Varun Dhawan hails Abhishek Kumar's 13-year journey: 'Your story inspires me'
Synopsis
Varun Dhawan publicly hailed Abhishek Kumar's decade-long transformation from anonymous crowd artist to industry colleague, calling his persistence 'inspiring.' The moment captures Bollywood's unspoken truth: visibility in cinema is earned through years of invisible work. Abhishek's post-then-now comparison—from the sets of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania to Laughter Chefs—became a mirror for aspiring actors stuck in the shadows.
Key Takeaways
Varun Dhawan publicly praised Abhishek Kumar 's career journey, calling him "wow" in a social media comment.
Abhishek Kumar shared a 13-year then-and-now post, contrasting his role as a crowd artist on Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania with his recent appearance on Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment .
Varun wrote: "Your journey inspires me.
Never take anything for granted, keep on going, you are wow." Abhishek reflected on years of struggle, self-doubt, and the discipline of consistency in achieving his breakthrough.
The two reunited on the sets of Laughter Chefs during promotions for Varun 's upcoming film Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai .
Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has publicly praised actor Abhishek Kumar's perseverance, calling his career trajectory an inspiration and describing him as "wow" in a heartfelt social media comment. The endorsement comes after Abhishek shared a reflective post documenting his transformation from background artist to industry peer over 13 years.
The Full-Circle Moment
Abhishek Kumar posted a then-and-now comparison on his social media, juxtaposing two pivotal moments: one from the sets of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, where he appeared as a crowd artist in the background, and another from the recent taping of Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment, where he stood alongside Varun as a fellow celebrity. The emotional post resonated widely, with Varun responding directly with encouragement.
Varun's Public Message
Varun Dhawan wrote in his comment: "Abhishek, this belief will take you even further. Your journey inspires me. Never take anything for granted, keep on going, you are wow." The message underscores the actor's recognition of Abhishek's sustained effort and growth within the competitive entertainment industry.
Abhishek's Candid Reflection
Abhishek Kumar had opened up in his post about the psychological toll of his early years—struggles, self-doubt, and the temptation to abandon his ambitions. He wrote: "Years passed. There were struggles, doubts, moments when giving up felt easier than holding on. But something within me refused to quit. I kept showing up, kept believing, kept working—even when no one was watching." He concluded by emphasizing that consistency, rather than overnight success, had been the turning point in his career arc.
The Recent Reunion
The two actors' reconnection occurred on the sets of Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment, where Varun and the cast of his upcoming film Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai were promoting the project. The moment marked a symbolic convergence of their professional journeys—a decade-plus span that had transformed Abhishek from an uncredited extra to a recognisable face in the industry.
What It Signals
The public exchange highlights a broader narrative within Bollywood about persistence and the non-linear paths many actors take before achieving visible success. Varun's validation of Abhishek's journey—coming from an established star—carries weight both for Abhishek and for aspiring actors watching from similar positions of invisibility.
Point of View
The moments of surrender—that industry mythology glosses over. Varun's validation, coming from a star, matters; but the real story is that Abhishek did the work whether Varun noticed or not. The public praise is a coda, not the catalyst.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Abhishek Kumar's post about?
Abhishek Kumar shared a reflective post with then-and-now pictures spanning 13 years . In one image, he was a crowd artist on the sets of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania where Varun Dhawan was the lead. In the recent image, he appeared alongside Varun as a fellow celebrity on Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment . He wrote about his journey of struggle, self-doubt, and the discipline of consistency that led to his breakthrough.
What did Varun Dhawan say about Abhishek Kumar?
Varun Dhawan commented on Abhishek 's post: " Abhishek , this belief will take you even further. Your journey inspires me. Never take anything for granted, keep on going, you are wow." The message publicly acknowledged Abhishek 's perseverance and growth.
When did Varun and Abhishek reunite?
The two reunited on the sets of Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment , where Varun and the cast of his upcoming film Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai were visiting for promotions.
How long was the gap between Abhishek's first and second encounter with Varun?
Abhishek Kumar stated in his post that 13 years had passed between his appearance as a background artist on Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and his reunion with Varun as an industry peer on Laughter Chefs .
What is the significance of Abhishek's journey?
Abhishek 's journey exemplifies the non-linear and often invisible path many actors take in Bollywood before achieving recognition. His post highlights the psychological toll of early struggle and the importance of consistency over overnight success, resonating with aspiring actors in similar positions.
