Karan Johar calls David Dhawan's farewell film 'bittersweet'
Synopsis
Karan Johar's 'bittersweet' Instagram tribute to David Dhawan puts a spotlight on a quiet but significant moment in Bollywood — a four-decade institution choosing to bow out on his own terms, alongside his son Varun, in what will be their fourth and final film together.
Key Takeaways
Karan Johar described his reaction as 'bittersweet' after David Dhawan revealed his upcoming film is his last.
Johar paid tribute via his Instagram Stories , calling Dhawan 'an institution' who created an entire genre of Hindi cinema. 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' is the 4th collaboration between David Dhawan and his son Varun Dhawan .
The film stars Varun Dhawan , Mrunal Thakur , and Pooja Hegde , with a supporting cast including Mouni Roy and Chunky Panday .
Produced by Ramesh Taurani under TIPS , the film releases on 12 June 2025 .
David Dhawan's career spans more than four decades , with blockbusters including 'Coolie No 1' , 'Hero No 1' , and 'Partner' .
Filmmaker Karan Johar has described his reaction as 'bittersweet' after veteran director David Dhawan revealed that his upcoming romantic comedy 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' will be his final film. Johar shared the emotional moment publicly via his Instagram Stories, calling Dhawan an institution whose work has shaped an entire genre of Hindi cinema.
What Karan Johar Said
Taking to his official Instagram Stories, the 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' director wrote: “Yesterday when I went to Davidji’s celebration and he told me this was going to be his last film… I had a bittersweet reaction in my heart… here’s a filmmaker who is responsible for creating an entire genre of films… A DAVID DHAWAN film spells entertainment!”
Johar continued: “What must he feel saying this when he is an institution that so many filmmakers have taken forward as inspiration…. He is LOVED and RESPECTED and CELEBRATED by our fraternity…. There’s NO opposing that!!! Here’s to your summer blockbuster with your son….. DAVID DHAWAN… NO 1 man always…..”
David Dhawan's Legacy: Four Decades of Blockbusters
Over a cinematic career spanning more than four decades, David Dhawan has delivered a string of commercially successful films that defined mass entertainment in Bollywood. His credits include 'Raja Babu', 'Coolie No 1', 'Hero No 1', 'Haseena Maan Jayegi', 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', 'Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya', and 'Partner', among many others. His signature brand of slapstick comedy and high-energy storytelling carved out a distinct space in Hindi cinema that few directors have replicated.
A Father-Son Swan Song
'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' marks the 4th collaboration between David Dhawan and his son, actor Varun Dhawan, following 'Main Tera Hero' (2014), 'Judwaa 2' (2017), and 'Coolie No. 1' (2020). The romantic comedy stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles, with Mouni Roy, Chunky Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, and Ali Asgar in supporting parts.
Release and Production Details
The film is produced by Ramesh Taurani under the banner of TIPS and is scheduled to release in cinema halls on 12 June 2025. For Dhawan, it represents a full-circle moment — ending his directorial journey with the same actor he launched into stardom, his own son.
Point of View
However heartfelt, also underscores a broader truth: the slapstick comedy genre Dhawan built almost single-handedly has no obvious successor. The question 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' leaves unanswered is whether Varun Dhawan can carry that legacy forward without his father in the director's chair.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' really David Dhawan's last film?
According to David Dhawan himself, as recounted by Karan Johar, yes — 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' is intended to be his final directorial project. Johar shared this on his Instagram Stories after attending a celebration for the film.
What did Karan Johar say about David Dhawan's retirement?
Karan Johar wrote on Instagram Stories that he had a 'bittersweet reaction' upon hearing the news, describing Dhawan as 'an institution' responsible for creating an entire genre of Hindi films and calling him 'NO 1 man always.'
When does 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' release?
'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' is scheduled to release in cinemas on 12 June 2025. It is produced by Ramesh Taurani under the TIPS banner.
Who are the lead actors in 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'?
The film stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles. The supporting cast includes Mouni Roy, Chunky Panday, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, and Ali Asgar.
How many films have David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan made together?
'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' is their 4th collaboration. Their previous films together were 'Main Tera Hero' (2014), 'Judwaa 2' (2017), and 'Coolie No. 1' (2020).
