Varun Dhawan Opens Up on Fame’s Loneliness and Salman Khan’s Social Media

Varun Dhawan has opened up about the hidden emotional struggles that come with fame, revealing that most actors feel profoundly lonely despite their glamorous public image. Speaking to Bombay Times, the actor shared his candid thoughts on mental health, authenticity, and navigating the pressures of social media in today’s entertainment industry.

The Loneliness Behind the Spotlight

Varun stated that nearly 90% of actors experience loneliness, something he became conscious of early in his career. Rather than building a polished on-screen persona, he chose to remain genuine. He credited this decision with protecting his mental health, noting that maintaining a false image would eventually cause that bubble to burst. Since his debut in Karan Johar’s 2012 film Student of the Year, Varun has been known for his unfiltered personality, which he says has only become more measured over time due to growing social media scrutiny.

Salman Khan: Unapologetically Himself

When the conversation turned to online pressure, Varun pointed to Salman Khan as someone who handles public scrutiny on his own terms. He laughed while reacting to Salman’s recent viral late-night Instagram posts, saying the superstar seems to enter “another zone” entirely. Salman had recently posted a series of cryptic selfies, also warning paparazzi not to exploit his family’s personal struggles amid the build-up to his upcoming film Maatrubhumi.

Varun wrapped up by emphasising that being genuine, flaws and all, is far more valuable than projecting a carefully curated image — because without authenticity, one risks losing sight of who they truly are.