Why Varun is the new age Jeetendra

Although he may have only two releases lined up for next year, Varun Dhawan’s name has been ­unofficially attached to a ­number of other projects. Such things have earned him the tag of the new-age Jeetendra.

Although he may have only two releases lined up for next year, Varun Dhawan’s name has been ­unofficially attached to a ­number of other projects. The list includes a film adaptation of The Fault In Our Stars, a Karan Johar-production with Alia Bhatt, and a Hindi remake of The Intouchables (2011). Although Varun hasn’t ­officially been signed for any of the project yet, it has earned him the tag of the new-age Jeetendra.

Actor-Varun-Dhawan-during-the-promotion-of-upcoming-film-Badlapur-at-a-college-in-Mumbai-on-Dec-3-2014-IANS-Photo

“When I read in papers that I am doing so many films, I get surprised. According to them (media reports), I am doing eight to nine films. Karan (Johar) makes fun of me ­saying, ‘You are the new-age Jeetuji’ because he did so many films (at one go),” says Varun.

In fact, the young actor ­actually had a word with the veteran star about the same. “When I recently met Jeetuji in Dubai, I asked him, ‘How many films did you do in a year, sir?’. And he said, ‘At one point, there were 12-15 films’. I was shocked. How much ­energy did Jeetuji have, and still has? He is superb,” says Varun. But comparisons aside, Varun ­clarifies that he is ­working only on three projects at ­present. “After Sriram’s (Raghavan; ­filmmaker) film, I have Remo D’Souza’s dance-based movie, which is 50% complete, ­following which I will be ­working on Rohit’s (Dhawan; brother) film. That’s it,” adds the actor.

So, won’t we see him ­teaming up with Alia again in Karan’s next? “I would rather have Karan make these announcements. There is a film with him for sure, but I have no say in such things. As for The Intouchables remake, there’s no clarity about the project. But Mohit (Suri; who is supposed to direct the film) and I will work together in the future,” he says.