Varun Dhawan's Mumbai Metro Pull-Ups Trigger Official Safety Warning
Bollywood star Varun Dhawan has found himself at the center of a public safety debate after videos surfaced showing him performing pull-ups inside a moving Mumbai Metro coach. The incident, which occurred during a surprise theater visit, has prompted metro authorities to issue a formal advisory reminding commuters about proper conduct on public transport.
Metro Authorities Respond with Safety Reminder
The Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) responded swiftly to the viral videos, resharing the footage on their official social media channels with a pointed safety message. In their advisory, authorities clarified that while social interaction within metro coaches is permitted, fixtures such as grab handles are strictly designed for passenger support and should not be used for physical stunts or exercises.
The corporation specifically addressed Dhawan in their caption, suggesting that the video should have carried a disclaimer similar to those seen in action films, warning viewers not to attempt similar behavior. The post emphasized that acts causing nuisance or potential damage to public property fall under violations of The Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002, and can result in penalties or even imprisonment depending on severity.
Incident Details and Public Reaction
The controversial incident took place on Saturday when Dhawan chose to travel by metro to avoid Mumbai's notorious traffic while heading to surprise fans at a cinema hall. The actor had initially teased his metro journey on Instagram, posting a story from inside the coach and asking followers to guess his destination. Shortly after, videos began circulating showing Dhawan hanging from an overhead metal rod and performing pull-ups as fellow passengers stood nearby.
On social media platforms, reactions were mixed but generally supportive of the authorities' response. Many users praised the metro corporation for enforcing public transport rules consistently, without making exceptions for celebrities. Several commenters highlighted the importance of high-profile figures setting positive examples in shared public spaces, particularly regarding safety protocols.
The authorities concluded their advisory with a clever play on words, advising commuters to "hang out, but don't hang in there," while reiterating the fundamental importance of responsible travel behavior on public transportation systems.
Dhawan's Current Professional Success
Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan continues to enjoy significant box-office success with his latest film Border 2, which features an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Anya Singh, and Medha Rana. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film serves as a sequel to J.P. Dutta's 1997 classic Border and is set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
According to industry tracking platform Sacnilk, Border 2 has achieved impressive box-office numbers, having earned approximately ₹158.61 crore during its theatrical run so far. The film collected ₹37.61 crore on its first Monday alone, with these figures expected to be revised upward once data from evening and night shows is fully incorporated.
This incident serves as a reminder that while celebrities may enjoy certain privileges, public safety regulations apply equally to all citizens. The Mumbai Metro authorities' response demonstrates their commitment to maintaining safety standards and ensuring that all passengers understand their responsibilities when using public transportation infrastructure.