Showing posts with label Varun Dhawan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Varun Dhawan. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Why Ranbir want to Dance with Varun?

Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who did an item song in children's film "Chillar Party", would love to something like that again but this time he wants newbie Varun Dhawan to shake a leg with him.

"If it is for a good cause then of course, 100 percent. This time I would like to have Varun with me because he dances really well. He is a good soul and I think he will do it with all his heart," the 30-year-old said here Tuesday celebrating Christmas with kids suffering from cancer.

Asked about his plans for the new year, Ranbir, who is busy shooting for "Besharam", said, "I am shooting for the film."
Directed by Abhinav Kashyap, "Besharam" also features Indo-Australian actress Pallavi Sharda in the female lead.

Ranbir was last seen in "Barfi!" in the role of a deaf-mute boy.
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Monday, October 29, 2012

Does Sushmita's older daughter have a crush on Varun Dhawan?

The teenage bandwagon across the country is singing praises of Varun Dhawan, who made his Bollywood debut with 'Student of the Year'

And looks like one star kid has fallen for another. Sources say that Sushmita Sen's elder daughter Renee has developed a super crush on Varun, who is director David Dhawan's son.

A source close to the Sens says, Ever since the promos of the film have been airing on TV, Renee has been in awe of Varun and had been wanting to see his film ever since. Ultimately on Wednesday she dragged her mother Sush to a movie hall to finally watch Varun in action.
Varun Dhawan Interestingly, Sush and Varun have known each other for a long time. The Bong beauty has worked with David Dhawan in three films Biwi No.1, Kyuki Main Jhooth Nahi Bolta and Do Knot Distrub. Our source adds, It could happen that Sush introduces Varun to her daughter. Let the sparks fly then! 
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Friday, October 26, 2012

Varun Dhawan to groove for song in dad's next Chashme Buddoor?


Buzz is that the Student of the Year' actor will appear in a music track from daddy David's upcoming Chashme Buddoor' remake

While the nation is going ga ga over Varun Dhawan's recent bollywood debut, looks like his father David Dhawan just can't wait to have his son appear in his projects.

Buzz is that Dhawan Junior will be a part of David's new film, if only for a music track. Our source says, Varun has amassed a huge fan following. He was going to work with David sooner or later.

A source close to the filmmaker says, David could be directing Varun for a song from his upcoming remake of Sai Paranjpe's Chashme Buddoor.

The song will be timed to introduce the cast of the film, who will step into the shoes of Farooq Shaikh, Deepti Naval, Saeed Jaffrey and Rakesh Bedi. Varun could get the younger audience curious about an old classic, adds the source.
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Thursday, October 25, 2012

How SOTY stars Varun, Alia and Sidharth hit a goldmine

The three stars in the making - Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra talk about their Bollywood debut film 'Student Of The Year''

Varun Dhawan
'Amitabh Bachchan even tweeted about me'

David Dhawan's younger son Varun Dhawan made an impressive debut with SOTY. Not only has the audience loved the film but the critics have also praised him. 
Varun says, To be very honest the biggest thing for me was when Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) spoke to me and even tweeted about me. For an aspiring actor like me when Amitabh Bachchan says something and mentions my name, what more can I ask for? 

Another very overwhelming thing for me is the fact that Yash Chopraji saw the film and I think these two people mean everything to me.
I never thought the critics would like my performance and for them to give special mention about me was something great. For me, acting comes first and everything else is secondary. 

Varun adds, A lot of people have been saying that this is a film with two heroes but I would want to add that this film has only one hero and that is Karan Johar.

Alia Bhatt
'I wanted to see the weekend collections before calling it a hit'

Alia Bhatt might be only 19 years old but understands the business of cinema like no one else, courtesy her uncle Mukesh Bhatt. 
Alia says, Only an idiot would not do a Karan Johar film and I am happy that I had to go through the grind like anyone else. I was one of the 400 girls who were auditioned for the role, followed by the look test, photo shoot, etc. My father never offered me any film and even if he would have, I would not have done my first film with him.

The actress adds, I was keen to see how the film opens and what would be the weekend collections before I could call it a hit. I follow box office figures and my chachu (Mukesh Bhatt) tells me everything.
Finally speaking about the comparisons with older sister Pooja, Alia says, It was expected as people say that I look like her but I am happy that now people won't know me only as Mahesh Bhatt's daughter or Pooja Bhatt's sister!

