📌 Key Points
- David Dhawan defends Govinda against accusations of tardiness on set.
- Dhawan recalls Govinda performing a complex 4-page scene in a single take.
- Dhawan and Govinda collaborated on 17 successful films, but haven’t worked together since ‘Do Knot Disturb’.
- Release of ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ shifted to avoid clash with Yash’s ‘Toxic’.
David Dhawan has defended Govinda’s reputation, addressing claims of the actor being late on set. Dhawan recounted an instance of Govinda mastering a four-page scene in one take, emphasizing his exceptional talent. A release date was also moved.
Dhawan Defends Govinda’s On-Set Behavior
Filmmaker David Dhawan has collaborated with Govinda in as many as 17 films, and a majority of them turned out to be major box-office successes. However, many directors and Govinda ’s co-actors have often complained about him arriving late on set and making others wait. Now, in the latest episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show , David Dhawan defended Govinda against the allegations of being late on set.
The filmmaker added, “And you will not believe it. He would show up and ask for his scene. It would be a four-page scene. He would go through it thoroughly while I was setting up the shot. He said, ‘Don’t set it up yet. Do one thing. Here’s the scene. Watch me perform. I’ll do it in one take.’ This was in Partner. He did all kinds of acrobatics in that scene; you can’t imagine. Then he told me to edit the scene however I wanted. Unbelievable. Govinda is incredible.”
Govinda’s One-Take Mastery: Dhawan’s Account
David made his directorial debut with the 1989 film Taaqatwar, which featured Sanjay Dutt, Govinda, Neelam Kothari, and Anita Raj. After this, they went on to work together in several successful films, including Shola Aur Shabnam, Raja Babu, Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Biwi No. 1, among others.
The duo became known for delivering multiple box-office hits together. However, after Do Knot Disturb, they never worked together again.
Release Date Shift: A Fairytale Postponed
The film was earlier scheduled to release in theatres on June 5. However, to avoid a box-office clash with Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash, the makers shifted the release date to June 12, 2026.
The makers said in a statement, “We strongly believe that it is always healthier for the industry when filmmakers support one another rather than compete unnecessarily on the same date. In that spirit of solidarity, we have decided to move the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai to 12th June and bring our film to audiences a week later.”
Dhawan’s defense highlights Govinda’s talent and dedication, despite controversies. The director’s anecdote reinforces the actor’s commitment to his craft. The release date shift also signals industry collaboration.
