MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA — Bollywood star Varun Dhawan found himself at the center of a “nuisance” controversy this week after a video of him performing pull-ups inside a Mumbai Metro coach went viral. While the actor intended to promote his upcoming war epic Border 2, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) was not amused by his fitness display.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, authorities confirmed that the actor was fined ₹500 for violating safety protocols and causing a public nuisance.
1. The Incident: “Hang Out, Don’t Hang In”
The video, recorded on Saturday, showed Dhawan boarding at Gundavali station (Line 7) and using the overhead grab handles—designed for standing passengers—to perform multiple pull-ups.
- The Viral Backlash: As the clip gained traction, the MMMOCL’s official handle issued a sharp witty warning on X (formerly Twitter): “Those grab handles are not for hanging… Acts like these are punishable under the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002.”
- The Fine: An MMMOCL official told HT that a standard penalty of ₹500 was levied under sections relating to public nuisance and potential damage to property.
2. The “Misunderstanding”: Team Varun Responds
Despite the official statement from Metro authorities, Varun Dhawan’s PR team issued a clarification on Sunday evening claiming no such penalty existed.
- The Statement: “The post by the authorities has been taken down… We are happy to confirm that there are no pending issues,” the team stated, adding that Varun has “utmost respect” for city rules.
- The Conflict: While the team suggests the matter is closed and the “misunderstanding” cleared, Metro officials maintain that the fine was a necessary deterrent to prevent young fans from mimicking dangerous stunts in crowded trains.
3. The Legal Hook: Metro Railways Act 2002
| Section | Offence | Potential Penalty |
| Section 59 | Drunkenness or Nuisance | Fine up to ₹500 + Forfeiture of ticket. |
| Section 62 | Obstructing Metro Railway Official | Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine. |
| Section 64 | Damage to Property | Fine and compensation for the damage. |
4. Context: The Border 2 Hype
The Metro stunt was part of a high-octane marketing campaign for Border 2, which serves as a sequel to the 1997 cult classic. Varun Dhawan joins Sunny Deol in this installment, which is currently one of the most anticipated films of 2026. This incident follows a similar trend where actors use public transport for “relatable” marketing, though few end up facing legal penalties.