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‘I don’t think I should do more,’ David Dhawan hints at retirement

David Dhawan hints at retirement after his upcoming film due to health reasons, and reflects on his journey and bond with Varun Dhawan.

By Srijoni Dutta

Apr 22, 2026 01:43 IST

Veteran Bollywood filmmaker David Dhawan has hinted that he may retire after finishing his upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. He is known for giving some of the biggest comedy hits in Indian cinema and said that his health is one of the main reasons behind this decision. The film stars his son Varun Dhawan along with Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde.

The movie is now set to release on June 12 after being postponed from June 5. This change happened due to shifts in the release dates of other major films, including Yash’s Toxic. Even after the delay, the film is still creating strong excitement among audiences.

Talking about his journey and possible retirement, Dhawan shared emotional thoughts about his career, his relationship with his son, and his experience while working on this project.

David Dhawan hints retirement

Speaking to ANI, David Dhawan said, “I don’t think I should do more. Vo toh chahta hi nahi main kaam bhi karu, health-wise dekh kar. This might be my last film… after this, I’ll just be Varun’s father." He also reflected, “I’ve had a good journey. I cannot ask for more."

Health struggles and support from Varun Dhawan

Reflecting on his journey, the filmmaker said, “I’ve had a good journey. I cannot ask for more." He also spoke about a difficult phase in his life, showing how challenging that period was for him both personally and professionally.

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Dhawan also revealed to ANI, that he faced health issues during filming, saying, “I was very unwell during the shooting of this film… especially on the fourth day, I had to go to the hospital. Varun took great care of me; he had all the doctors’ numbers, stayed in touch with them, and was always there. He’s a complete family man."

Bond and collaboration with Varun Dhawan

Talking about working with his son, he said to ANI, “A director always wants a good actor, that’s the first priority. Meri uski tuning ho gayi… ye bhi nahi ghar ka bacha hai karega hi… vo bhi question karega hi, haq hai uska… 13–14 filmein kar chuka hai."

Film delay and box office clash

The release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has been shifted to June 12 due to scheduling changes. Ramesh Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Films said in an official statement that, “We would like to clarify that our film, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, was originally scheduled for release on June 5, a date we had announced several months ago." The film will now clash with Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga.

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David Dhawan may retire soon, which feels like the end of an important era in Bollywood comedy films. His emotional words show that he has faced health problems and also shares a strong bond with his family and films. Fans are now excited but also emotional, as this might be his last film as a director.

If this is really his last movie, it will feel like he is passing his work and legacy to his son Varun Dhawan. The film has now become very special for fans and the film industry because it is not just a movie, but also a big emotional moment celebrating his long journey in cinema.

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