Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has opened up about his conscious decision to protect his newborn daughter's privacy in the digital age. The star, who became a father in June 2024, has consistently chosen to shield his daughter Lara's face from the public eye on his social media platforms.
A Deliberate Choice for Privacy
Varun Dhawan and his wife, fashion designer Natasha Dalal, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lara, in June 2024. While the doting father has shared glimpses of his journey into parenthood online, he has always ensured that Lara's face is covered, typically using a heart or other emoji. This practice has sparked curiosity among his millions of followers.
The actor recently addressed this decision directly. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on January 6, 2026, Dhawan clarified his stance. He emphasized that the choice to have a public online presence should belong to Lara herself when she is old enough to make that decision.
"It Should Be Her Choice"
"I rather leave that decision with her," Varun Dhawan wrote. He firmly added, "Social media should be her choice not something I want to decide for her." This statement, shared with the hashtag #varunsays, highlights a modern parenting philosophy that prioritizes a child's future autonomy and digital consent.
This approach marks a significant shift from how many celebrity parents handle their children's public exposure. While some choose to share every milestone, Dhawan and Dalal are opting for a more guarded path, setting boundaries early on.
Navigating Fame and Family
Varun Dhawan's decision reflects a growing conversation about privacy, consent, and the long-term digital footprint created for children born in the spotlight. By withholding Lara's face, he is actively preserving her right to a private identity until she can choose otherwise.
The actor's stance has been met with support from fans and fellow parents who applaud his thoughtful consideration. It underscores the challenges public figures face in balancing their professional lives, which thrive on visibility, with the personal responsibility of protecting their family's privacy.
As Lara Dhawan grows up, her father's early actions will have safeguarded her from unsolicited public scrutiny during her most formative years. This move sets a precedent, reminding everyone that a child's digital identity is a serious matter, not merely content for public consumption.
