David Dhawan breaks down recalling Varun's vigil during hospital stay
Synopsis
At the trailer launch of their fourth film together, a tearful David Dhawan revealed that Varun slept at the hospital to be by his side during a health crisis — a moment of raw emotion that upstaged the film's promotional fanfare and reminded audiences that behind Bollywood's biggest family-comedy duo is a genuinely close family.
Key Takeaways
David Dhawan broke down at the trailer launch of 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' in Mumbai on 23 May .
He revealed that Varun Dhawan used to sleep at the hospital to accompany him during his illness.
The film is their 4th collaboration , after 'Main Tera Hero' (2014), 'Judwaa 2' (2017), and 'Coolie No.
It is David's 46th directorial , described by him as a classic family entertainer with humour, music, and heart.
The film releases in cinemas on 5 June 2025 , backed by Tips Films Ltd and Maximilian Films (UK) .
Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan turned emotional at the trailer launch of 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' in Mumbai on Saturday, 23 May, as he opened up about his son Varun Dhawan's unwavering support during a difficult hospitalisation. The revelation offered a rare, personal glimpse into the bond between one of Bollywood's most celebrated father-son pairs.
A Son Who Slept at the Hospital
A visibly moved David recalled how Varun stayed by his bedside throughout his hospital days, even spending nights there to keep his father company. “Everybody should have a son like that. In the hospital also, he used to sleep there with me. So, you know what more do you want,” the director said, his voice breaking.
He went on to praise Varun both as a person and as a professional. “As an actor, he is improving; what you want he can give you that. But, as a father, if I tell you, I mean everybody should have a son like that,” David Dhawan added.
Their Fourth Film Together
'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' marks the fourth collaboration between David and Varun, following 'Main Tera Hero' (2014), 'Judwaa 2' (2017), and 'Coolie No. 1' (2020). The romantic family entertainer is David's 46th directorial — a milestone he described with characteristic warmth.
“This is my 46th film, and entertaining my audience continues to give me the biggest joy. The film has all the ingredients of a classic family entertainer — humour, confusion, music, and heart,” he said at the event.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Beyond the Dhawan duo, the film features Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in lead roles, with a supporting cast that includes Mouni Roy, Chunky Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, and Ali Asgar. The breadth of the ensemble signals an old-school, multi-character comedy structure — a signature David Dhawan format.
Release and Production Details
The film is backed by Tips Films Ltd in association with Maximilian Films (UK) and is set for a theatrical release on 5 June 2025. With four decades of crowd-pleasing cinema behind him, David's emotional moment at the trailer launch has already generated significant buzz ahead of the release.
Point of View
If sincere, piece of pre-release narrative — humanising a franchise built on slapstick excess. Yet the moment also surfaces something the Dhawan collaborations rarely invite: genuine vulnerability. With 'Coolie No. 1' widely considered a misfire, the father-son dynamic is now the film's most compelling marketing asset. Whether audiences respond to sentiment over spectacle will be telling for the mid-budget family entertainer's opening weekend.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David Dhawan get emotional at the 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' trailer launch?
David Dhawan became emotional while recalling his hospitalisation, during which Varun Dhawan reportedly stayed by his side and even slept at the hospital. He said at the event that 'everybody should have a son like that.'
What is 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' and when does it release?
It is a romantic family entertainer directed by David Dhawan, releasing in cinemas on 5 June 2025. The film is backed by Tips Films Ltd and Maximilian Films (UK).
Who is in the cast of 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'?
The film stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde in lead roles, with Mouni Roy, Chunky Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, and Ali Asgar in supporting parts.
How many films have David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan made together?
'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' is their fourth collaboration. The previous three were 'Main Tera Hero' (2014), 'Judwaa 2' (2017), and 'Coolie No. 1' (2020).
What is the significance of this film for David Dhawan?
The film marks David Dhawan's 46th directorial, a milestone he acknowledged at the trailer launch, saying that entertaining audiences continues to give him his greatest joy.
