Bollywood Star Varun Dhawan Faces Backlash for Alleged Anti-Pakistan Remarks

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is facing significant criticism, particularly from Pakistani social media users, following remarks he made during a promotional event for his upcoming patriotic film, “Border 2.”

The controversy erupted at a song launch ceremony where Dhawan, discussing the film’s theme of national defense, made statements that were interpreted by many as hostile toward Pakistan. While speaking about India’s resilience, he invoked the 1971 war, a historical flashpoint between the two nations, in a manner that was perceived as provocative.

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Immediate Social Media Backlash
The actor’s comments quickly drew fire on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. Pakistani users responded with sarcasm and criticism, accusing Dhawan of promoting animosity and reducing complex geopolitical realities to film dialogue.

• One user remarked, “You’ve forgotten reality; everything only looks good in movies.”
• Another commented, “The fight against Pakistan is limited to the Bollywood screen.”
• Many netizens argued that such narratives are deliberately amplified in Indian cinema, especially following periods of real-world tension.

Context: “Border 2” and Rising Cinematic Tensions
“Border 2” is a sequel to the iconic 1997 war film and stars Dhawan alongside Sunny Deol and Vicky Kaushal. Its promotion comes amidst a noted increase in Bollywood films with nationalistic themes centered on conflict with Pakistan, such as the recent “Dhairendra.” Observers link this trend to the escalated diplomatic and military tensions following the aerial skirmishes between India and Pakistan in May 2025.

This incident highlights the sensitive intersection of cinema, nationalism, and cross-border public sentiment, where actors’ statements can quickly ignite diplomatic spats on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly did Varun Dhawan say?
While promoting his film “Border 2,” Dhawan spoke about India’s defensive capabilities and referenced the 1971 war in a context that many Pakistani social media users found objectionable and targeted toward their country.

2. Why is this causing controversy now?
The remarks tap into longstanding historical grievances between India and Pakistan. They come at a time of heightened real-world tensions and an increase in Bollywood films with patriotic, Pakistan-centric narratives, making such comments particularly sensitive.

3. How have people reacted?
The reaction, especially from Pakistani netizens, has been strongly critical. Many have used sarcasm to point out the disparity between cinematic portrayals of conflict and ground realities, accusing Bollywood of persistently using Pakistan as a narrative villain.

4. Is this a common issue with Bollywood stars?
Yes, several Bollywood actors and filmmakers have faced similar backlash from Pakistani audiences and even domestic critics when their films or statements are perceived as unnecessarily jingoistic or contributing to cross-border hostility. It reflects the powerful and often controversial role popular cinema plays in shaping public perception of international relations.