pet-parenting
‘I Don’t Differentiate’: Varun Dhawan Opens Up About His Bond With Daughter Lara and Dog Joey
Published: 05/10/25
Updated: 05/10/25
Becoming a parent changes you. It makes you softer and more aware. And Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan seems to be living that phase of life with a full heart.
Recently, Varun spoke about his bond with his baby daughter, Lara and his pet dog, Joey. He said that he does not differentiate between the two.
A New World For Varun
Varun and his wife Natasha Dalal, welcomed their baby girl in June 2024.
For Varun, love did not begin when Lara was born. It began years ago when Joey came into his life. Joey, his adorable golden dog, has been by his side through every high and low.
“Joey was my first child,” Varun said. “He’s been there through long shoots, bad days, and lonely moments. He just knows when I’m upset. He’ll walk up and put his head on my lap, as if saying, I’m here.”
And now, that same Joey has found a new best friend, baby Lara.
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When Joey Met Lara
When Varun and Natasha brought Lara home, they were careful about how Joey would react. But like every big brother, Joey’s love was instant.
Varun shared that they introduced Lara to Joey slowly. They first made him sniff her blanket, then her crib and so on. Joey sniffed around curiously and wagged his tail. “From that moment, he knew she was family,” Varun said.
Now, Joey sits beside Lara’s cradle as if guarding her. “He gets excited every time she giggles,” Varun added, smiling. “Sometimes, when she cries, he rushes to her as if asking what happened.”
These everyday moments make Varun’s heart full.
He also admitted that some days are hard. There are days when Lara won’t sleep or Joey wants attention at the same time. That gets a bit challenging but is worth living.
For Varun, both Joey and Lara have taught him something priceless - how to give love freely and receive it with gratitude. “Joey taught me responsibility long before I became a father. I think he prepared me for this new chapter,” Varun shared.
Varun also mentioned how Natasha has been his biggest support system. “Natasha and I take turns,” he said. “If I’m feeding Lara, she’s playing with Joey, and if I’m walking Joey, she’s putting Lara to sleep. It’s a team effort.”
Fans React with Love
Many parents and pet owners could relate to Varun’s feelings. One comment read, “As a mom and a pet parent, I totally get this. Both love you unconditionally!”
Another fan wrote, “Varun’s words remind us that love has no categories — it’s just pure connection.”
The post also started conversations about how pets prepare you emotionally for parenthood. Several people shared their own stories of introducing their dogs or cats to their babies and how the bond between them grew naturally over time.
The Pure Love
When asked how he manages to balance his time between Lara and Joey, Varun said something very touching:
“Love doesn’t divide; it multiplies. The more you give, the more it grows.”
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