Celebrating Bollywood's iconic duo David Dhawan and Kader Khan through movies like 'Coolie No. 1, 'Raja Babu' and more

Sunil Grover’s spot-on mimicry of the late actor Kader Khan on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ has taken the internet by storm. Recently, the show celebrated David Dhawan, where the filmmaker appeared with his son, actor Varun Dhawan. During an act, Sunil Grover stepped into Kader Khan’s shoes. Known for his ability to sink into the skin of the characters, Sunil delivered an act that struck a chord. Dhawan, who has collaborated with Khan on several projects, was seen applauding Grover’s performance and getting slightly teary-eyed as he reminisced about his old friend. Over the years, David Dhawan’s slapstick storytelling and Kader Khan’s comic timing have given rise to movies that make people laugh out loud even today. Moreover, Khan’s breathless monologues loaded with puns and innuendos manage to make the audience laugh out loud even today.

Here are their most iconic collaborations over the years.

‘Bol Radha Bol’

Kader Khan’s first collaboration with David Dhawan was in ‘Bol Radha Bol’ starring Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla. In the movie, Kader Khan’s character, Jugnu, suffers from night blindness and is unable to see after 6 pm. Amidst the tenacious love story of Kishen and Radha (Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla), it is Jugnu that balances it off with his witty comebacks. His comical timing throughout the movie offers some respite against the themes of treachery and infidelity. His interactions with Radha, the villagers and Kishen are sure to bring a smile to your face. If you want to see how Kader Khan makes a night blind person look funny. The movie is available on Amazon Prime.

‘Raja Babu’

Adapted from the Tamil blockbuster ‘Rasukutty’, the movie has Kader Khan playing the role of Kishen Singh (Raja’s foster father). Khan plays a strict yet loving, wealthy village man who is committed to providing a good upbringing to Raja (Govinda). His affection towards his son is showcased through tiny moments rather than large gestures. He balances humour with sensitivity effortlessly, which largely speaks of Kader Khan's acting prowess. He is worried about his son’s future due to his irresponsible nature, but his frustration is not toxic; he uses humour to get it out. His playful banter with his wife Janki(Aruna Irani) and Govinda is till date one of the highlights of the movie. The movie is available to stream on Jio Hotstar.

‘Coolie No. 1’

This is one of the few David Dhawan movies in which Kader Khan acted as well as wrote the screenplay. In the movie, Kader Khan plays Choudhry Hoshiyar Chand, who is looking for a match for his daughter Malti(Karishma Kapoor). He is snooty and condescending of people, but is not outwardly rude. He balances his obsession with his wealth and wants the best for his daughter, but he carefully tops it up with his humour. Enter Raju(Govinda), who works as a coolie at a bus stop. Raju and Malti gradually fall in love with each other, and the former also feigns his identity as a rich boy to win over her dad. Raju’s narrow escapes from Hoshiyar Chand’s hawk eye are what form the major plotlines of the movies. Hoshiyar Chand’s time and again arising confusion and Raju’s wit every time the former gets close to his real identity is what has made the movie a cult classic. You can watch the movie on Amazon Prime.

‘Saajan Chale Sasurlal’

Recreated from the Telugu film ‘Allari Mogudu’, Kader Khan plays Dhirender Khurana in the movie. He is also the president of a cassette company that gives Shyamsunder(Govinda) his big break. It is only later in the movie that Khurana also gives his daughter, Divya (Tabu), in marriage to Shyam. Khurana later suffers a heart attack, and it is then that Shyam realises that his first wife is actually alive. Much to the suspicion of Khurana, Shyam begins to lead a dual life. Khurana’s clever banter with his staff, daughter and his son-in-law is worth taking note of. Moreover, his savage comebacks are relevant even today, years later, which have made Kader Khan the star he was. This love triangle comedy is available on Amazon Prime.

‘Judwaa’

Inspired by Jackie Chan starrer ‘Twin Dragons’, the movie tells the story of two twin brothers separated at birth. Kader Khan plays Kishen Sharma, Mala (Karishma Kapoor’s) father. While Kishan wants to marry her daughter to Prem (Salman Khan), the privileged prince, Mala falls in love with his twin brother Raja, the underdog. It is his ambition to marry his daughter into a wealthy family, which sets the stage for the events ahead to take place. Mala’s tussle with her father about Raja and his confusion adds to the comical complexity of the movie. The original version of this classic is available on Jio Hotstar.

‘Haseena Maan Jaayegi’

Thematically inspired by the 1966 classic, ‘Pyaar Kiye Jaa’, the movie is about two sons, Sonu and Monu (Sanjay Dutt and Govinda), who constantly con their own father, Amirchand. (Kader Khan). Kader Khan plays Amirchand, the father who is worried about the welfare of his sons. But Amir Chand’s concern often gets him into trouble. Though he keeps a strict eye and imposes restrictions on his sons, they always manage to find a way out. Towards the end of the movie, the father has a change of heart. This is one of the few movies where Kader Khan balances emotional intensity with his quirky comebacks. Though he is not the lead, he is doing the major heavy lifting in the movie. This romantic comedy is available on Zee5.

‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’

In the love triangle comedy starring Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra. In the movie, Kader Khan plays OP Duggal, the blind landlord. It is he who creates misunderstandings between Sameer (Salman Khan) and his roommate (Sunny). He does not let his disability prove to be a hindrance in the script. Despite being blind, Kader Khan makes good use of expressions to elevate the fun quotient of the script. Grab your popcorn and enjoy this movie on Amazon Prime.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”