Actor Rajesh Kumar has revealed that his upcoming comedy film 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' holds a deeply personal significance — it was the last professional recommendation made for him by the late veteran actor Satish Shah. Rajesh made the emotional disclosure at the trailer launch event of the David Dhawan directorial in Mumbai.

How the Casting Came Together

Rajesh recounted that his entry into the film was shaped by an unexpected chain of events. 'So when I was talking about my casting, I got a call from Mukesh Chhabra, and I also spoke to David sir. David sir waited for me to come back to India, and he actually waited for 25 days to meet me,' he said. The actor added that it was Satish Shah's personal endorsement that made the project emotionally irreplaceable for him.

According to Rajesh, David Dhawan — who was a close batchmate and friend of Satish Shah — reached out to the veteran to ask about Rajesh's abilities as an actor. 'David sir asked Satish ji, "What kind of an actor is Rajesh?" and he recommended my name. And Satish ji called me up and said that you are doing a film with David Dhawan. So that's what this story was,' Rajesh recalled.

An Emotional Bond With the Film

Rajesh, who shared the screen with Satish Shah in the beloved sitcom 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai', said he considers the film a tribute to the late actor's memory. 'That is why I say that this film will be emotionally — I will be very attached to this film because I consider it as the last recommendation by Satish sir,' he said. He concluded by expressing his belief that Satish Shah is blessing the entire cast and crew through this project.

Remembering Satish Shah

Satish Shah passed away on 25 October at the age of 74. His death sent shockwaves through the Indian entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans alike. Rajesh had earlier shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing: 'This is the worst hour for me… I still cannot process that Satish ji is no more… all I can say is that it feels I have lost my father…'

He had also described the veteran as 'a man full of life and humour,' adding, 'He made his name, left his mark as an actor… this is a big big loss to the industry and us — Sarabhai's family.' The tribute underscored the depth of the bond the two actors shared beyond the camera.

About the Film

'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' is directed by David Dhawan, marking yet another entry in the veteran filmmaker's long-running comedy legacy. The film's trailer launch served as both a celebration of the upcoming release and, for Rajesh Kumar, a moment of quiet remembrance for the mentor who made it possible.