Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has candidly spoken about a deeply personal phase in his life, sharing details about his daughter Lara Dhawan's health condition and the emotional toll it took on him and his family.

Speaking on the podcast Be A Man, Yaar!, the actor revealed that his daughter was diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) when she was just around one-and-a-half years old.

"She Couldn't Walk or Run Properly"

Explaining the condition, Varun said DDH affects the hip joint, where the hip can slip out of its socket. This can lead to one leg becoming shorter than the other, causing difficulty in walking or running and resulting in an uneven gait.

"My daughter was diagnosed with DDH… you can't walk or run properly," he said, describing how the early signs became noticeable when Lara struggled with basic movement compared to other children her age.

Treatment and a Challenging Phase

Varun shared that while the condition can sometimes require surgery, his daughter was treated through a corrective procedure that helped reposition the hip joint. However, the recovery process was far from easy.

Lara had to be placed in a spica cast for nearly two-and-a-half months following the procedure. The actor recalled how difficult it was to see his young child undergo anaesthesia and wake up immobilised in a cast.

He also highlighted the broader issue of awareness and access to treatment, noting that while DDH is often detected and treated early in many Western countries, access to timely care in India can vary. At the same time, he acknowledged that several skilled doctors in the country are equipped to handle such cases effectively.

Emotional Struggles and 'Dad Guilt'

Opening up about the emotional impact, Varun admitted that balancing his professional commitments with his responsibilities as a father was challenging.

"I feel a lot of dad guilt," he said, adding that he constantly felt the need to be present for his daughter during this phase.