Varun Dhawan Recalls 'Difficult' Phase Post Lara's DDH Diagnosis: She Was In Spica Cast For 2.5 Months

Actor Varun Dhawan has shared that daughter Lara was diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The condition affected how Lara walked and ran, and doctors advised a procedure. Varun explained that the treatment involved a spica cast for several months, and confirmed that Lara is now out of the cast and recovering.

Speaking on the show Be A Man, Yaar!, Varun described how the diagnosis came when Lara was around one and a half years old. The actor said the experience was tough for the family, yet stressed that early medical help made a major difference to his daughter's current progress and comfort.

Varun Dhawan shares daughter Lara DDH diagnosis

Varun recalled the initial medical assessment and explained what doctors found. He said, "My daughter was diagnosed with DDH, in which the hip slips out of the hip socket. One leg becomes shorter than the other, which causes an uneven limp while walking. You can't walk or run properly." This made the family seek specialist care very quickly.

The actor added that doctors warned about long-term risks linked to untreated DDH. Varun said, "You get Arthritis early, slip disc early. In the West, this condition is treated very well from birth itself. In India, that level of treatment is not available everywhere yet. But there are also many excellent doctors here who take care of it."

Varun Dhawan's Daughter's DDH Treatment & Difficult Phase

Describing the procedure, Varun continued, "She didn't need to do a surgery. With one procedure they could put the hip back. But she had to be in a spica cast. That means she had to be in cast for 2.5 months. Which is extremely difficult. To put her in anaesthesia and then she woke up in a cast. Now the cast is out. I want to write a book on it."

Varun said the family found the casting period demanding, especially watching a very young child restricted in movement. The experience made Varun more observant about children's physical development. Varun urged parents to notice how babies move, and to consult a paediatrician quickly if anything about walking or leg length appears unusual.

What Is DDH?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip affects how a baby's hip joint forms and stays in place. The hip may be unstable before birth or change position after birth, as the child grows. DDH can involve one side or both hips, but specialists say treatment is more effective when the problem is recognised early in infancy.

Varun also asked people not to respond with pity, explaining that the purpose of sharing Lara's story is awareness. The actor said many families in India may not know about DDH, even though it is treatable when caught early. Varun wants parents to understand that timely screening can prevent future pain and mobility issues.

Varun and fashion designer Natasha Dalal married in a small ceremony in 2021. Their daughter was born on 3 June at a hospital in Mumbai. Announcing the birth on Instagram, Varun wrote, "Our baby girl is here, Thank u for all the good wishes for the mama and the baby". Varun has said that becoming a girl dad has softened personal priorities.

Reflecting on life with Lara, Varun has mentioned that being a father influences daily choices and emotions. The actor shared that becoming a girl dad has made Varun more gentle and ready to do whatever Lara asks. For Varun, speaking publicly about DDH is now part of caring for both Lara and other children.