David Dhawan on how comedy films changed after the 90s: You cannot degrade women

Filmmaker David Dhawan said comedy films face greater scrutiny today, adding that filmmakers cannot degrade women on screen in the current climate. He made the remarks on Saturday during a career retrospective with his son, actor Varun Dhawan, at the launch of the David Dhawan Film Festival organised by PVR INOX.

Dhawan also spoke about ageing, health and the question of retirement. While the 74-year-old filmmaker said he does feel tired, he stressed that he is not tired of making films. His comments came amid fresh discussion around his future as a director, with filmmaker Karan Johar recently saying Dhawan had hinted that his upcoming film, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, may be his last.

Restrictions on comedy

Speaking about the way comedy is made now, Dhawan said, “You can’t degrade a woman in films today. If you do so, the censor board will give you a list of papers about its restrictions. So, I was a little careful and sensitive towards it (women characters), while with the men, I can do anything onscreen,” he said.

On work, health and retirement

Having directed 45 films in a 37-year career, Dhawan said he does feel tired but not tired of making films. He explained, “You get tired, but you don’t get tired of making films. I’m the guy who has made so many films, I can make another four films, but sometimes health has to be looked at, and you’ve a family (to be with).”

After attending the opening of the film festival, Johar recently wrote an emotional note on social media. He said he had a “bittersweet reaction” when Dhawan told him this would be his last film, called him “an institution” and wrote, “A DAVID DHAWAN film spells entertainment!” Johar also said Dhawan is “loved, respected and celebrated” by the fraternity. Varun later thanked Johar for attending the event and celebrating his father.

More about David Dhawan and his last film

The David Dhawan Film Festival serves as a prelude to his new directorial film, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. It is produced by Ramesh Taurani and is set to release in theatres on June 5.

Dhawan is known for several commercial hits over the decades, including Hero No. 1 (1997), Judwaa (1997) and Main Tera Hero (2014). His collaborations with Govinda, Salman Khan and later Varun Dhawan have been a major part of mainstream Hindi comedy cinema.