Varun Dhawan on collaborating with Filipino choreographer Ruel Dausan Varindani for a special single that aims to promote hip-hop
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 19, 2018)

Three years after he made hip-hop mainstream in India with ABCD 2 (2015), Varun Dhawan continues to promote the dance form. One of the finest dancers in the industry, the actor has put his might behind the hip-hop festival, Vivid Shuffle, in his bid to encourage youngsters to explore the art. The actor revisited the dance style as he shot for the festival anthem, titled Ready To Shuffle, at a South Mumbai venue on Wednesday.

Despite being a prolific dancer, Dhawan says it was not easy to impress Filipino choreographer Ruel Dausan Varindani. The actor did extensive rehearsals in B-boying, freestyle, and popping and locking under Varindani's tutelage before he faced the camera. Speaking of his experience of grooving to the track, rendered by Raftaar, Dhawan says, "Ruel wanted Raftaar and me to do a routine in one go. He really pushed us to get the best out of us."

Varindani, who shot to fame in Bollywood with Galti Se Mistake from Jagga Jasoos (2017), heaps praises on Dhawan, whom he describes as a "born dancer". "It's always a delight to work with Varun. He brings genuine passion to the table, and his moves have a zing to them. He is doing his best to bring hip hop to the forefront," says the choreographer. Kick-starting next month, the festival aims to handpick the best hip-hop and street style artistes from the world.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 10, 2017)

Given that their appearances determine the roles that come their way, Tinsel Town’s celebrities often shy away from sporting physical enhancements like coloured locks, tattoos or body piercings. However, Varun Dhawan isn’t one to abide by rules.

The actor coloured his hair electric blue for a promotional video for the hip-hop festival, Breezer Vivid Shuffle, which offers participants a platform to showcase their b-boying and popping, dance skills.

Sources close to Dhawan say he harbours a love for dance, and wanted to give a different look a shot for the video. Hair stylist Aalim Hakim says, “We decided to go with electric blue highlights and everyone loved it. They told Varun to retain the hairstyle. Given that it is eye-catching, we used only two layers as highlighters. Varun always lets us get creative; he is open to experimenting. Even in his latest outing, Judwaa 2, he sported 10 different hairstyles.”