Varun Dhawan is currently basking in the success of Border 2, which has struck a strong chord with audiences and emerged as a box office winner. While the film’s triumphant run has brought cheers and celebration, the journey wasn’t entirely smooth for the actor. Before the war drama proved its mettle at the ticket window, Varun had found himself at the receiving end of online trolling. Now, following the film’s success, the actor has opened up about that challenging phase and the words of encouragement he received from Salman Khan that helped him stay positive.
Varun recently attended a press conference celebrating the success of Border 2, along with co-stars Sunny Deol and Ahan Shetty. During the interaction, he candidly revisited the time when criticism and social media negativity were at their peak. The actor admitted that the trolling surrounding his role in the war film had been difficult to ignore. However, in the middle of that rough patch, he received an unexpected late-night call from Salman Khan.
Recalling the conversation, Varun shared that Salman was in a light-hearted mood. “He was just laughing, and he said, ‘Good things are about to come.’ That’s all he told me,” Varun revealed. Though the message was brief, it left a lasting impact on him. According to the actor, Salman’s belief in him during that moment meant more than any elaborate advice could have. It reassured him that the tide would eventually turn.
As fate would have it, Border 2 went on to perform exceptionally well at the box office, silencing critics and reshaping the narrative around the film. Once the success became evident, Salman reached out again — this time to congratulate Varun. The second call proved to be even more special for the young star.
“He said, ‘I am proud of you, beta,’” Varun shared with visible emotion. He went on to describe it as a defining moment in his career. “He doesn’t praise people easily. He didn’t need to do that, but he did, and it gave me confidence,” added the Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania actor. For Varun, the gesture underscored not just professional appreciation but also personal warmth and encouragement from a senior he deeply respects.
During the press conference, Varun emphasized why he felt it was important to speak about Salman’s support publicly. He acknowledged that the people who stand by you during difficult times play a crucial role in shaping your journey. Their faith becomes an anchor when doubts begin to creep in. By sharing this story, Varun highlighted the significance of solidarity and mentorship within the film industry.
Border 2 marks the return of the iconic franchise nearly 29 years after JP Dutta’s 1997 classic Border. This time, director Anurag Singh has taken the reins to continue the legacy of the patriotic war saga. Led by Sunny Deol, the sequel features a multi-starrer ensemble including Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh. The film also stars Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Anya Singh, and Sonam Bajwa in key roles.
Upon release, Border 2 garnered positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The film’s emotional storytelling, high-octane action sequences, and strong performances contributed to its box office success. For Varun, the project not only added another hit to his filmography but also served as a reminder of resilience and faith.
As the celebrations continue, Varun Dhawan’s story stands as a testament to perseverance — and to the power of a few reassuring words at the right time.