Varun Dhawan ends rivalry talk: 'Never a rivalry with my brother' Sidharth
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actor Varun Dhawan on 31 October 2026 shared a warm reunion snapshot featuring actor Sidharth Malhotra and his wife Kiara Advani, effectively putting to rest longstanding speculation about a professional rivalry between the two Bollywood contemporaries. The post, shared on Varun's social media account, quickly drew attention from fans who have followed the duo's careers since their joint debut.
The Post That Settled It
In the image, Varun, Sidharth, and Kiara are seen together, with Kiara striking a playful pose in the background while Sidharth is seen attempting to shield her visible baby bump. Varun's caption read: 'Heated yes but never a rivalry with my brother. Thank u for the hospitality bhabhi ji.' The lighthearted note was widely read as a candid acknowledgement that, while the two have had competitive moments, their bond remains intact.
Roots of the Relationship
The friendship — and the perceived competition — traces back to 2012, when Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, and Alia Bhatt all made their Bollywood debuts simultaneously in filmmaker Karan Johar's coming-of-age romantic drama 'Student of the Year'. All three went on to carve out independent careers, and the question of a rivalry between the male leads became a recurring talking point in film circles. The two addressed it publicly again in 2023, when they appeared together on Karan Johar's chat show 'Koffee With Karan', speaking openly about their friendship and how they have stayed connected over the years.
Varun and Kiara's Shared History
The reunion photo also highlighted Varun Dhawan's warm equation with Kiara Advani. The two actors previously shared screen space in the 2022 family entertainer 'JugJugg Jeeyo', which performed well at the box office and reinforced their off-screen camaraderie.
Family Milestones on Both Sides
Sidharth and Kiara welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in July 2025. The couple officially announced their second pregnancy on 7 October 2026, sharing a joint post featuring their daughter Saraayah holding tiny baby socks. Their caption read: 'Blessed once again with the greatest gift of all. Our hearts are so full of love and gratitude.' Meanwhile, Varun and his wife Natasha Dalal welcomed their daughter Lara in June 2024. The reunion photograph, with two sets of young parents and an expanding family in the frame, underscored how much has changed since the three friends first stepped onto a film set together in 2012.
With both actors now firmly in the next chapter of their personal and professional lives, the post signals that old narratives about rivalry may finally be ready to be archived.