Why Varun Dhawan Was Chosen to Play Param Vir Hoshiyar Singh in Border 2

As anticipation builds around Border 2, one casting choice has generated intense debate — Varun Dhawan stepping into the role of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Hoshiyar Singh Dahiya. Addressing the speculation and backlash, producer Nidhi Dutta has now explained in detail why Dhawan was chosen, and why negative campaigns around the casting deeply disturbed the makers.

Speaking candidly, Dutta said Dhawan’s transformation for the role went far beyond expectations and even surprised those who were present on set every day. According to her, the finished performance left a powerful impact when she finally saw the film in its entirety.

“If he surprised people with the casting and the trailer, he will shock them in the film,” she said, adding that even she was taken aback by the intensity of his portrayal.

A transformation that convinced the makers

Dutta praised Dhawan’s physical and emotional commitment, stressing that his immersion into the role was absolute. From gruelling action sequences to emotionally charged moments, she said the actor lived the character rather than merely playing it.

She highlighted how Dhawan, a Punjabi boy from Mumbai, embodied the spirit of Major Hoshiyar Singh with authenticity, resilience, and respect. According to the producer, the dedication with which Dhawan performed — enduring injuries, falls, and physically demanding scenes — made it clear that the role was not treated lightly.

The philosophy behind the casting

Addressing the most common question — “Why Varun Dhawan?” — Dutta invoked the filmmaking philosophy of her father, legendary director J. P. Dutta, whose war films like Border, LOC Kargil, and Paltan are considered milestones in Indian cinema.

“My father has always said that we don’t cast actors — the characters choose them,” she explained. According to this belief, no amount of planning or perception can determine casting until the actor steps onto the set and fully embodies the role.

“So why Varun Dhawan? We’ll have to ask Major Hoshiyar Singh, because he chose him,” she said, firmly standing by the decision.

Dutta added that what ultimately sealed Dhawan’s casting was his emotional reaction when the role was discussed. His passion and seriousness during early conversations convinced the makers that they had found the right person to portray the war hero.

Strong reaction to negative PR campaigns

The producer also addressed what she described as targeted negativity and paid PR aimed at discrediting Dhawan’s casting. She called such efforts deeply unsettling, especially given the nature of the role.

While acknowledging that criticism is part of a democratic society, Dutta drew a clear distinction between opinion and deliberate attempts to pull down a project centred on a national hero.

“It is disturbing when people pay to bring someone down, especially when the character being portrayed is a Param Vir Chakra awardee,” she said.

Why the Param Vir Chakra matters

Speaking emotionally, Dutta stressed the significance of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour. She said such stories deserve respect, as the award represents soldiers who went beyond the call of duty so that others could live in safety.

She credited her upbringing and her father’s legacy for instilling this sense of responsibility. According to her, films like Border 2 are meant to remind audiences that the freedoms they enjoy are built on the sacrifices of the armed forces.

“When an actor is portraying someone who has fought and died for the country, you cannot pay to bring that down,” she said, adding that criticism of an actor should not overshadow the honour of the soldier being depicted.

Looking ahead to Border 2

Asked whether she discussed the social media chatter with Dhawan, Dutta dismissed it calmly, saying there were far more important things to focus on. For the team, the priority remains telling the story of Major Hoshiyar Singh with dignity and authenticity.

Border 2 is set to release on January 23 and also stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. With emotions running high and expectations soaring, the film aims to honour courage, sacrifice, and the legacy of India’s armed forces.