Pretty flowers frame Varun Dhawan, but in the background, everything is blurred by thick smog. Currently shooting in the capital for his upcoming film, October, Varun is having the first-hand experience of Delhi’s notorious fog and he is clearly not amused. Sporting a green anti-pollution mask, the actor took to Instagram to share a selfie, along with a message that went, “I have clicked this selfie to show you guys what actual smog looks like. I don’t want to preach I am equally to blame for this mess as most of the citizens of our great country, but now instead of blaming each other and the government let’s change. It’s time we go green. #delhichokes.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbOoqMglWFN/?taken-by=peepingmoon

Sure, there will be trollers like there always are, when a celebrity tries putting across a message about an important social cause. But the fact also remains that Varun is a huge influencer. Something of a youth icon, with thousands of fans who are receptive to what he shares, we are hoping his message about going green goes viral and influences change.
In the past too, Varun has done his bit supporting different social causes and he has done it in his typical no-airs kind of way – just the kind of behaviour befitting a youth icon. Here’s three times we applauded his endeavours…

Not Smoking Hot!
Remember ‘Be Smart, Don’t Start!’ the anti-smoking campaign he had featured in? Produced by the Indian Cancer Society, it also had Varun discussing the health-hazards of smoking. Varun also affirmed that he would stay away from brands promoting tobacco and alcohol.

Be You
Varun was shaken when, at a social event, a young girl declined to click a picture with the star because she lacked confidence about her appearance. All too aware of peer pressure and the social media scrutiny faced even by regular youth, Varun tweeted a message to youngsters everywhere…

“Wanna encourage every youngster to respect & follow their own style. When you believe in your own style you inspire others.”

Random Acts of Kindness
Never hung up about being the son of a very successful filmmaker, Varun stayed away from starry airs. While studying in Nottingham, he would even distribute leaflets for pocket-money. Spending his birthday with blind children, and donating his favourite golden jacket, which he wore in Dishoom, for a charity fundraiser for children are some of the ways he supports good causes but you won’t catch him talking about it. “I am very uncomfortable talking about charity. Sharing things is one of the first things my parents taught me,” is how he tells it. We approve!