Varun Dhawan On Salman Khan’s 2 AM Call: ‘I Am Proud Of You, Beta’ After Border 2 Troll Storm
Mumbai: Actor Varun Dhawan has opened up about the unexpected support he received from Salman Khan after being trolled online for his smile and expressions in Border 2. Speaking at the film’s success press meet on February 12, Varun revealed how Salman’s late-night phone calls became a turning point during a difficult phase.
What Happened
Soon after the trailer and songs of Border 2 dropped, Varun faced backlash on social media, with some users questioning his suitability for the role of Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, PVC. Addressing the trolling, Varun said criticism has become unavoidable in the digital era.
He shared that while many struggle with online negativity, he chose not to take the comments personally — even when people mocked his smile.
Salman Khan’s Late-Night Support
Recalling the moment, Varun said Salman called him late at night during the trolling phase.
“He was laughing and said, ‘Good things are about to come.’ His advice and belief meant a lot to me,” Varun shared.
After the film released on January 23 and performed strongly at the box office, Salman reached out again.
“He called me at 2 in the morning and said, ‘I am so happy for all of you… I am proud of you, beta.’ That stayed with me. He doesn’t praise people easily. That gave me a lot of confidence,” Varun revealed.
Box Office & Film Details
Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 also stars Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty, Diljit Dosanjh, Mona Singh and Sonam Bajwa.
The film has collected approximately Rs 316 crore at the box office so far, emerging as one of the biggest hits of the year.
Industry Reactions
Several industry insiders praised Varun’s restrained performance post-release, with trade analysts noting strong audience reception, especially in North Indian circuits. The film’s patriotic theme and ensemble cast contributed to its sustained theatrical run.
Background & What’s Next
Varun’s journey with Border 2 reflects how initial online reactions don’t always determine a film’s fate. Despite trolling, the actor’s performance eventually won over audiences.
With the film’s commercial success and strong word-of-mouth, Varun’s role as Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya has now become one of the defining performances of his career.
Final Thoughts
In an era where social media reactions can shape narratives overnight, Varun Dhawan’s experience with Border 2 highlights the unpredictable nature of public perception. Initial trolling over something as trivial as a smile could have easily overshadowed the performance, but the film’s success demonstrates that audience verdict ultimately matters more than early online criticism.
Salman Khan’s support also reflects the informal mentorship culture within Bollywood, where senior actors often guide younger stars behind the scenes. A late-night call of reassurance may seem small, but in a high-pressure industry, such gestures can significantly impact confidence and morale.
With Rs 316 crore already in the bag, Border 2 has turned early doubts into box office dominance. The episode underlines a broader reality — in cinema, the final applause often speaks louder than the first wave of trolling.
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Varun Dhawan opens up about Salman Khan’s 2 AM call during Border 2 trolling phase. Film crosses ₹316 crore at the box office. Read full story. #VarunDhawan #SalmanKhan #Border2