Varun Dhawan: Industry has become strict with newcomers

Mumbai: Despite his father being noted filmmaker David Dhawan and brother Rohit a director, newbie Varun Dhawan says the journey for newcomers in Bollywood is not a "cakewalk" as the industry survives only on talent.

Varun would be seen in Karan Johar`s forthcoming directorial venture `Student of the Year` alongside other newcomers including Alia Bhatt, the daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, and model Siddharth Malhotra. "The industry has become strict with newcomers. First one has to overcome that I am someone`s son and show that he has reached here on his own. Then they see if there is talent or not," Varun told PTI. "There is no point in complaining as other people go through other things. This is my journey. Being anyone`s son or daughter doesn`t help you much beyond a point, as that can only get you an entry. It is like goodwill. But eventually we have to work for ourselves and prove it," he said. After the release of promos of `Student of the Year`, actor Salman Khan had appreciated the three youngsters and had said that Varun will be the next big kid on the block. To this, Varun said, "Salman bhai is a great supporter. I don`t want to talk much about him, as we share a more personal bond than professional. He is also very encouraging, not only towards me but for the whole film. There is a lot of pressure when a great man likes Salman says such good things about me." "I remember what Salman bhai messaged me after seeing the trailer. He said, good work and that always wish well for others and never think bad. I read the message and felt it is the most difficult thing to do in life. It does not happen as we are human beings and we can think ill," he added. "For me it is like Sachin Tendulkar battling pressure to score his 100th ton. I can`t compare my pressure with him, but am actually feeling like that. I am stressed out...Hardly get sleep, as I keep thinking what is next," he said. Even though this is his debut film, Varun is someone who does self criticism after seeing himself on screen. "There is a lot of self criticism. I am one of those people who are never happy with my work. I still feel I could have given better. I always want that ultimate thing...I am always in search for that high," he said. Produced by Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan`s Red Chilies Entertainment, `Student of the Year` releases on October 19. The film celebrates the coming of age from youth to adulthood and revolves around Abhimanyu Singh (Siddharth Malhotra) and Rohan Nanda (Varun Dhawan), and how they compete for the Student of the Year trophy. "It is an inception of high school drama. The film is `Gadar` of high school films as it is made on a huge scale. The stakes are high considering we three newcomers are making the debut. It spans around 12 years...It is not a saga or something like that," Varun said. PTI