Varun Dhawan on his comparisons to Ranveer Singh: I have no time for competition

Back in 2018, Varun Dhawan shifted gears from his usual commercial roles with his performance in Shoojit Sircar’s 'October'. Known mainly for his lighthearted, masala movies like Judwaa 2 and Main Tera Hero, Varun surprised audiences with a more introspective role as Dan, a character that stayed with viewers long after they left the theater. His heartwarming and sincere portrayal earned him wide praise and marked a turning point in his career, solidifying him as an actor capable of handling content-driven stories as well as big-ticket entertainers.
At a time when Indian cinema was gradually embracing more unconventional narratives, Varun’s contemporaries were also exploring unexpected roles. When asked about competition by Hindustan Times, Varun responded with characteristic humility: “I have no time for competition. I’m busy with films back-to-back, so there’s no time to think about what someone else is doing.” He noted that he was simultaneously promoting October and filming Sui Dhaaga in Delhi, and already had a dance film with Remo D’Souza in the pipeline.
Varun’s perspective on his peers was refreshingly supportive. Reflecting on Ranveer Singh’s performance in Padmaavat, he called it “tremendous” and “superb,” appreciating both Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor’s powerful portrayals in the same film. “It’s all very healthy competition,” he said, adding, “Actors are supposed to glide.”

This throwback reminds fans of how October changed perceptions of Varun as an actor and how he embraced both growth and camaraderie with his peers, inspiring an industry-wide appreciation for diverse storytelling.