Sidharth Malhotra
'Karan and Varun are my friends now'

From the word go, Sidharth clarifies that he doesn't understand the business of cinema. However, the actor is glad that people have started recognising him on the roads.
The actor recalls, I went out to buy something and realised that people around me were whispering. Another day, I was walking down the road when a group of youngsters spoke to me and even clicked pictures with me. Things are changing. It is all because of Karan Johar and Dharma Productions.

Incidentally, given that the film was a two-hero project, Sidharth and Varun even had a little chat between the two of them to sort out their priorities.

I spoke to Varun after a couple of shots and told him that there could be a situation where the two of us could be pitted against each other. 
People would say various things but we needed to be friends first. That's what happened and today Varun is probably my only friend from Bollywood apart from Karan.
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Box Office: SOTY collects Rs 28.43 crore

Karan Johar's first directorial venture without Shah Rukh Khan, hits gold at box office in its first weekend

Karan Johar's much-anticipated Student of the Year did not disappoint at the box office and as predicted the film has managed to attract the youngsters at the ticket windows. Student of the Year has collected about Rs 28.43 crore (Rs 8.98cr on Friday, Rs 9.36 cr on Saturday and Rs 10.09 cr on Sunday) at the box office in its first weekend.

On the other hands, the figures of Delhi Safari are at around Rs 37 lakh approximately, Shudhra and Jaanleva 555 are at less than Rs 10 lakh for the weekend. 

On the other hand, OMG has touched Rs 75.44 crore till Sunday night and is running in its fourth week and English Vinglish is at around Rs 29.56 crore after its third weekend.

Hollywood film Argo, which has shown an impressive rise in spite of opposition from Student of the Year, deserves a special mention. Trade analyst, Atul Mohan says, I think the only reason for SOTY to work is one man Karan Johar.
Not only has he made a commercial film but has left no stone unturned in terms of production value and promotions for the film. It's only plus for him from now as there are two holidays coming up this week.

Trade guru Amod Mehra points out, When a director like Karan makes a successful film with newcomers, it is an encouraging sign for others to bring new talent to the industry. The film's a definite hit.
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Monday, October 22, 2012

Dad is proud of me: Varun Dhawan


Varun Dhawan, whose launch vehicle "Student of the Year" has got favourable response at the box office, says his father, filmmaker David Dhawan, is proud of him.

"He is reacting not like a director but as a father. He is just very proud that I am doing something in life and my first film has released, people have liked my performance," the 24-year-old said here in an interview.

Meanwhile, Varun is elated with megastar Amitabh Bachchan praising him on twitter.

"Amitji (Amitabh) has tweeted for me saying that he liked my work. So that is a really big thing for me that Amitji has said something for me," Varun said.

Directed by Karan Johar, "Student of The Year" also marked the debut of model Siddharth Malhotra and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's daughter Alia.
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Friday, October 19, 2012

Movie Review: Student Of The Year is definitely worth a watch

Starring: Siddharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Rishi Kapoor, Ronnit Roy, Ram Kapoor 

Directed by: Karan Johar 

Music: Vishal-Shekhar

Duration : 2 Hr 26 Min

Rating ***

It is widely seen, that when it comes to making a mega budget cine cantata, then merchants of showbiz instead of betting on the newcomers, usually prefer to gamble on the established stars of tinsel town.

But it looks like, K.Jo who usually don't mind breaking away from the established stereotype, firmly believes that it's actually entertainment and appealing quotient of the onscreen substance that matters at the end.

So the newest visual delight, that has come out of Karan's art-lab is cine flick “Student Of The Year”, which features newcomers Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra. 

Inspite of the absence of glossy star cast, this cupid love cantata of K.Jo, shaded with a soothing dose of love, envy, heartbreak and competitiveness, with its roots embedded in the premises of typical K.Jo styled fairy land high school opened with an occupancy of around 35-40 % at multiplexes.

Synopsis:
Student Of The Year, is a pastiche based on the delectable lives of three high school pupil which is taken over by the circumstances and is exhibited to envy, betrayal, heart break competitiveness and failure.
Story: 
Student Of The Year is the tale about foe turned friends and again turned foes, Rohan Nanda (Varun Dhawan) and Abhimanyu Singh (Siddharth Malhotra) who have a rendezvous with competitiveness, and life in their mini-universe called St. Teresa's High School, Dehradun, where the notion of Tata Bachche ( children belonging to elite section) and Bata Bachche ( children from relatively lower societal hierarchy) use to prevail.

