The film Bawaal, featuring Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, is set to premiere on Prime Video later this week. As the actors have been actively engaged in promotional activities, they recently attended a star-studded screening of Bawaal in Mumbai, alongside renowned figures such as Karan Johar and Nora Fatehi. However, a recent photoshoot for the film has caused a stir online, with pictures surfacing of Varun playfully biting Janhvi’s ear, eliciting mixed reactions on social media.
Shared on Reddit, the images captured Varun closely biting Janhvi’s ear during the promotional shoot. The accompanying caption sparked confusion, reading, “Umm whattt?”
The first photo depicts Varun biting Janhvi’s ear affectionately while holding her in his arms. Janhvi is seen wearing a black dress, while Varun sports a matching jacket. In the second photo, both actors can be seen laughing, with Janhvi playfully holding her ear.
Reactions to Varun and Janhvi’s Photos
The photos triggered diverse responses among Reddit users, with some criticizing Varun’s behavior. One individual commented, “This is creepy for a married man to do, even if it’s for a movie.” Another person expressed, “Regardless of his marital status, such actions shouldn’t be acceptable.” It’s worth noting that Varun is married to fashion designer Natasha Dalal.
Another user expressed frustration, stating, “It’s absolutely ridiculous how he gets away with such behavior and inappropriate antics with his female co-stars.” Janhvi’s response to Varun biting her ear also drew attention, with one comment suggesting, “She should have used her slapping skills in that moment.” Additionally, another remark mentioned, “While promotional photoshoots can be cheesy, it seems like Janhvi isn’t enjoying it much…”
Varun’s Previous Controversial Interaction with Gigi Hadid
This incident isn’t the first time Varun’s actions towards female celebrities have garnered criticism on social media. In April 2023, during the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre opening in Mumbai, Varun welcomed supermodel Gigi Hadid on stage. As part of the performance, Varun held Gigi’s hand as she walked up the stairs, proceeded to spin her around, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Gigi appeared flustered while managing her designer saree during the whirl. She quickly left the stage, assisted by actor Priyanka Chopra. The viral video of the incident sparked discomfort among viewers, with one Instagram user commenting, “She agreed to attend the event, not to be picked up without consent. This looks so uncomfortable.” Another user speculated, “After the way she ran off, it’s unlikely she’ll return to India anytime soon!”
About Bawaal
Bawaal, filmed in various locations across India as well as Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Krakow, Warsaw, and Poland, follows the story of a newly-married couple embarking on a honeymoon in Europe against the backdrop of World War II. The film is set to release on Prime Video on July 21.