Celebrating one of the filmmakers who shaped mainstream Hindi comedy for generations, PVR INOX Limited, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, hosted an exclusive star-studded evening in Mumbai as part of its specially curated David Dhawan Film Festival.
The celebration brought together members of the film fraternity, media, and cinema lovers to honour the remarkable legacy of David Dhawan, the filmmaker behind some of Bollywood’s most iconic commercial entertainers. Across a career spanning more than four decades, David Dhawan has created a distinct style of family entertainment rooted in humour, emotion, music, and mass appeal through blockbuster films such as Raja Babu, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Partner, and many more.
Held at Maison INOX, Jio World Plaza, the evening featured an engaging fireside conversation between legendary filmmaker David Dhawan and Bollywood star Varun Dhawan, who reflected on films, family, filmmaking, cherished memories, and the enduring popularity of comedy in Indian cinema. The conversation offered audiences a rare and intimate glimpse into the creative journey and cinematic legacy of one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated entertainers.
When Varun Dhawan asked David Dhawan whether there is a retirement age in cinema, David sir responded with his trademark spirit and humour, saying, “Not really… jab tak hai dum.” He further added, “You never really get tired of making films. After making so many films, I still feel I can make four more.”
Varun Dhawan said, “He is the most successful director I have ever worked with. And I will ever work with.”
Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Ltd., said, “It is an honour for us at PVR INOX to celebrate the incredible legacy of David sir through this special film festival. Watching David sir in conversation with Varun Dhawan at our cinema was incredibly special. It felt less like an interview and more like a masterclass on cinema, life, passion, discipline, and longevity. These are the moments that make cinema truly special — moments where stories, memories, and generations come together under one roof. We are very proud and grateful that PVR INOX could be at the heart of such a memorable celebration.”
The event was further graced by the presence of several members of the film fraternity, including Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor, Chunky Panday, Pooja Hegde, Anu Malik, Ramesh Taurani, Sajid Nadiadwala and many others, who came together to celebrate the filmmaker’s unparalleled contribution to mainstream Hindi cinema.
The David Dhawan Film Festival, starting from May 22,2026, is being showcased across 40 premium PVR INOX cinemas in 25 cities, featuring a curated line-up of some of the filmmaker’s most loved entertainers, including Aankhen, Raja Babu, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, Partner, Main Tera Hero, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
For over four decades, David Dhawan has played a defining role in shaping commercial Hindi cinema with a storytelling style rooted in humour, emotion, and mass entertainment. From creating some of Bollywood’s most memorable comic characters to delivering numerous box-office successes, his films have entertained generations of audiences and remain deeply embedded in India’s popular culture. As anticipation builds for his upcoming release, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, the festival serves as a fitting tribute to a filmmaker whose work continues to bring audiences together through the shared joy of cinema.