As the story takes off, it showcases Rohan in somewhat a spoilt brat avatar, who is the son of India's leading business tycoon Ashok Nanda (Ram Kapoor) and his relationship with Shanaya Singhania (Alia Bhatt) who too belongs to an elite family.

With moving ahead of frames, steps in Abimanyu Singh, who is an orphan child belonging a family which relatively low in the social hiearchy. And with in no time of his joining St Teresa, Abhimanyu starts emerging as a threat to fiefdom of Rohan, who is otherwise considered as the Rockstar of the campus. Initially the protagonists clash with each other in the locker room, football field, but turn into good later on. 

But the things get bog down, when Rohan's childhood love interest, Shanaya enters the equation, towards whom Abhi gets infatuated. Things get worse when Shanaya's quiet reciprocation causes a rift in the friendship of Rohan and Abhimanyu, leading to a clash for Student Of The Year trophy, which turns into a question of life and death for the duo.

Script: 
As far as the premise of “Student of The Year” is concerned then High school or college romance has so far been one of the safest bet for the cine sorcerers and cine flicks like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, 3 Idiots, Mohabbatein, and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na are the conspicuous examples of the same.

So as far as the script of SOTY is concerned, then it won't be wrong to say that the story seems to be more of a rehashed version of aforementioned cine flicks. But the thing that deserve accolades in this is Karan's adroitness in rejuvenating a banal script, with an entertaining dose of novelity and gen-x factor, which leaves no scope for monotony and no where allows you to yawn. 
Screenplay: 
It will not be wrong to say that in SOTY, primarily it's grandiose screenplay which leaves the audience mesmerised while watching the movie. Screenplay of the movie gives you a thorough glimpse of K.Jo's style of movie making with all those fairy world like locations and beyond perfection cinematographic techniques and camera work.

And as far as flow of the narration is concerned then it can't be better than it is in the movie. Since frame one, story takes off so beautifully that you nowhere feels like parting your gaze of the celluloid. With absolutely no dose of melodrama, Karan has once again proved he is marvelously good story teller.

Leaving the treasure hunt sequence, which looked somewhat an obtruded commodity, every thing adds on to the ambiance of the movie. Infact it won't be wrong to say that, through the flow narration Karan completely manages to have a control over the flow of the tale and the performances of the protagonists.

Dialogues: 
Besides outstanding screenplay, another component of the movie that deserves to be bestowed with tons of accolades is Niranjan Iyengar’s dialogues which very well complemented the soul of the script, and never gets inflated with those unwanted literary decorations.
Music and Lyrics :
Despite having a bunch of remixed tracks, sound tracks of SOTY are quite catchy and seemed to be tailored to go with the spirit of the movie in order to fascinate the youth audience. In the music department Vishal and Shekhar has contributed exceptionally well, by creating the peppy sound tracks which are up till an extent are the inseparable part of K.Jo flicks.

But as far as lyrics domain is concerned, then the original tracks of SOTY looks quite bland in offering you an aural delight for your soul.

Performances:
Call it the cinematographic dexterity of Karan or something ascribed to the protagonists, performances of all the three newcomers (who nowhere looked like newcomers) Varun, Sidharth and Alia will simply leave you thinking about their newcomer status.

Though after seeing the three budding superstars performing on the celluloid, it is very difficult to tag one of them as the best performer. Son of director David Dhawan Varun performs, exceptionally well and steals the show. Be it dialogue delivery, shaking the legs or exhibiting the emotions, Varun thoroughly leaves you impressed by his acting potential. 

Besides Varun newcomer Siddharth too deserve accolades, for his well groomed, lovable charming avatar which very well competes with the catchy performance of Varun. 

Alia has looked pretty through out the movie in designers clothing, at times her performance reminds you of Poo (Bebo) of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, but inspite of story's being knitted around Varun and Siddharth Alia manages to catch you attention. 

But the performer who deserves tons of praises for playing a somewhat gay dean is Rishi Kapoor.

And as far as the supporting cast comprising of Ram Kapoor, Ronnit Roy et al is concerned then they to succeed in delivering a sinewy performance to add on to the impact of the movie.
BO Potential 
There are no doubts about the fact that SOTY is thoroughly appealing but as far as its BO Potential is concerned then, it somewhere lacks the substance to emerge as a commercial blockbuster or to rewrite the success saga of Karan Johar's previous flicks. In a nut shell SOTY can be one of the good flick from the cine arsenal of Karan but it is not the best one. 

