Varun Dhawan clarifies his statement on calling Home Minister Amit Shah, 'Hanuman of our country', says "Let the critics speak, I am not a political man..."

Varun Dhawan and Amit shah

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan recently clarified his comments about Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which he made at a recent conclave where he had praised the political leader. Varun referred to Shah as the 'Hanuman' of Indian politics, and in an interview, he explained that his remark stemmed from Shah’s selfless attitude.

In his conversation with News18, Varun Dhawan explained that he referred to Amit Shah as 'Hanuman' because, during their brief interaction, the leader put Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country before his personal interests. Varun emphasized that this act reflected Shah's dedication to the nation and his commitment to public service, embodying true leadership.

Varun stated, “I feel he’s Lord Hanuman because… I had gone to a conclave to promote my upcoming film, Baby John. The way he spoke… He kept India and Modi ji in the forefront in every answer. He was not promoting himself. He was not seeing if he will look good or bad if he says a certain statement. For him, the country was the priority. This is what I liked about him. He’s working towards the country’s prosperity and not towards his public image. He’s saying country first,"

Varun was subsequently informed that his explanation might attract criticism on social media, with some possibly labeling him as a ‘sanghi.’The actor replied, "Let the critics speak. I am not a political man. When I have not liked certain things, I have called them out."

Bollywood film fraternity wont like this at all. Varun Dhawan playing with fire pic.twitter.com/O8IndTTqqT
BALA (@erbmjha) December 16, 2024

For those unfamiliar, during the recent Agenda AajTak conclave, Varun Dhawan had an encounter with Amit Shah and asked him a thought-provoking question about the Ramayan: “What was the biggest difference between Lord Ram and Ravan?” In response, the political leader explained, “See, for some people, their interests are determined by their duties (dharma), whether or not they should pursue them. For others, their duties are determined by their self-interests. This is the difference between them.”

“Ram led his life based on his dharma, while Ravan tried to alter duties to fit his own definitions and thoughts," he added. Varun then brought up the subject of arrogance, a topic that Amit Shah had spoken about during the conclave. “You mentioned ahankar. Ravan was arrogant about his knowledge, while Ram was knowledgeable about arrogance (ahankar)," he said. Shah replied, “This also comes under the definition of dharma."

Varun then gave a statment regarding Amit Shah saying, "People call him Chanakya in politics, but I would like to call him the Hanuman of our country, who serves the nation selflessly."

On the work front, Varun will star in Baby John, directed by Kalees and presented by Atlee. The film is a remake of Theri and is scheduled for release this Christmas.