Actor Varun Dhawan is currently in the spotlight for his role as Col. Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya in the newly released war drama, “Border 2.” His performance has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, highlighting his ability to embody the character of a war hero. However, his fanbase recently sparked a debate online following an unusual act of appreciation.
A video circulating on social media shows fans in Haryana pouring milk over a poster of Varun’s character, creating a scene that has drawn mixed reactions. The poster displayed Varun in his military attire from the film, suggesting a ritualistic homage. The purportedly unverified video claims that the fans belong to the Jat community, expressing their admiration for Varun’s depiction of a Jat war hero.
While some expressed delight at the fervent display of fandom, the act was met with skepticism by other social media users. Comments highlighted the absurdity of such extreme practices in fandom, with one critic noting, “No amount of admiration can justify this absurdity.” There were speculations regarding Varun’s status as a star, with some questioning whether he had achieved enough fame to warrant such extremes, labeling the behavior as “clownery” that should not be normalized. Critics pointed out that this form of worship may not truly reflect a genuine fanbase, suggesting that motivations behind the act could be more about gaining social media clout than true adoration for the actor.
Some viewers clarified that the homage was less about Varun as an individual and more about his portrayal of an iconic Jat character. One comment highlighted this sentiment by stating, “They are appreciating a jaat character played by Varun in this movie, not really Varun’s fan,” linking this act of tribute to previous cultural responses in similar contexts.
“Border 2” explores the historical significance of Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, who, during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, displayed extraordinary courage which earned him the Param Vir Chakra. The film captures a semi-fictionalized retelling of pivotal battles from the war, such as the Battle of Basantar and Jarpal. In addition to Dhawan, the film features performances by Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty alongside Sunny Deol. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film has proven to be a commercial success, reportedly grossing ₹167 crore worldwide within its opening three days.