Mumbai: A short video featuring Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan performing pull-ups inside a Mumbai Metro coach has sparked debate online, prompting metro authorities to flag safety concerns before later removing their critical post.
The clip, which circulated widely on social media, shows the Border 2 actor lifting himself using the overhead grab handles inside a metro train while another passenger attempts to mimic him. Other commuters can be seen watching the impromptu act. The exact date and location of the video remain unclear.
Reacting to the viral footage, Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), which manages Metro Lines 2A and 7, shared the video on its official social media handles on Monday with a warning message. Drawing a comparison to film disclaimers, the metro operator cautioned commuters against imitating such behaviour, stressing that grab handles are designed solely to provide support during travel, not for hanging or exercising.
The post advised passengers to avoid actions that could endanger others or damage public property, adding that violations may attract penalties under the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The authority also urged commuters to follow safety norms and travel responsibly. However, the post was later deleted, leading to speculation about whether any action had been taken against the actor.
On Tuesday evening, Dhawan’s team issued a clarification, stating that no fine or penalty had been imposed on the 38-year-old actor. The statement added that the metro authority’s earlier post had been taken down and emphasised that Dhawan respects civic rules and the efforts of the metro administration.
Despite the clarification, reports surfaced claiming that a challan of ₹500 had been issued for creating a nuisance, though this was not officially confirmed by metro officials.
The episode triggered mixed reactions online, with some social media users calling for equal enforcement of rules regardless of celebrity status. One user commented that taking formal action would have set a stronger example instead of issuing warnings alone.
MMMOCL currently operates Metro Line 2A along the Andheri West corridor and Line 7 along the Andheri East corridor, while several other metro routes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are still under construction.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges authorities face in balancing public messaging, safety enforcement and the scrutiny that comes with high-profile personalities in shared public spaces.