Verdict: 
To sum up inspite of not having a glossy star cast or any novel spell to charm you, Student Of The Year is appealing and is expected to please the Gen-X brigade of audience.
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Alia, Sidharth, Varun all have second projects on the anvil

Even before their film releases The Student Of The Year trio has moved on to their next projects. It is reliably learnt that producer Karan Johar has offered all three of his protegees further Dharma films regardless of the outcome of their debut film. 

However Varun Dhawan would have to take a raincheck on that second film for Dharma. He is now committed to do a film with his father David Dhawan next. 

It is reliably learnt that David would now whisk away his younger-born for a home-production that his elder son Rohit(of Desi Boyz) would direct. 

Says David, I've a director and a leading man at home now. So I am very keen to start my own home banner. But I had to wait. Neither of my sons wanted to make his debut in a home production. They wanted to prove themselves outside the comfort zone and my wife and I totally endorsed their plans.
Now that both his sons are out with their first efforts David is keen to start a home banner. 

Says the indefatigable entertainer, All three of us are definitely doing something together.

A source informs, Karan has launched newcomers for the first time. And he's very keen to see their careers through to success. Unlike Ram Gopal Varma who says he uses new talent for as long as it suits him, Karan Johar sees all three debutants as his responsibility.

On Thursday evening all the three debut-making leads actors from Student Of The Year had their own individual screenings for their family and friends. While Varun and Alia had their screenings in Mumbai, Siddharth who is a Delhi boy flew to his hometown to show his film to his near and dear ones.
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Varun is the next big star to look out for

Come October 19, it will be a special date for both guru Shiamak Davar and his shishya Varun Dhawan. Not only will Shiamak celebrate his birthday on the day, Varun's Bollywood debut film will also release on the same day

An excited Shiamak says, Varun had come to me when he made the decision to enter Bollywood and wanted training in dance. I knew he would make it big. He is such a hardworking boy. Varun is the next big star to look out for.
Shiamak further states, Varun looks great in the promos and this is the best birthday gift for me, to have my student start his journey on this day. Speaking about his teacher, Varun says, Shiamak sir is a great human being and a great dancer.
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All Praises for Student of the Year


Karan Johar's Student Of the Year has left the entire B-town praising and going gaga over the new comers. The micro blogging sites are buzzing with compliments for the film and the cast by the entire film industry after its grand premiere. The biggest names in the Bollywood industry tweeted to share their joyous experience after watching the film.

The legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan was among the first ones to tweet about the film. It read `Such a delight to see young talent, blossoming, blooming, flowering and intoxicating us with their verve and boundless talent ...SOTY`

He also mentioned about Varun Dhawan's outstanding performance and Karan Johar's another accomplishment as a director with Student Of The Year, he tweeted `The young ones SOTY .. all so fresh and endearing and accomplished ... Varun, David Dhawan's son exceptional !! LRKG`

`Student of the Year' .. Glorious ! Karan, a directorial accomplishment.. students, mature, lovable`

Riteish Deshmukh, Farah Khan and Omar Qureshi were among the many others who were all praises for this upbeat and youthful film.

Riteish Deshmukh: `Congrats @kjohar25 totally enjoyed SOTY- Varun-Alia-Sid added the freshness n performed like stars- RISHI JI is. Ooouuttttssstttaaannnddingg`

Farah Khan: `Just watched SOTY..@kjohar25 what a launch 4 the kids!fantastic! Congrats in advance.`

Omar Qureshi: `#SOTY a truly refreshing movie, a. high school musical with B'wood's grand feel & the best part, fresh new super talent Congrats @kjohar25`

Taran Adarsh also posted the review of the film. He tweeted `#SOTY movie review: Is amongst Karan Johar's most accomplished works. KJo has a winner on hands, yet again!`

The film has flared very well among the critics too. Looks like Student Of The Year has already made it big! The film hits the theatres tomorrow and has generated a great buzz as the audiences can't wait to watch the film.
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Friday, October 12, 2012

SOTY is Gadar of high school films: Varun Dhawan

Despite his father being noted filmmaker David Dhawan and brother Rohit a director, newbie Varun Dhawan says the journey for newcomers in Bollywood is not a 'cakewalk' as the industry survives only on talent 

Varun would be seen in Karan Johar's forthcoming directorial venture 'Student of the Year' alongside other newcomers including Alia Bhatt, the daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, and model Siddharth Malhotra.

