For Varun Dhawan, fatherhood has brought a new kind of morning routine, one filled with little footsteps, playful chaos and a familiar song playing on repeat. The actor recently opened up about life with his two-year-old daughter, Lara, and revealed that their small disagreements often revolve around music.During an appearance on the third episode of ‘Koffee With Karan Season 9’, alongside Janhvi Kapoor, Varun spoke about how becoming a father has changed his everyday life. What he described as a series of “fights” with his toddler left host Karan Johar surprised. But the disagreement, as Varun explained, is far from serious. It is simply a battle over which song should play next.
5 Oct 2026 | 12:06
Parents, when your child refuses to greet relatives, do you make them say hello or respect their choice?
From quiet mornings to a house full of energy
Varun shared that his mornings were very different before Lara was born. He once had plenty of time to himself after waking up. Now, his day begins with a little one running around, jumping and attempting to use a slide in her own way. Describing the scene, he said, “Earlier, in the morning, I would have a lot of time to myself. Now, when I get up, I have my two-year-old running, jumping, and trying to go on a slide the wrong way.”He also joked that he and his wife, Natasha Dalal, have become like fielders, constantly keeping an eye on their daughter and making sure she is safe. Varun clarified that he was not complaining. Instead, he was sharing how much happiness and energy Lara has brought into their lives. For the actor, watching his daughter discover the world has been a joyful experience. He spoke about the happiness that comes from seeing the innocence and excitement of a child, suggesting that even the busiest mornings have become special.
The Michael Jackson song that started their little fights
The conversation took a funny turn when Varun revealed that he and Lara have disagreements over music. According to the actor, his daughter is currently obsessed with the songs of Michael Jackson, particularly ‘Beat It’. The problem is that Lara does not seem to tire of hearing the same track. Varun said she wants to play it repeatedly, sometimes as many as 68 times. While he enjoys seeing her enthusiasm, he occasionally wishes they could listen to something else. When Karan Johar asked how a father could possibly have a fight with a two-year-old, Varun explained the situation. He said he often asks Lara if they can play another song instead of Beat It’.Janhvi Kapoor also joined the conversation, asking whether Varun did not like the late singer. The actor clarified that the issue was not with Michael Jackson or his music. He simply wanted some variety after hearing the same song so many times. Karan, meanwhile, advised Varun to let his daughter enjoy the music she loves. Varun responded humorously that he wanted to explain to Lara that Michael Jackson had a much bigger musical career than just Beat It. The exchange offered a glimpse into an ordinary parenting moment. While Varun may be used to performing for audiences, at home he appears to have a much smaller listener who knows exactly what she wants to hear.
Varun opens up about Lara’s DDH diagnosis
Away from the light-hearted conversation about music, Varun has also spoken publicly about a challenging experience in his daughter’s early life. During an interview in March 2026, the actor revealed that Lara had been diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip, commonly known as DDH.He explained that the condition affects the hip joint, where the thigh bone does not sit properly in the hip socket. Describing its possible impact, Varun said that one leg can appear shorter than the other, which may cause an uneven walking pattern. He also spoke about how the condition can affect a child’s ability to walk or run properly.Varun pointed out that untreated DDH can lead to complications later in life, including early arthritis. He also discussed the difference in access to treatment, saying that the condition is often identified and treated at birth in Western countries, while such care may not be equally available everywhere in India. However, he added that India also has doctors who are experienced in treating the condition and caring for children diagnosed with it.
The treatment, the spica cast and a difficult 2.5 months
Varun revealed that Lara did not require surgery. Instead, a procedure was carried out to correct the issue. Following the treatment, she had to wear a spica cast, which is used to keep the hip in the required position while it heals. The actor said Lara remained in the cast for two and a half months. He described the experience as extremely difficult, particularly because she had to undergo anaesthesia for the procedure and woke up to find herself in a cast.Varun also shared that the cast has since been removed. Recalling the experience, he said he wanted to write a book about the journey. His comments brought attention to a side of parenting that is rarely visible in celebrity appearances: the worry, medical decisions and difficult periods that families navigate while caring for a young child.Whether he is negotiating over a Michael Jackson song or speaking about Lara’s treatment, Varun’s stories show two very different sides of fatherhood. One is filled with laughter and everyday disagreements, while the other involves patience and concern. Together, they offer a personal glimpse into how the actor’s life has changed since becoming a parent.