3 minutes of readingNew DelhiUpdated: May 23, 2026 08:20 pm IST
What started as a lively trailer launch of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai unexpectedly turned emotional when filmmaker David Dhawan broke down while speaking about supporting his son Varun Dhawan during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
The father-son duo attended the trailer launch event in Mumbai on Saturday along with the cast of the film, including Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. While the event largely revolved around the comedy entertainer’s chaotic trailer, the mood changed when David started talking about Varun beyond films and box office numbers.
David Dhawan gets emotional talking about Varun Dhawan
The veteran filmmaker became visibly emotional on stage while talking about how Varun stood by him during his health issues and hospitalization. Praising him not only as an actor but as a son, David said: “First of all, I would say he’s been a great son. He’s always taken care of me, my health, anything, you know. He’s always there, by my side.”
Recalling the time he was hospitalized, the director revealed that Varun barely left his side during recovery.
“And also in the hospital, he used to sleep there with me. When I was in the hospital. So, you know, what else do you want here?” he shared excitedly.
David then praised Varun’s growth as an actor, but admitted that his pride as a father outweighed everything else. “The actor is getting better, he has become what you want, he can give you that. Wo theek hai. But as a father, if I tell you, I mean, everyone should have a son like that.”
While David fought back tears, Varun was also seen getting emotional while consoling his father on stage.
Story continues below this ad.
In 2022, David Dhawan was hospitalized after his health suddenly deteriorated. The filmmaker, who has long battled late-stage diabetes, spent almost a week in the hospital before returning home.
ALSO READ: ‘Everything will be sorted out’: Ramesh Taurani on the legal dispute surrounding Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
About Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai
Meanwhile, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai marks David and Varun Dhawan’s fourth collaboration after Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2 and Coolie No. 1. The film positions itself as a family entertainer driven by romantic confusion, comic misunderstandings and over-the-top chaos.
The trailer shows Varun caught between two relationships while the characters played by Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur further complicate his life with unexpected revelations about her pregnancy.
Story continues below this ad.
The cast also includes Chunky Panday, Jimmy Shergill, Mouni Roy, Rajesh Kumar, Ali Asgar and Rakesh Bedi. Produced by Ramesh Taurani under Tips Films, the film is scheduled to release in theaters on June 5.