Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan and his wife, Natasha Dalal, celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Lara, in 2024. Recently, Varun opened up about Lara’s health challenges during an episode of the podcast “Be A Man, Yaar!” He shared that she has been diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), which has impacted her ability to walk and run properly. Fortunately, Lara has undergone a procedure and is currently on the road to recovery.
In his discussion, Varun explained that Lara was diagnosed with DDH when she was just 1.5 years old. He elaborated that this condition causes the hip to slide out of its socket, leading to discrepancies in leg length and an uneven gait. “One leg becomes shorter than the other,” he stated, emphasizing the difficulty this causes in mobility.
He highlighted the contrast in treatment availability, noting that in Western countries, DDH is often treated effectively from birth, whereas in India, access to such specialized care can be inconsistent. Despite this, Varun acknowledged the presence of skilled doctors in India who are capable of managing the condition. Lara did not require surgery; instead, a non-invasive procedure allowed her hip to be repositioned. However, this meant she had to wear a spica cast for 2.5 months, a challenging experience for both her and her parents. He expressed his intention to write a book about their journey dealing with DDH.
Varun encouraged parents to be vigilant about their children’s movements and consult pediatricians if they notice anything out of the ordinary during their child’s early development. He emphasized that he shares this personal experience not for sympathy, but to raise awareness about DDH, reinforcing that early diagnosis can lead to successful treatment outcomes.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition affecting how a newborn’s hip joint develops. It can manifest before or after birth, impacting either one hip or both. Recognizing its symptoms in infancy is crucial for effective intervention.
In a more personal note, Varun reflected on his role as a father after marrying Natasha in 2021. Their daughter, Lara, was born on June 3 at a hospital in Mumbai. He announced her arrival via social media, expressing gratitude for the support they received from friends and fans.
Becoming a father to a daughter has brought about a noticeable change in Varun’s demeanor; he has described this experience as softening him, committing to fulfilling all of Lara’s desires and needs as she grows.