David Dhawan reflects on why modern comedy can 'no longer degrade women in films': 'Censor board will hand you a long list'

Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan recently reflected on how comedy in Hindi cinema has evolved over the years, admitting that filmmakers today have to be far more cautious about how female characters are portrayed on screen. The director, known for delivering some of Bollywood’s biggest entertainers, shared his thoughts ahead of the release of his upcoming film ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, starring Varun Dhawan.

The film is reportedly expected to be David Dhawan’s final directorial venture, with reports suggesting that the filmmaker may step away from direction after its release on June 5.

David Dhawan speaks about changing rules in comedy films

Over the decades, David Dhawan built a strong reputation with successful comedy films like ‘Judwaa’, ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Partner’, and ‘Raja Babu’. Many of these films featured stars such as Govinda and Salman Khan in leading roles and became hugely popular among family audiences.

During a recent interaction organised by a popular theatre chain after the trailer launch of ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan discussed filmmaking, comedy, and the current entertainment landscape, as reported by News 18.



Talking about modern-day censorship and audience sensitivity, David said, “You can’t degrade women in films today. If you do so, the censor board will hand you a long list of restrictions. So, I was a little careful and sensitive towards women characters, while with the men, I can still do anything onscreen.”

His statement quickly caught attention online, with many social media users discussing how comedy has changed in Bollywood over the years.

Reflecting on his long filmmaking journey, David Dhawan admitted that while age and health have slowed him down physically, his passion for cinema remains intact. “You get tired, but you never get tired of making films. I’ve made so many movies that I can still make four more, but sometimes health has to be prioritised, and you also need time for family,” the filmmaker shared.

Over a career spanning nearly four decades, David Dhawan has directed 45 films and established himself as one of the most commercially successful directors in Hindi cinema.

Karan Johar praises David Dhawan’s contribution to Bollywood

Amid reports of David Dhawan’s retirement from filmmaking, filmmaker Karan Johar also shared an emotional message appreciating the veteran director’s contribution to Bollywood. Praising his body of work, Karan reportedly wrote, “David sir has given Hindi cinema some of its most entertaining films. His understanding of comedy and family audiences is truly unmatched.”

David Dhawan’s legacy that is built on iconic comedy entertainers

David Dhawan’s filmography includes several blockbuster entertainers such as ‘Biwi No.1’, ‘Hero No.1’, ‘Partner’, and ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’. His films became widely loved for their comic timing, memorable music, colourful storytelling, and mass appeal. As speculation around his retirement continues, fans have flooded social media with nostalgic posts, calling him “the king of comedy entertainers” and thanking him for creating films that became an important part of family movie nights for an entire generation.

Although David Dhawan has not officially confirmed his retirement plans yet, the reports have already sparked emotional reactions across the film industry and among movie lovers.