In a recent episode of Koffee With Karan that left fans eagerly brewing with anticipation, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra, the dynamic duo from Bollywood, took centre stage on Karan Johar’s iconic couch. The revelations and candid conversations flowed as freely as the coffee, giving viewers an intimate look into the shared history of these two actors who made their debut together in Karan Johar’s 2012 film, Student Of The Year.
The episode included a recorded message from their co-star and close friend, Alia Bhatt, who couldn’t join them in person but made sure her presence was felt virtually. Alia reminisced about their unforgettable debut on the Koffee With Karan couch, playfully referencing her infamous “President answer oopsie.” She expressed her joy at being part of the episode in some way, alleviating her fear of missing out (FOMO).
Alia also thanked Sidharth for giving her the “first love of her life” – her cat, Edward. The trio, despite their unique journey, showcased a bond that has withstood the test of time and evolving careers, leaving fans both nostalgic and eagerly anticipating more from these Bollywood stalwarts.
As the trio revisited the early days of their careers, Karan dropped a bombshell, revealing that both Varun and Sidharth initially opposed casting Alia for the role of Shanaya in Student Of The Year. “I still remember with Alia, the first time that she walked in, how both of you sent me messages saying you can’t cast her. One of you said she is too young,” Karan disclosed during the candid conversation.
Varun, with a chuckle, confessed to the initial reluctance, stating, “No no…I didn’t know her.” However, Karan Johar, ever the candid host, countered, “Stop pretending. What rubbish are you talking Varun? You kept sending me images of other girls; you didn’t want me to cast her.” The truth spilt out, revealing the behind-the-scenes dynamics of casting decisions.
The journey down memory lane continued as Sidharth shared insights into the camaraderie between the three stars. He acknowledged Alia’s emergence as the underdog within the already dynamic trio. “But see, that was what was wonderful, that she was the underdog within the underdogs here already, then she emerged,” Sidharth remarked, reflecting on Alia’s journey.
A surprising twist in the episode revealed a lesser-known chapter from the trio’s early days in the industry. Varun and Sidharth, who worked as assistant directors on Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan, not only fulfilled their professional duties but also found themselves entangled in a romantic affair with women from the costume department. Karan, with his trademark wit, disclosed that their involvement became such a distraction that the costume department head suggested sending them back home.
As the revelations unfolded, the question of Varun and Sidharth’s friendship became a focal point. When asked why they aren’t friends, Sidharth expressed the difficulty actors face in forming deep bonds unless they’ve grown up together. Varun added a nuanced perspective, stating, “We’re not enemies either. We’re always going to be bonded. It happens in films. When you work a lot with people, you just end up spending more time with that person.”
The Koffee With Karan episode featuring Varun and Sidharth provided not just a peek into the glamorous world of Bollywood but also an intimate look at the friendships, revelations, and laughter that lie beneath the surface.