Actor Varun Dhawan recently shared a glimpse into his life as a father during his appearance on Koffee With Karan Season 9 alongside Janhvi Kapoor. The two actors spoke about their careers, personal lives and relationships in the film industry, but it was Varun’s candid confession about fatherhood that caught attention.
Varun, who shares daughter Lara with his wife, Natasha Dalal, spoke about the joys and challenges of raising a child. During the conversation, he also praised fellow actor Ranbir Kapoor for being an amazing father, admitting that watching Ranbir with his daughter makes him reflect on his own parenting.
Varun Dhawan Praises Ranbir Kapoor as a Father
During the episode, host Karan Johar pointed out that all three lead actors from Student of the Year — Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan — have embraced parenthood in recent years.
Responding to Karan, Varun recalled that Alia had spoken about wanting to become a mother even while they were filming the 2012 film. He also spoke warmly about the bond he shares with his former co-stars.
The conversation then turned to Ranbir Kapoor, whom Varun praised for his parenting skills. Admitting that Ranbir sets a high standard as a father, Varun said, “When I see Ranbir [Kapoor] as a parent, he is amazing. He is so good as a father that I feel like, really ashamed! I am also good but Lara and me get into a lot of fights!”
His honest and humorous confession showed that even though he considers himself a good father, raising a young child comes with its own share of amusing challenges.
Why Does Varun Dhawan Fight With His Two-Year-Old Daughter?
Varun’s comment left Karan Johar surprised, who wondered how the actor could possibly get into arguments with his daughter when she was only two years old.
Explaining the situation, Varun revealed that their little disagreements are often about music. According to the actor, Lara is currently obsessed with one particular Michael Jackson song, while he wants her to listen to more of the legendary singer’s music.
Their playful musical disagreements offered a relatable glimpse into the everyday moments of parenthood. While adults might expect children to follow their suggestions, young children often have their own favourites and are happy to stick to them.
For Varun, these little arguments appear to be part of the fun of being a father, even if he occasionally finds himself negotiating music choices with his toddler.
From Student of the Year to Parenthood
Released in 2012, Student of the Year, directed by Karan Johar, marked the Bollywood debut of Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. More than a decade later, all three actors have moved into different stages of their personal lives while continuing their careers in the entertainment industry.
Varun married fashion designer Natasha Dalal in 2021, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Lara, in 2024. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their daughter, Raha, in 2022, while Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani became parents to a daughter in 2025.
Varun’s comments about Ranbir and his own experiences with Lara show how parenthood has become a new chapter in the lives of several actors who began their journeys around the same time.
With his candid admission and humorous take on fatherhood, Varun offered fans a glimpse of the lighter side of parenting — where even a disagreement over a favourite Michael Jackson song can turn into a memorable father-daughter moment.
