David Dhawan has opened up about the time the late Rishi Kapoor flatly refused to be cast in his film, only to later become one of his closest collaborators. The candid revelation came during a recent conversation between David and his son Varun Dhawan ahead of their upcoming release, ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, set to hit theatres on June 5, 2026.David Dhawan recalls Rishi Kapoor refusing to work with himAccording to the Hindustan Times report, David Dhawan, who began his career in Hindi cinema as a film editor before transitioning to direction, was approached by producer Nitin Manmohan to helm the 1992 comedy ‘Bol Radha Bol’, starring Rishi Kapoor. While the filmmaker readily agreed, convincing the veteran actor proved to be a challenge. Despite being impressed by the script, Rishi Kapoor was hesitant about working with a relatively new director.Recounting the episode to Varun, David said, “Producer Nitin Mohan was my friend, and I was editing his film. This was also the time when I was directing ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’. Nitin saw seven reels of that film, and he told me that I will direct his film. He started a film with Rishi Kapoor and signed him. Rishi Kapoor, however, told him ‘Yeh kisko le aaye, I will not do this’, but Rishi Kapoor liked the script, so Nitin told him that ‘whether you do this film or not, David is going to direct’. The film’s name is Bol Radha Bol.”Rishi Kapoor: The Man Who Loved to Rag PeopleDespite the rocky start, Rishi Kapoor and David Dhawan went on to build a warm and enduring friendship. The duo collaborated on several hit films, including ‘Chashme Baddoor’, ‘Yeh Hai Jalwa’, ‘Yaraana’, and ‘Eena Meena Deeka’.David fondly remembered Rishi’s playful side, saying, “After that, I became Rishi Kapoor’s favourite. But he is like that; he was the guy who rags people. He ragged his son also.”More about ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ is produced by Ramesh Taurani, featuring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde in lead roles, with Maniesh Paul, Chunky Pandey, Jimmy Shergill, and Mouni Roy in supporting parts.The film releases worldwide in cinemas on June 5, 2026.
