Varun Dhawan Acknowledges Sunny Deol’s Cross-Border Fanbase After Pakistani Fan Asks About Border 2

Actor Varun Dhawan has drawn attention on social media after acknowledging the popularity of Sunny Deol beyond India’s borders during a live interaction with fans. The exchange took place on X, formerly known as Twitter, and has since sparked conversation ahead of the theatrical release of Border 2.

During the interaction, a user who appeared to be from Pakistan congratulated Dhawan on his upcoming film and expressed admiration for Sunny Deol, particularly his iconic portrayal of the character Tara Singh in earlier war cinema. The message also inquired about the film’s release across the border, reflecting continued interest in Hindi cinema among Pakistani audiences despite political and distribution barriers.

Responding to the fan, Dhawan clarified that Border 2 is rooted in the events of the 1971 India-Pakistan war and is inspired by real incidents from that period. He added that Sunny Deol enjoys a strong fan following in Pakistan as well, acknowledging the actor’s long-standing appeal that transcends national boundaries. Dhawan’s reply was measured and factual, focusing on cinema and audience connection rather than geopolitics.

The brief interaction resonated widely online, with many users highlighting how popular Hindi films and actors from earlier decades continue to find audiences across South Asia. Sunny Deol’s work in war dramas, particularly films that became television staples over the years, has contributed to his recognition beyond India, especially in regions where Hindi cinema has traditionally been consumed through satellite television and home media.

Border 2 is positioned as a major Republic Day release and serves as a continuation of the legacy established by the 1997 film Border. While revisiting the Battle of Longewala, a defining episode of the 1971 war, the sequel reportedly broadens its scope to include stories of sacrifice from multiple branches of India’s armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The film brings together a multi-generational cast that includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, and Paramvir Singh Cheema.

In the same online session, Dhawan also spoke about his role in the film, revealing that portraying a real-life war hero has been among the most emotionally significant experiences of his career. He shared that playing Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya allowed him to move beyond fictional storytelling and engage directly with history. According to the actor, interactions with serving and retired soldiers, as well as conversations with the officer’s family, helped him understand the responsibility that comes with representing real events on screen.

Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Nidhi Dutta, Border 2 aims to blend large-scale war spectacle with personal stories of courage and loss. With its release scheduled for January 23, the film is expected to attract attention not only for its subject matter but also for the enduring cultural footprint of its lead actors, whose popularity continues to spark dialogue well beyond India’s borders.