"The industry has become strict with newcomers. First one has to overcome that I am someone's son and show that he has reached here on his own. Then they see if there is talent or not," Varun told.

"There is no point in complaining as other people go through other things. This is my journey. Being anyone's son or daughter doesn't help you much beyond a point, as that can only get you an entry. It is like goodwill. But eventually we have to work for ourselves and prove it," he said.

After the release of promos of 'Student of the Year', actor Salman Khan had appreciated the three youngsters and had said that Varun will be the next big kid on the block. 

To this, Varun said, "Salman bhai is a great supporter. I don't want to talk much about him, as we share a more personal bond than professional. He is also very encouraging, not only towards me but for the whole film. There is a lot of pressure when a great man likes Salman says such good things about me."
"I remember what Salman bhai messaged me after seeing the trailer. He said, good work and that always wish well for others and never think bad. I read the message and felt it is the most difficult thing to do in life. It does not happen as we are human beings and we can think ill," he added.

"For me it is like Sachin Tendulkar battling pressure to score his 100th ton. I can't compare my pressure with him, but am actually feeling like that. I am stressed out...hardly get sleep, as I keep thinking what is next," he said.

Even though this is his debut film, Varun is someone who does self criticism after seeing himself on screen. "There is a lot of self criticism. I am one of those people who is never happy with my work. I still feel I could have given better. I always want that ultimate thing...I am always in search for that high," he said.

Produced by Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment, 'Student of the Year' releases on October 19. The film celebrates the coming of age from youth to adulthood and revolves around Abhimanyu Singh (Siddharth Malhotra) and Rohan Nanda (Varun Dhawan), and how they compete for the Student of the Year trophy. "It is an inception of high school drama.

The film is 'Gadar' of high school films as it is made on a huge scale. The stakes are high considering we three newcomers are making the debut. It spans around 12 years...it is not a saga or something like that," Varun said. 
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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Unwanted male attention embarrasses Varun Dhawan

Student Of The Year' actor was left rather embarrassed when a male fan tried to get cosy with the actor during a promotional tour 

David Dhawan's son and Karan Johar's latest discovery Varun Dhawan has been busy promoting his upcoming film all over the country. However the actor had never imagined that during a promotional trip to Ahmedabad, he would have to face the affections of a male fan that left him shocked and embarrassed. 

A unit member who was with the cast of the film in Ahmedabad says, This happened earlier this week when the cast was at a mall. Both Varun and Siddharth (Malhotra) were shaking hands and talking to the female fans across a barricade. 

Suddenly one girl got too close to Varun and while he was trying to keep away from her, a guy came forward from the crowd and took the actor's hands and put it on his own chest.
In fact, this fan even loudly mouthed, I love you to the actor as if he was announcing it to the entire world. The source adds, Varun was extremely shocked and embarrassed and started walking away. However, this guy kept throwing kisses at him. Varun was too embarrassed to talk after the incident.
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Student Of The Year merchandise goes online


Caps, T-shirts and mugs - merchandise from the movie "Student Of The Year" is now available online for fashion forward youth.

Online shopping portal Yebhi.com has tied up with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions to bring the movie's merchandise closer to the people.

The movie, directed by Johar, will introduce three newcomers - Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra - when it releases Oct 19.

Their fashionable wardrobe in the movie is expected to be a trendsetter, especially for college goers.

"Student of the Year' is the story of the highly competitive, smart and fashionable youths of the country. We believe it is an ideal alliance to help our fans get the look of the movie, through the neo modern shopping medium, " a Dharma Productions' spokesperson said in statement.
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Saturday, October 6, 2012

Varun wants song in dad's Chashme Buddoor


Newcomer Varun Dhawan, who is geared up for the release of his debut movie "Student Of The Year" (SOTY), has reportedly suggested his filmmaker father David Dhawan to shoot a special promotional number with him for the 1981 classic "Chashme Buddoor" remake.

David, known for comedies like "Biwi No.1", "Haseena Maan Jaayegi" and "Partner", is said to be working around the concept, said a source.

"He is extremely excited as he feels Varun is a fantastic dancer and will add to the video's appeal," the source added.

If the song is canned, it will mark father-son's professional bonding.

