Mumbai: Actors Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra have delighted fans with a playful reunion that brought back memories of their 2012 film Student Of The Year. Varun shared a photograph featuring Sidharth and his wife, Kiara Advani, while continuing his joke about starring alongside his former co-star in an Indian version of the romantic sports drama Heated Rivalry.
The Instagram post quickly attracted attention, with fans recalling the characters played by the two actors in Karan Johar’s directorial debut. Varun also made it clear that there was no rivalry between them, describing Sidharth as his brother.
The photograph showed Varun and Sidharth posing together, with Kiara standing behind the two actors. Kiara, who is expecting a baby, was also part of the frame, although her baby bump was not visible in the picture.
Sharing the photograph, Varun wrote, “Heated yes but never a rivalry with my brother. Thank you for the hospitality, bhabhi ji.”
How Varun Dhawan’s Heated Rivalry joke began
Varun’s latest Instagram post brought back a joke he had made during an appearance on Koffee With Karan 9. During the conversation, the actor expressed his wish to star alongside Sidharth in an Indian adaptation of Heated Rivalry.
The original series, featuring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, became a talking point for its romantic storyline involving two rival ice hockey players. Varun’s reference to the show, combined with his friendship with Sidharth, gave fans an entertaining possibility to imagine.
The two actors first worked together in Student Of The Year, which also marked their Bollywood debuts alongside Alia Bhatt. The film, released in 2012, introduced them to a wider audience and established a connection that fans continue to celebrate.
Their on-screen characters and friendship have remained popular among viewers. Varun’s latest post has once again brought the Student Of The Year association into the spotlight.
Fans react to Varun and Sidharth’s reunion
Fans flooded the comments section with references to the actors’ characters from Student Of The Year. Several users expressed excitement at seeing Varun and Sidharth together again, while others joined the joke about an Indian version of Heated Rivalry.
One user referred to their characters and wrote, “Let a thousand Robhimanyu fanfics bloom.”
Another commented, “No rivalry, only brotherhood.”
“Reunion of Sid and Rohan feels the same as it was in 2012,” read another response.
Some fans also wished that Alia Bhatt had been part of the photograph, considering that she was the third lead in Student Of The Year.
One user wrote, “I wish Alia was also in the frame then it would look best.”
Another fan expressed interest in seeing the two actors collaborate again, saying, “SOTY BOYS ARE BACK. Please make another masterpiece together.”
The Heated Rivalry reference also inspired fans to imagine Varun and Sidharth appearing together in a romantic story. One comment said that if the actors ever collaborated on such a project, it should focus on romance, emotions and chemistry rather than hatred or rivalry.
The enthusiastic responses showed that the friendship between the two actors and their association with Student Of The Year continue to hold a special place among fans.
What is Heated Rivalry about?
Heated Rivalry is a romantic sports drama based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series. The story follows Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two professional ice hockey players who compete against each other on the rink.
Despite being rivals in their sporting careers, the two develop romantic feelings for each other and begin a secret relationship. Their story explores the contrast between their public rivalry and private relationship.
The show’s central idea of two competitors developing a relationship provided the inspiration for Varun’s playful comment about working with Sidharth.
The actors’ real-life friendship, however, is far removed from the rivalry portrayed in the fictional story. Varun’s Instagram caption made that distinction clear, describing Sidharth as his brother.
Student Of The Year remains a fan favourite
Directed by Karan Johar, Student Of The Year was released in 2012 and introduced Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt as leading actors.
The film followed a group of students competing for the prestigious Student of the Year title while navigating friendships, relationships and rivalries. Its music, fashion and performances helped it connect with younger audiences.
Over the years, the film has continued to attract attention through social media discussions and fan-created content. Varun and Sidharth’s latest reunion has once again reminded audiences of their early Bollywood days.
Although there is no confirmation of an actual project bringing the two actors together in an Indian version of Heated Rivalry, their exchange has given fans another reason to hope for a future collaboration.
For now, Varun’s photograph and humorous caption have turned a friendly reunion into a nostalgic moment for Student Of The Year fans, with many celebrating the bond between the two actors.