David Dhawan reveals why he NEVER directed Shah Rukh Khan despite rumored collaboration plans

Veteran Bollywood director David Dhawan, known for blockbusters with Govinda, Salman Khan, and Sanjay Dutt, has finally explained why he never made a film with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and the reason is simpler than what fans might expect. Ahead of his film 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' release, the filmmaker recently opened up about the same in an interview.

What did David Dhawan say about not working with Shah Rukh Khan?

During promotions of his film 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', David Dhawan told Pinkvilla about the long-standing question of a potential Shah Rukh Khan collaboration.



The filmmaker said, "Aisi baat nahi hai (It isn't like that). I think at one time we were planning to do something together. But I was always busy. Always mere paas do pictures floor mein rahti thi (I always had two films on the floors at that time). So, it was very difficult, you know. But definitely at one stage it was there."

Dhawan also made it clear that he never limited himself to one star. He added, "Par mera kabhi bhi aisa nahi hai ke main yeh actor ke saath work karunga. Maine jaise Govinda ke saath kiya, Salman ke saath kiya, Sanjay... wohi ho gaya tha hisab kitab (But it's never been the case that I would only work with a specific actor. As I worked with Govinda, Salman, and Sanjay (Dutt), it just worked out that way)."

More about 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'

Dhawan is now back in the director's chair with 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', starring his son Varun Dhawan alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. The film's teaser recently drew online backlash over its use of AI-generated toddlers.
Responding to the controversy, the filmmaker told ANI, "AI hai hee nahin picture mein... Kya karein kuch alag karein, to banake dekha humne. Theek laga. Kahani bhi ye nahin hai. (There is no AI in the film. We wanted to do something different. We thought it looked ok. The story is also different) It's just a teaser. You'll get to know when the songs will come. The picture has got nothing to do (with AI)."

The film also features Maniesh Paul, Chunky Pandey, Jimmy Shergill, and Mouni Roy. It is set for a worldwide release on May 22.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”