Currently the 24-year-old is in the midst of promotions of SOTY, which hits the screens Oct 19.

Meanwhile, David Dhawan plans to release "Chashme Buddoor" in February. It features Ali Zafar, Divyendu Sharma and Siddharth, with senior actors like Rishi Kapoor and Anupam Kher.
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Friday, September 28, 2012

I learnt a lot from Shah Rukh:Varun Dhawan

Actor Varun Dhawan, who was an assistant director to Karan Johar while 'My Name Is Khan' was under production, says he learned a lot from superstar Shah Rukh Khan during that time

"During that film, his script used to be scribbled with notes. I used to take the scripts to him and asked him what it is? It was all his references, his homework. So we could just learn by looking at him," the 24-year-old said during a promotional event for 'Student of The Year'.

"He is an institution of acting, the way he functions, the way he goes about his work, you could just learn by looking at him," he added.

Shah Rukh is the co-producer of the forthcoming film "Student of The Year", which marks the debut of David Dhawan's son Varun, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's daughter Alia Bhatt and model Siddharth Malhotra.

Siddharth, who was a clap boy on 'My Name Is Khan', also recalled how Shah Rukh used to dole out tips to the two.
"During the shooting of 'My Name Is Khan', he (Shah Rukh) came to know that we both wanted to act. I used to give the clap and and then sit down. He used to prepare his lines and then suddenly he used to start talking 'You should come early, see the props, touch things and feel them, look at your surroundings'," Siddharth said.

"Initially I did not understand who he was talking to and then I used to look up and realised that Sir (Shah Rukh) is telling me. Then a lot of times after the shooting he used to tell me and Varun how the scene came out or how to use actions and props," he added.

"Student of The Year" hits theatres Oct 19.
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Hope people like our first stage performance: Varun Dhawan


Actor Varun Dhawan danced on the sets of "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" along with his co-stars Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra to the disco song from their forthcoming film "Student of The Year". He hopes their first stage performance impresses people.

"This is our first stage performance and dancing on the stage of 'Jhalak...' where a lot of brilliant performances have happened, we have tried to put up a decent performance on 'Disco Deewane'. Hopefully, people will like it," the 24-year-old said here Monday on the sets of the dance reality show.

Varun, who debuts with "Student of The Year", says director of the film Karan Johar is a multi-talented person.

"It's a learning experience. Karan is not only a director or a producer, he even designs clothes, is an anchor or host or judge. So he is multi-talented and you always get to learn looking at him. He's very professional and we are learning," Varun said.

The trio will next be seen promoting their film on the sets of "Kaun Banega Crorepati 6" and Siddharth is looking forward to meeting megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

"He is a big legend. We are big Mr. Bachchan fans, we are going to meet him in KBC very soon, so very excited to meet you Mr. Bachchan," Siddharth said.

Besides Varun (filmmaker David Dhawan's son), Alia (filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's daughter) and Siddharth, "Student of the Year" also marks the debut of actor Boman Irani's son Kayoze Irani and actress Sana Saeed, who played superstar Shah Rukh Khan's daughter in "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai".

Co-produced by Shah Rukh, the film is slated for an Oct 19 release.
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Monday, September 17, 2012

Alia, Varun didn't get along

Director David Dhawan's son Varun says it took time for him and his 'Student Of The Year' co-star Alia Bhatt to get along 

'Alia never liked me earlier because I didn't say, 'Hi' to her on the first day. But that is because I was giving my look test and didn't see her. She was angry with me in the first one week, but then it got okay,' said Varun. 

Alia is filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan's daughter. 'I did not give her any attitude because we had to work together. 
She feels we are very good friends, but I feel that we are okay friends. We bonded on that fact that we were young on the set and didn't understand much,' said the youngster.

But Varun hit it off well with Siddharth Malhotra, who is also playing a lead role in the film. The two have known each other as they worked as assistant directors on 'My Name is Khan'. 

Directed by Karan Johar, 'Student Of The Year' is a romantic comedy film releasing Oct 19.
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Thursday, September 13, 2012

Cinema nobody's birthright: Varun Dhawan


Director David Dhawan's son Varun, who will be making his acting debut with Karan Johar's "Student Of The Year", says that filmdom belongs to everyone and is not anyone's birthright.

"Cinema is not anyone's birthright. Everyone can enjoy it, no matter who they are or where they are from. I knew that if I have to do something, I will do it on my own. I wanted to show this to my family too. I have taken very less help," Varun told in a group interview.

