Ananya Lohia , Mumbai - Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan has hinted at retirement from directing, revealing that his upcoming comedy entertainer Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai could be his final directorial venture. The announcement has left Bollywood emotional, especially filmmaker Karan Johar, who shared a heartfelt note praising the legendary director’s contribution to Hindi cinema.

At a special event hosted by PVR INOX to celebrate David Dhawan’s cinematic journey, the filmmaker attended alongside his son, actor Varun Dhawan. The event, titled the David Dhawan Film Festival, also saw the presence of Karan Johar, who later took to Instagram to share an emotional message. Karan revealed that David personally told him Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai would be his last film as a director. Calling him an “institution” and the creator of an entire genre of entertainers, Karan wrote that a “David Dhawan film spells entertainment” and celebrated his unmatched legacy in Bollywood comedy.

Known as the “King of Comedy,” David Dhawan has directed several cult classics over a career spanning more than four decades. Some of his most iconic films include Raja Babu, Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? and Partner. Over the years, he has worked with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, creating some of Bollywood’s most memorable comic pairings.

Marking his return to direction after six years, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai reunites David with Varun Dhawan for the fourth time. The film also stars Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in lead roles, alongside Mouni Roy, Maniesh Paul and others. Produced by Tips Films, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 5.