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Varun Dhawan Reveals How Assisting Karan Johar Led to SOTY Debut

Varun Dhawan recently recounted his journey to Bollywood, which began by assisting director Karan Johar on the film *My Name Is Khan*. His father, filmmaker David Dhawan, shared how Karan Johar later presented a photoshoot featuring Varun, Sidharth Malhotra, and Alia Bhatt, declaring them the lead pair for a new project. This project became the 2012 hit *Student of the Year*, marking the debut of all three actors. Since then, Varun Dhawan has built a successful career spanning over 14 years with numerous popular films.

Key Points: Varun Dhawan on Karan Johar Launching Him in Student of the Year

  • Assisted Karan Johar on My Name Is Khan
  • Father David Dhawan shared the story
  • Debut in 2012's Student of the Year
  • Photoshoot with Sidharth & Alia was key
  • Launched a successful 14-year career
2 min read

Varun Dhawan recalls how assisting Karan Johar led to his big Bollywood debut in SOTY opposite Alia Bhatt

Varun Dhawan recalls assisting Karan Johar on My Name Is Khan before his Bollywood debut in Student of the Year with Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra.

Varun Dhawan recalls how assisting Karan Johar led to his big Bollywood debut in SOTY opposite Alia Bhatt
"He showed the photos and said, 'This is the pair. I am going to produce and direct the film.' - David Dhawan"

Mumbai, March 16

Actor Varun Dhawan recently opened up about how filmmaker Karan Johar launched him in Bollywood with the 2012 film Student of the Year.

The actor, while on the show The Great Indian Kapil Show, recalled his journey of working with stalwart director Karan Johar as an assistant director in My Name is Khan, before making his debut.

Varun's father, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, further on the show shared how the big opportunity eventually came Varun's way.

Varun, on the show, shared that he was determined to learn filmmaking and decided to assist Karan Johar on the SRK-Kajol movie, My Name is Khan.

"I told my mother that I wanted to assist Karan Johar. I went and met him and eventually began assisting him," Varun recalled.

David Dhawan further added that Varun worked as an assistant director on the Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer My Name Is Khan.

Talking about that time, David said Varun was completely focused on learning the craft. "He assisted Karan Johar on *My Name Is Khan*. Whatever work he was given, he did it sincerely. I was very busy at that time," he shared.

The ace filmmaker added that the turning point came when Karan Johar approached them with the idea of launching Varun in a film.

Recalling the moment, David said that Karan later returned with photographs from a photoshoot that also featured Siddharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt's pictures

"One day Karan said that next time he would come with photographs. He did a photoshoot with Siddharth and Varun, and Alia was also there. He showed the photos and said, 'This is the pair. I am going to produce and direct the film.'"

He added that the project eventually became *

Student of the Year, which released in 2012 and marked the Bollywood debut of Varun Dhawan alongside Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra.

Talking about SOTY, the film, directed by Karan Johar, introduced the trio to the industry and went on to become a major commercial success.

Over the past 14 years, Varun Dhawan has been a part of hit movies like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Badlapur, Judwaa 2, October and Bhediya amongst others.

Along with his ace filmmaker father David Dhawan, Varun has collaborated on several films together like Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2 and Coolie No. 1.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Nepotism debate aside, you have to admit he used his opportunity well. Assisting on MNIK is no joke. He learned from the best and delivered. But let's also acknowledge the thousands of assistants who work just as hard and never get that big break.
A
Aman W
Karan Johar has an eye for talent, yaar. He spotted the potential in all three of them. That photoshoot story is iconic! Can't believe it's been over a decade. Time flies!
S
Sarah B
Interesting to hear David Dhawan's perspective. As a father and a filmmaker, he must have been so proud. Varun's filmography is quite diverse – from Badlapur to Judwaa 2. That shows range.
K
Karthik V
SOTY feels like a lifetime ago! The music, the college drama... pure Dharma entertainment. While the launch was big, Varun proved himself with films like October. That's where his real acting chops showed.
N
Nisha Z
It's a sweet story, but let's be real. The path was much smoother for him than for an outsider. The access to KJo was already there. Still, credit for the sincerity he showed in his work. The industry runs on both talent and connections.

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