The set of the upcoming film Border 2 recently became the stage for an inspiring display of fitness and camaraderie. Bollywood star Varun Dhawan, known for his dedication to maintaining a sculpted physique, engaged in a spontaneous push-up challenge with real army cadets at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, where the movie's third shooting schedule is currently underway.
The challenge, which started casually, quickly escalated into a test of endurance and mutual respect. According to reports, the initial plan was a set of 20 push-ups involving nearly 30-40 cadets. However, driven by the energetic atmosphere and the cadets' enthusiasm, Varun Dhawan rose to the occasion, completing an impressive 50 knuckle push-ups. His efforts were met with roaring cheers from the film crew and the cadets, creating a memorable highlight of the Border 2 shooting schedule.
A behind-the-scenes video capturing this high-spirited moment has gone viral on social media, showcasing not only Varun Dhawan's athleticism but also his evident respect and admiration for the Indian armed forces. This sentiment aligns perfectly with the core theme of Border 2, which aims to pay tribute to the courage, heroism, and unwavering spirit of Indian soldiers.
Varun Dhawan's fitness journey is well-documented, and he is known for his disciplined approach to maintaining peak physical condition. His fitness regimen typically involves a combination of weight training, cardio, and functional exercises. He is an advocate for varying his workouts to prevent plateaus and focuses on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to build strength and boost metabolism. Furthermore, he incorporates cardio exercises such as HIIT, running, and cycling to improve cardiovascular health and endurance.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in Varun Dhawan's fitness philosophy. He follows a balanced diet that includes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates, avoiding processed foods, sugar, and alcohol. He emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and consumes small portions every 2-3 hours while staying well-hydrated.
Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh, carries forward the legacy of the iconic 1997 film Border. The sequel boasts a stellar cast, including Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, promising a grand cinematic experience filled with action, drama, and patriotism. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, under the banners of Gulshan Kumar & T-Series and JP Dutta's JP Films. Border 2 is scheduled to be released on January 23, 2026. The movie is believed to be based on the Kargil War of 1999 between India and Pakistan.
Varun Dhawan's participation in the push-up challenge with the army cadets not only underscores his personal fitness but also highlights the film's overarching theme of honoring the dedication and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. The actor's willingness to engage with the cadets on their level demonstrates his respect for their commitment and the values they represent. This behind-the-scenes moment provides a glimpse into the spirit and energy that the cast and crew are bringing to Border 2, further heightening anticipation for the film's release.