Varun Dhawan was born to filmmaker David Dhawan and Karuna Chopra on April 24, 1987. He has an older brother Rohit Dhawan, who is also a filmmaker. Rohit directed Varun in the 2016 action-thriller Dishoom, which starred John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez. (All photos/Varun Dhawan's official Instagram account)

In picture: Varun Dhawan with his mom Karuna Chopra.

After completing his HSC from H.R. College of Commerce and Economics, Varun Dhawan went to the Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom to pursue a degree in Business Management. Varun always wanted to be known as a self-made man, and not just a star kid.

In picture: Varun Dhawan, David Dhawan and Rohit Dhawan.

Talking about his family, Varun Dhawan had told mid-day, 'I feel lucky to be born and brought up in a family associated with films. As a child, I remember always wanting to entertain everyone around me, I loved being the centre of attention. Since then, it was a secret desire to be a part of the entertainment industry, as an actor, singer or dance. So it makes me happy to be accepted as a part of the fraternity. I also feel happy for those who make it big in films without a filmy background or connections. We all have to work hard to get our due success.'

In picture: Varun Dhawan with his parents.

Varun Dhawan made his debut in a leading role with the 2012 film Student of the Year, which was directed by Karan Johar. Interestingly, the film also marked Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra's debut in B-Town, who went on to have individually successful careers like Varun.

In picture: (L-R) David Dhawan, Karuna Chopra, Rohit Dhawan, Jaanvi Desai, Varun Dhawan and Anil Dhawan, Varun's uncle. He too is a noted actor known for starring in the films Chetna (1970) and Piya Ka Ghar (1972).

After his debut vehicle, Varun was seen on the silver screen straight after two years with father David Dhawan's directorial Main Tera Hero. While the film was an out-and-out comedy, Varun Dhawan's comic timing was lauded by critics and audiences. Seenu took everyone by surprise as compared to what they saw him as Rohan Nanda in SOTY.

Varun Dhawan's father David Dhawan has directed him in three films so far. Main Tera Hero (2014), which also starred Nargis Fakhri and Ileana D'Cruz, and Judwaa 2, in which he shared the screen with Taapsee Pannu and Jacqueline Fernandez. Both films were box-office successes. The latter was a remake of the 1997 Salman Khan-starrer Judwaa, which was also directed by David. The third film is the remake of Govinda-Karisma Kapoor's Coolie No 1, which was released in 2019.

In picture: A collage of Varun Dhawan and his father David Dhawan.

Like the original Judwaa, Varun Dhawan essayed dual roles, playing twins Raja and Prem in the sequel Judwaa 2.

(L-R) Jaanvi Desai, Rohit Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal.

Varun Dhawan and his girlfriend Natasha Dalal entered holy matrimony on January 24, 2021.

In 2019, there were rumours that Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal were headed for splitsville. However, Natasha's presence at the actor's housewarming party put all speculations to rest. Maybe it was just a lover's tiff?

(L-R) Karuna Dhawan, Jaanvi Desai, Rohit Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Natasha Dalal and David Dhawan during a family dinner. The Kapoors and Dhawans are quite close, with Ranbir often in attendance at any special functions and celebrations.

Varun Dhawan and elder brother Rohit Dhawan share a close bond and often spend time together.

Varun Dhawan's brother Rohit Dhawan married longtime girlfriend Jaanvi Desai in 2012. The couple was blessed with a baby in 2018.

We take a look at some of his candid pictures with his family!

Varun Dhawan with his daddy dearest David Dhawan.

This collage was made by Varun Dhawan for mother Karuna on Mother's Day. Varun captioned it, 'Happy Mother's Day Ma. Thank you for being my guiding force for being my God for being my mother (sic)'

This is a fan-made portrait of Varun Dhawan with father David Dhawan. Varun, obviously overwhelmed by the gesture, took to Instagram and wrote, 'I get some amazing stuff from my fans but this truly is so beautiful. Something that I shall always value #dad. Thank you (sic)'

Did you know Varun had assisted Karan Johar in the 2010 film My Name Is Khan, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles? Well, that was his real entry into Bollywood.

In picture: Varun Dhawan with his brother Rohit Dhawan on the sets of Dishoom

Varun Dhawan and brother Rohit Dhawan with other family members during a get-together. He posted this on Bhai Dooj two years ago. Varun captioned it, 'Family time. I'm not big on celebrations but I love to hang with my brothers and sisters. Happy Bhai dooj everybody. (sic).'

Varun Dhawan with sister-in-law Jaanvi Desai, mom Karuna Dhawan and dad David Dhawan. Varun captioned this image, 'In his entire career I never saw my dad get excited when any of his films won awards. But he was really happy that I won for #dishoom tonight that too for a genre which is home for my family. Comedy is serious business. Thank you star screen (sic)'. Varun won the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role, The Star Screen Award for Best Comedian and Best Performance in a Comic Role at the International Indian Film Academy Awards for his 2016 film Dishoom.

(L-R) Sajid Nadiadwala, Salman Khan, David Dhawan, Taapsee Pannu, Jacqueline Fernandez and Varun Dhawan. Varun captioned the image, '#judwaa2 just got bigger. Shot with my childhood hero @beingsalmankhan. I've grown old but he's definitely the same. Can't wait SEPT 29th (sic).' Judwaa 2 became one of many box-office hits for Varun and the film went on to gross over Rs 200 crore.

Varun Dhawan with his mother Karuna Chopra.

A Diwali family click featuring Varun Dhawan with dad David, girlfriend Natasha, mother Karuna Dhawan, brother Rohit Dhawan with wife Jaanvi Desai and their cute little daughter Niyara, and uncle Anil Dhawan.

Wearing a Santa outfit, Varun Dhawan strikes a pose with his munchkin. The actor looks cute in Santa's avatar, doesn't he?

Varun shared this throwback photograph from his childhood. In the image he is seen posing with his mother. "Ma and me. We were always meant to be. Through holidays and quarantine. Ma and me were always meant to be together #keepyourfamilysafe," Varun captioned the image.

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Varun Dhawan!