Varun Dhawan has never shied away from admitting that working with his father can be its own boot camp, but his latest confession adds a deliciously old school Bollywood layer to their on-set dynamic. While promoting Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hi Hai, Varun revealed that David Dhawan still instinctively imagines Govinda in “every” scene, even as he directs his son in a new era of rom-com storytelling.
The actor and filmmaker appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show to speak about the film and their collaboration, and Varun’s candid account quickly became the talking point, especially for fans who grew up on David and Govinda’s blockbuster comedy rhythm.
Varun’s Latest Update On David Dhawan’s Govinda References
On the show, Varun joked that he gets the “most abusive words” from his father on set, while also explaining how David’s frame of reference remains rooted in the performers who defined his biggest hits.
Varun said, “Now, whatever scene gets written, every time he remembers Govinda. He thinks about how Chichi bhaiyya would do the scene. Then I tell him that I have to perform for my audience too, but I have a very tall order to live up to. He always keeps giving me references of what Salman Khan, Govinda, or Anil Kapoor would do. But I have to figure out how Varun would do that scene.”
David, for his part, underlined the depth of his association with Govinda, saying, “I have done 17 films with Govinda. I believe one of the best actors I have worked with is Govinda.”
Varun also pointed out how his father’s style can feel starkly different from today’s generally polite filmmaking environment. He said David is unfiltered enough to openly criticise actors on the microphone if he feels a shot is not landing.
About Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hi Hai
David Dhawan’s Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hi Hai stars Varun Dhawan with Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur in the lead. The ensemble also includes Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy, Rohit Saraf, and Chunky Panday.
The film’s theatrical release date has been shifted to June 12, 2026, after it was earlier planned for early June, with the makers choosing to avoid a clash at the box office.
Varun Dhawan’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Varun was last seen headlining the action entertainer Baby John (2024). On OTT, he expanded his range with the spy series Citadel: Honey Bunny (2024), which featured him alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
In theatres, his recent filmography also includes Bhediya (2022), where he played a man who turns into a werewolf, blending creature feature thrills with mainstream humour.
Next, Varun returns to the big screen with Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hi Hai (2026), and he also has Border 2 released recently, directed by Anurag Singh and featuring Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty.
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