positive public perception.
Varun Dhawan actively engages with fans through social media, sharing authentic content about his daily life, fitness journey, and film projects. He's known for high engagement rates and regular fan interactions.
Varun Dhawan comes from a Punjabi Hindu family and maintains strong cultural connections through food preferences, festival celebrations, and family traditions, often sharing these aspects with fans on social media.
While Varun Dhawan has primarily worked in Hindi Bollywood films, he has expressed interest in South Indian collaborations and is learning Tamil for potential regional projects to expand his pan-Indian appeal.
Varun Dhawan represents modern Indian cinema to global audiences through his international education background, contemporary acting style, and films that blend traditional values with modern storytelling, appealing to diaspora communities worldwide.
Varun Dhawan aims to expand into international collaborations, establish his production company, explore OTT platform content, and potentially venture into Hollywood projects while maintaining his Bollywood success.
While Varun Dhawan has shown interest in film direction due to his family background and assistant director experience, he's currently focused on acting projects and production ventures rather than immediate directorial debuts.
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