David Dhawan is a veteran Indian film director, writer, and editor, who is known for making Hindi comedy films mainly with the Indian actor Govinda. He is the father of the Indian actor Varun Dhawan.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
David Dhawan was born as Rajinder Dhawan [1]The Times of India on Thursday, 16 August 1951 (age 73 years; as of 2024) in Agartala, Tripura, India. He grew up in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His zodiac sign is Leo.
David Dhawan’s childhood picture
He attended Christ Church College and BNSD Inter College (both in Kanpur). He then joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to become an actor. In FTII, the Indian actor Om Puri was his batchmate and Naseeruddin Shah was his senior. However, he soon realised that acting was not his forte and joined an editing course at FTII. He passed out with a gold medal from FTII. [2]The Times of India
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Weight (approx.): 95 kg
Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper (dyed black)
Eye Colour: Light Brown
Family
He belongs to a Punjabi Hindu family. [3]The Times of India
Parents & Siblings
His father, Madan Lal Dhawan, was a manager at UCO Bank. His mother’s name is Raj Rani Dhawan. He has two brothers named Ashok Dhawan (who died of cancer) and Anil Dhawan (actor). His sister’s name is Vanod Dhawan.
David Dhawan with his parents and brother
Wife & Children
He is married to Karuna Dhawan aka Laali.
David Dhawan’s wedding picture
On 26 December 1983, the couple was blessed with a son named Rohit Dhawan, a filmmaker. On 24 April 1987, their second son Varun Dhawan (actor) was born.
David Dhawan’s wife and son
David Dhawan with his sons
David Dhawan’s family tree
Address
A-15, Sagar Darshan, Hanuman Nagar, Off Carter Road, Khar, Mumbai 400052
Autograph
David Dhawan’s signature
Career
Editor
He started his career as an editor for the media house Bombay TV. He then worked as an editor in various Hindi films including ‘Laadli’ (1978), ‘Saaransh’ (1984), ‘Sultanat’ (1986), ‘Swarg’ (1990), and ‘Chor Machaaye Shor’ (2002).
Writer
As a writer, he has worked in a few films such as ‘Taaqatwar’ (1989; Hindi), Pokiri Raja (1995; Telugu), ‘Kyo Kii… Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta’ (2001; Hindi), ‘Partner’ (2007; Hindi), and ‘New Délire’ (2013; French).
Director
In 1989, David made his directorial debut with the Hindi film ‘Taaqatwar’ starring Sanjay Dutt and Govinda. He has directed many popular Hindi films like ‘Swarg’ (1990), ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’ (1996), ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ (1998), ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ (2004), ‘Partner’ (2007), and ‘Main Tera Hero’ (2014).
David Dhawan on the sets of Saajan Chale Sasural
David and Govinda‘s famous director-actor duo has worked in many popular comedy Hindi films such as ‘Raja Babu’ (1994), ‘Coolie No. 1’ (1995), ‘Hero No. 1’ (1997), and ‘Haseena Maan Jaayegi’ (1999).
Govinda and David Dhawan
Other Work
On 22 March 2021, David, along with his son Varun Dhawan, started a private firm Goodfight Entertainment Private Limited in Mumbai. He has appeared as a judge in a few Hindi TV shows like ‘Nach Baliye Season 3’ (2007; debut; aired on Star Plus) and ‘Hans Baliye’ (2009; Star Plus).
David Dhawan- Judge in Nach Baliye
Awards
Filmfare Awards
- 1994: Nominated for Best Director for the Hindi film Aankhen
- 2000: Nominated for Best Director for the Hindi film Biwi No 1
- 2024: Won Lifetime Achievement Award
David Dhawan receiving Lifetime Achievement Award
Awards of the International Indian Film Academy
- 2000: Nominated for Best Director for the Hindi film Haseena Maan Jaayegi
- 2005: Nominated for Best Director for the Hindi film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
Star Gold Comedy Honors
- 2007: Won Director with Comic Excellence Award
Masala! Awards
- 2015: Won Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema
He has received an Academy Award at the Asian Academy of Film & Television and the Asian School of Media Studies.
Favourites
- Film Director(s): Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Manmohan Desai
- Actor(s): Sanjay Dutt, Rajesh Khanna, Govinda
Facts/Trivia
- He once shared that his catholic neighbours used to call him David, and while he was studying at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, he changed his name to David from Rajendra. [4]The Times of India
- He was a topper in his school and college. He was also good at sports while studying.
- His friends like Sanjay Dutt call him a foodie. Talking about Sanjay in an interview, David said that Sanjay helped him in his low phase.
- While he was in FTII, he watched the Bengali film ‘Meghe Dhaka Tara’ after which he developed an interest in filmmaking.
David Dhawan in his younger days
- He is one of the members of the Asian Academy of Film & Television and the Asian School of Media Studies.
- Most of his directorial films are remakes or inspired by other films.
- In his leisure time, he loves to travel to various places.
David Dhawan during his trip
- In an interview given in December 2024 by Govinda‘s daughter, David and Govinda’s relationship worsened in the 2010s as a result of which Govinda’s daughter could not start her acting career before 2015. Before their fallout, it was decided that Govinda would launch her daughter through David’s film. Their relationship improved in 2023 after they both reconciled.
References
| ↑1, ↑2, ↑4 | The Times of India |
|---|---|
| ↑3 | The Times of India |
