Filmmaker David Dhawan and actor Varun Dhawan recently came together for a special celebration event following the trailer launch of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai on Saturday, May 23. Hosted at a PVR multiplex, the event celebrated David Dhawan’s long-standing contribution to commercial Hindi cinema, with the father-son duo revisiting some of the filmmaker’s most popular works while interacting with media and audiences.

Varun Dhawan defends David Dhawan amid criticism: “Baap ko bolne se pehle, samaj lena ki beta khada hai”

During the conversation, Varun Dhawan spoke about his admiration for his father’s filmmaking journey and acknowledged the massive impact David Dhawan has had on mainstream comedy cinema over the decades. The actor also addressed criticism often directed towards commercial entertainers and strongly defended his father’s legacy.

Speaking at the event, Varun said, “Yes, he’s my father, but he’s also a legend. He’s made over 46 films. His biggest blockbuster, Aankhen, is going to be shown today. Main Tera Hero is also played in this theatre, which is also his film. I still get love for that film. He’s the most successful director I’ve ever worked with and I will ever work with.”

The actor then added a pointed remark directed at detractors of David Dhawan’s cinema. “I don’t mean this to critics because critics love you. But jisko jo bakwaas karni hai, woh kar le (people can say whatever they want),” he said, drawing applause and cheers from the audience present at the venue.

David Dhawan, known for directing several successful comedy entertainers through the 1990s and 2000s, reacted to the comment with humour and reflected on how critics would often dismiss his films before audiences eventually embraced them at the box office. “Mujhe maza aata hai (I have fun). Whenever my film would release, critics on Friday would say ‘Yeh bakwaas film hai (this is a bad film)’. The same film would be a hit on Saturday!” the filmmaker remarked.

VARUN DHAWAN IN FIRE MODE🔥

Uno Reverse #Jawan 😍💥#VarunDhawan‘s warning to critics pic.twitter.com/8aItQZPN3j

— $@M (@SAMTHEBESTEST_) May 23, 2026

Varun further continued his spirited defence of his father, saying, “I would just like to add that baap ko bolne se pehle, samaj lena ki beta khada hai (just remember before saying anything to the father, remember the son is here)!”

The celebration event also saw the presence of superstar Salman Khan, who has collaborated with David Dhawan on several successful films including Judwaa, Biwi No.1, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and Partneralong with other celebrities like Arjun Kapoor, Karan Johar, Pooja Hegde, Sajid Nadiadwala, among others.

Meanwhile, speaking of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, it is being described as one of David Dhawan’s final directorial ventures. The comedy entertainer stars Varun Dhawan alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, with Maniesh Paul, Mouni Roy, Jimmy Shergill, Chunky Panday, and Rakesh Bedi in supporting roles. The film is slated to release in cinemas on June 5.

Also Read: Photos: Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, David Dhawan and others snapped at the David Dhawan Film Festival