David Dhawan Speaks Out on Varun Dhawan's Online Criticism and Career Progress
Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has frequently been the target of online trolling, with significant negativity emerging just before the release of his film 'Border 2' earlier this year. The actor is now preparing for his next project, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', directed by his father, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan. In a recent interview, David addressed the persistent criticism surrounding his son, highlighting how it diminished following the commercial success of 'Border 2'.
David Dhawan's Reaction to the Trolling and Praise for Varun's Improvement
Speaking to Pinkvilla, David Dhawan expressed his views on the matter with a mix of defiance and pride. "But what happened? Everything fell flat, right in their faces!" he stated, referring to the critics. "Today, everything revolves around work. I assured him this phase would pass. In a few days, these same individuals will be praising him, saying how excellent he is."
David went on to commend Varun's performance in 'Border 2', revealing his emotional response to his son's work. "His last picture impressed me so much. His role in 'Border 2'... I even cried watching his performance in that film. Without a doubt, he has improved significantly and is moving in the right direction." He emphasized Varun's professionalism, adding, "He understands the value of his work. He respects everyone around him. He is extremely careful and always strives to deliver his best."
Varun Dhawan's Strategy for Dealing with Online Negativity
During the promotional activities for 'Border 2', Varun Dhawan addressed the trolling he encounters, explaining his method for managing online criticism while maintaining focus on his craft. At the 'Braves of the Soil' tribute trailer launch, the actor clarified that social media reactions do not affect him, as he chooses to ignore the noise and let his work speak for itself.
"I believe in shutting down the noise and allowing your work to do the talking. These things keep happening constantly, but they don't really matter. I don't work for this kind of attention. What I work for, you will discover this Friday," Varun asserted, referring to the film's release at the time.
He continued, expressing confidence in his projects: "I have faith in the film. Creating a good film is extremely important. Obviously, numbers and all these external factors don't concern me. But I believe we have made a good film. That is the most crucial aspect."
Upcoming Project: 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'
On the professional front, Varun Dhawan is set to appear next in 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', a film directed by David Dhawan. The movie features co-stars Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur and is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026. This project marks another collaboration between father and son, following their previous successful ventures.
The discussion around trolling and resilience in Bollywood highlights the pressures faced by celebrities in the digital age, with both David and Varun Dhawan showcasing a united front in prioritizing artistic integrity over fleeting online opinions.