Hailing from a film background, the star kid does not like when people assume it must have been easy for him.

"There are negative effects of being a star kid. People often think that just because I am someone's son, I will get ahead easily," he said.

Does being David Dhawan's son raise people's expectations from you?

"That is a given. If my own father suffers from his own brand, then who am I. I just try to be positive. I have had a comfortable childhood and that is only because of my father, so I cannot turn around and say that I wish he was not my father," he said.

With a dream to enter Bollywood, Varun was told by his family that they will be there for him, but not when it comes to professional help.

"My dream was to get into acting, but I couldn't tell my father. It used to make me uncomfortable. When I was 16, I told him that I want to be an actor and he said, 'Become one,' in serious tone. I started thinking what to do and my mother told me not to expect any help," he said.

After working as an assistant direct on the sets of "My Name Is Khan", Varun went on for trainning under Barry John and did a few short films. It was one of the short films that impressed Karan.

He plays a rich brat in "Student Of The Year" and says it is a relatable character.

"I play the role of Rohan Nanda, who associates himself with Delhi's high society and is well connected. Very pampered and a bit sunky, he always does everything differently. He is grey at places. But he is very simple from his heart. The emotions are simple and anyone will be able to relate to him," he said.
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Thursday, September 6, 2012

No premiere for SOTY, thanks to extensive promotional activities


Filmmaker Karan Johar reveals that he wanted to hold a grand premiere for "Student of The Year" but promotional commitments prevent him from doing so.

"Student of The Year" marks the debut of Varun Dhawan, director David Dhawan's son; model Siddharth Malhotra and Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan's daugher Alia.

"I would like to present them, I wish we had the schedule and time. I wanted to hold a grand premiere and officially introduce them (the new actors) to the movie industry. But our marketing plans are so extensive, city visits, international travel," the 40-year-old said in an interview.

Karan further says a premiere needs a lot of time and dedication.

"If we have to keep a premiere we need to give it a lot of time, in terms of we need to give a lot of respect to the while calling the industry, seat them well, make sure the event is nice. So we may not get the time. I never kept a premiere after 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' but I wanted to for this film," he said.

Meanwhile, Karan is all praise for Rishi Kapoor's versatility who plays a college dean in "SOTY."

"I think everybody knows how what a genius actor Rishi Kapoor is and every time there is a solid part, it's always great to have him," Karan said.

"He worked with us in 'Agneepath' where he played villain Rauf Lala and here he plays Dean Yogendra Vashishth, both are diametrically different parts but he can pull off any part," he added.
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Saturday, August 25, 2012

David hasn't seen his son's Student Of The Year

The entire Dhawan family has decided to set aside its other commitments to focus on the younger Dhawan scion Varun's debut next month. 

Never known to be exceedingly religious David and his wife flew to Rishikesh on Wednesday to pray for Varun's film. 

Describing the trip David said, We had gone to do aarti in Rishikesh. I've never prayed for my own career. But when it comes to one's children one's attitude to everything from God and destiny to luck and good fortune, changes. 

David also let out that he is next planning a post-launch film for his son. Though he is unwilling to reveal any details at the moment we understand that David's elder son Rohit Dawan will direct Varun in a home production which is currently being planned on a war footing and would be announced after the release of Varun's debut film Student Of The Year on 19 October. 

All David wants to say on this subject at the moment is, We are definitely doing something with Varun. My elder son is now a director and my younger son will hopefully make a mark as an actor when Karan Johar's film releases. 

Like any anxious parents, David Dhawan and his wife are eager to see what their son has done in his first job-venture. David, unfortunately, has not seen a single glimpse of his son Varun's camera-presence. 
Trying to make light of it David says, I made it a point never to visit Varun on the sets. Or to ask Karan to show me any portion of the film. Like everyone else all my wife and I have seen of our son is what has come in the first trailer. It was a very proud moment for us. 

David adds that there is no possibility of his son's film being shown to him before the first formal preview for family members of the cast and crew. 

And that's the way it should be. Karan Johar is a very capable filmmaker. I don't want spoil Varun's debut by judging him like a father or a director. As far as I'm concerned we're happy to just be there for him. For the next two months we're all there for Varun in whatever capacity he needs us. 

David rules out the possibility of directing Varun's post-debut project. I think it's time for me to take it easy for a while. Let my sons carry the legacy forward.
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