- By Srishti Pandey
- Sun, 15 Dec 2024 08:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Varun Dhawan has always been known for his high-energy performances and ability to connect with audiences. However, his upcoming action drama Baby John, directed by Kalees, has taken on a deeper meaning for him since he became a father in real life. Varun and his wife Natasha Dalal welcomed their daughter, Lara, in June 2024. The actor says this life-changing event brought unparalleled authenticity to his portrayal of a father in the film.
At a press conference in Delhi on December 14, 2024, Varun candidly shared how being a "girl dad" has transformed his perspective. In Baby John, he plays Satya Verma, a father who would go to any lengths to protect his daughter, Khushi, played by child artist Zara Zyanna. Reflecting on the connection between his reel and real life, Varun said, "After Lara’s birth, I realized the depth of emotions that come with being a father. When I delivered the line, ‘Aa ab haath laga ke dikha meri beti ko’ (Now dare to lay a hand on my daughter), it wasn’t just acting—it came straight from my heart."
Varun shared that Lara’s birth has reshaped his worldview, especially regarding relationships and respect for women. "The first thought that came to me after Natasha gave birth was, ‘How could I have been mean to my mother? How can anyone speak harshly to their mother, who carried them for nine months?’ Seeing Natasha’s strength during this journey has been eye-opening," he said.
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He also revealed how fatherhood has awakened memories of his own childhood lessons. "When you become a father, especially to a girl, it’s a transformative experience. All the values and lessons your mother instilled in you start coming back. It’s like everything you took for granted now makes perfect sense," Varun explained. He also said, "Having a daughter teaches you a lot about life and what actually being a man is."
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Baby John follows the story of Satya Verma and Meera Verma (played by Keerthy Suresh, marking her Bollywood debut), who are fiercely protective of their daughter, Khushi. Varun admitted that playing a father felt more meaningful after Lara’s arrival.
Varun Dhawan's Baby John releases on December 25, 2024 (Image: Srishti Pandey)
While Baby John is packed with action and drama, Varun believes its emotional core will resonate with audiences. "The film is about a father’s unconditional love and the lengths he’ll go to protect his family. Being a father in real life has helped me truly understand what that means," he said.
The film also boasts an impressive cast, including Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff and Zara Zyanna and promises a gripping narrative. As the release date of December 25, 2024, approaches, fans are eager to see how Varun’s real-life transformation as a father has influenced his performance. Varun Dhawan also clarified that Baby John is an "adaptation" of Atlee's 2016 hit Tamil movie Theri rather than a "remake." So, fans can look forward to new plot elements and sequences in the Hindi movie.