Mumbai: Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan’s upcoming comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is expected to mark the end of a remarkable directorial career that helped define mainstream Bollywood comedy for decades. However, according to actor Varun Dhawan, there was a time when the family believed David Dhawan would never direct another film due to health concerns.
The actor recently revealed that it was a conversation with veteran actor Anil Kapoor that changed his perspective and ultimately encouraged the family to support David Dhawan’s return to filmmaking.
The revelation has added an emotional dimension to what is being seen as the celebrated filmmaker’s farewell project.
Varun Dhawan recalls family’s concerns
Speaking about his father’s journey back to the director’s chair, Varun Dhawan said there was a period when the family felt it would be best for David Dhawan to step away from directing.
According to the actor, concerns about his father’s health led family members to believe that returning to the demanding environment of film sets might not be the right decision.
“My mom, Rohit and I felt he should not direct a film,” Varun recalled while discussing the difficult phase.
The family had gradually come to terms with the possibility that one of Bollywood’s most successful commercial filmmakers might have already directed his final film.
However, a conversation with Anil Kapoor offered a different perspective.
The advice that changed everything
Varun revealed that Anil Kapoor encouraged him to look at filmmaking from his father’s point of view rather than focusing solely on practical concerns.
According to Varun, Kapoor told him that film sets were an integral part of David Dhawan’s life and identity.
“You have to let your father get back on the sets. He has spent more time on the set than he has spent at home. His home is the set and behind the camera,” Kapoor reportedly told him.
The advice resonated deeply with Varun, who said it helped him understand how important filmmaking was to his father’s happiness and sense of purpose.
He noted that Kapoor’s work ethic and dedication to cinema reminded him of David Dhawan’s own commitment to the industry.
The conversation ultimately convinced the family to support the filmmaker’s return to directing.
David Dhawan’s legacy in Bollywood comedy
Over the course of his career, David Dhawan became one of Bollywood’s most successful directors, delivering a string of commercial hits that blended comedy, romance, drama and family entertainment.
His films were known for their broad appeal and memorable characters, helping shape the commercial Hindi cinema landscape during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Among his most popular works are Aankhen, Coolie No. 1 and Biwi No. 1.
These films continue to enjoy popularity among audiences and are frequently cited as examples of Bollywood’s classic entertainer format.
Comedy rooted in emotion
Varun Dhawan also reflected on what made his father’s films resonate with audiences across generations.
According to him, David Dhawan never viewed his films purely as comedies. Instead, he considered himself an entertainer whose stories combined humour with romance, emotion, drama and action.
Varun argued that the emotional foundation of those films is often overlooked when people discuss their comedic elements.
He pointed out that films such as Aankhen, Coolie No. 1 and Biwi No. 1 worked because audiences connected with the characters and their emotions, not just the jokes.
Without that emotional core, he said, the films would not have achieved the enduring popularity they enjoy today.
The actor also recalled watching Aankhen during a David Dhawan film festival and being surprised by how effectively it continued to entertain audiences decades after its release.
About Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai stars Varun Dhawan alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in lead roles.
The comedy revolves around Jas, whose life takes an unexpected turn when both his estranged wife and his new girlfriend announce their pregnancies on the same day.
The resulting confusion, misunderstandings and family drama form the basis of the film’s comic narrative.
With David Dhawan at the helm, the project is being positioned as a return to the style of commercial entertainers that helped establish his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most successful directors.
Conclusion
As David Dhawan prepares for what could be his final directorial outing, Varun Dhawan’s revelation highlights the personal journey behind the filmmaker’s return. Encouraged by Anil Kapoor’s advice and supported by his family, David Dhawan chose to return to the place he considered home—the film set. With Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, audiences may be witnessing the final chapter in a directorial career that has entertained generations of moviegoers.