David Dhawan recalls late Rishi Kapoor turning down his film: 'He ragged everyone, even his son Ranbir Kapoor'

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 with his son, Varun Dhawan ahead of their upcoming release, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', on June 5, 2026.

David Dhawan recalls Rishi Kapoor refusing to work with him

According 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.


Recalling the episode, 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 loved to rag people

Despite 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' features 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.