He is known for his happy-go-lucky personality and ebullient nature. Probably that’s why even when Varun Dhawan contracted Coronavirus, he continued to promote his next, Coolie No. 1 digitally. But the actor has a word of caution for everyone. “We took every precaution possible, so I don’t know how I got it. That’s why I want to tell everyone to take this virus extremely seriously,” says Dhawan, who recovered and tested negative last week.

Interestingly, besides all the other innumerable good wishes and messages, the actor had a special well-wisher. “One person, who checked on me throughout when I was unwell is Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan). He diligently asked me every day if I was doing fine. And I was like, ‘I have to get okay now (smiles)’. He is spectacular and a great person,” says Dhawan.

“It’s a ‘massy’ film and meant to entertain everyone so, the entire family can watch it. An out-and-out David Dhawan [director and actor’s father] film, it’ll put a smile on people’s faces. It is one genre which has remained relevant through three decades and that’s what it promises — entertainment,” he says, adding that his father’s “commitment towards his audience is immense.”

“I feel since both the films (Main Tera Hero and Judwaa 2 that starred him were directed by David) did well, he has done another one with me. For him, his career is very important and it’s amazing working with a man who is so driven even at this age,” he says.

Is there any anxiety about the inevitable comparisons with the original film? “That’s a part-and-parcel [of attempting a remake]. If I wasn’t in the film, my instinct would also be like that. But it’s been 25 years since the original came out, so there are young people who haven’t seen it,” he adds.

During the lockdown, the actor says he “realised a lot of things” and “promised myself to do many things differently”. “But as soon as I went to work, I went back to my old ways. But then I got Covid-19 which stopped me in my tracks. Also, I’d not like to shoot without a vaccine if I have to be anywhere close to my family. I’m able to shoot (for JugJugg Jeeyo) only because I am away from them,” he shares.

At the same time, Dhawan realises that “work is also very important”. “All the young people who can work should do that as that’s the only way to move forward. Our Prime Minister has also said that we have to work but safely,” he says.

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Honestly, no ceremony has happened. But obviously, when I’ve been with a person for so many years, that commitment is there. So, if one calls her anything of mine it’s correct because she is. I am in a committed relationship right now and that means I am with only her. There is rumours vis-à-vis marriage but there were no such plans and there can’t be because we also lost a family member due to Coronavirus. For the last 18-20 days, I was in a live-in relationship with myself as I was quarantined.