It feels good to be called a bankable star: Varun Dhawan

Actor Varun Dhawan has had an impressive run so far at the box office. The relatively new star, who has five hit films to his credit, is slowly and steadily climbing the ladder of success. ABCD 2' has added another feather to his cap, what with the film becoming the biggest opener of 2015. In a quick chat with us, Varun talks about his film's success, on what it feels to be a bankable star and more. Read on...

ABCD 2' has got the biggest opening of 2015. Were you expecting this kind of response?

No it was slightly shocking. We were expecting good response but this is phenomenal especially because it was raining so heavily in Mumbai. The audience has given us too much love. The boys, Shraddha, Remo Sir, Prabhu Sir and I are blessed to be a part of this film.

Shraddha and you added star power to ABCD 2'. What special preparation you'll did to differentiate it from the prequel?

We danced hard. It was our job to feel and match up to their level. They are professional dancers and hence it was difficult for us to match up to their fitness and stamina.

There are many dance sequences in the film which leaves one jaw-dropped. Was there any time that you found it difficult to learn a particular step?

When we were doing the Ganpati song, there was a step which I wasn't able to do. I had to match up to Sushant Poojari (a dancer) and I was just not able to do that. I have an issue of dancing too fast. Even in the film you must have noticed that I dance faster than others. But that is my nature of dancing. So to dance to the music of ABCD 2' was tough.

What is the best reaction you have received so far for your performance?

People didn't expect the film to be so big and the dance to be so good. The climax has taken everyone by surprise. The kids are tripping on this film. The compliments haven't sunk in. It is too soon.

Stars like Govinda, Madhuri Dixit all are in love with the film...

(interrupts) But I am glad that these guys are praising the film because they are the ones who pioneered dancing in the films. They have inspired me to do this film. They all have given me a pat on the back for attempting this genre. They are happy that someone is doing it.

You have five hits to your credit. Is there an added pressure on you now, especially with Dilwale'?

I don't think, in Dilwale' doing well, there is a pressure on me because there are way bigger people than me in the film and they will have the pressure. I am just there in the film to gain some experience and learn from Shah Rukh sir and Kajol ma'am. I am not even thinking about it right now.

You have tried different kinds of films and all have fortunately done well. Does it give you a confidence on trying out newer subjects?

It does give me confidence but choosing films is a difficult art and it is definitely not the easiest thing to do. I have started getting more knowledge about the writing, screenplay etc. I choose from my heart and ABCD 2' is a result of it. I feel redeemed today that it has happened. It is the content that matters. The whole thing of star and superstar is not really existent for the newer generation. If a film looks good it will work well, else it won't work, no matter who stars in it. ABCD 2' did strike a chord and hence it is doing well.

With five hits in your repertoire you have now entered the league of a bankable star. What do you have to say about it?

That feels good and I do want my films to do well. For a hero, you want people to depend on you and make sure that the job does get done. My father has been termed as the most bankable director all his life. The Dhawan name has been always associated with something like that. Dhawan meant box office and I am just representing it.

Is there more of a responsibility now?

May be, I don't know. I still do my films the same way, be it a big film or a smaller one. I do them to entertain people.