Cinema VinesDirector David Dhawan marked his 75th birthday on Sunday with a lively gathering of family, close friends and Bollywood stalwarts. The 75‑year‑old, who has been a mainstay of Hindi cinema’s comedy genre for decades, celebrated in the company of his sons Varun and Rohit, and the iconic actor Salman Khan, who has worked with him on nine films over the years.
Rumy Jafry, a writer‑director who shared the festivities on social media, posted a series of photos that captured the celebratory mood. In the images, Dhawan is seen laughing and hugging guests, while Salman appears in a cowboy hat – a look the actor has recently popularised. The trio posed together, with Jafry wishing the director a “very happy birthday” and hoping he stays healthy and happy always.
When asked about his long‑standing friendship with Salman, Dhawan said, “He and I have gone a long way. We’ve done 8‑9 films together… He’s always given his support for anything. In the family, it is not for one but for everyone. I’ve done so much work together with him. He and I, we got along so well. We’ve travelled all over the world together, doing shootings. Even after the shooting is done, he’s a great human being. He’s very emotional also. You know we have a unique relationship.”
Varun Dhawan also joined the celebration by posting a photo on Instagram with his father, writing, “Happy birthday to the chillest dad. 75 hard.” The image and caption underscored the affectionate bond between the two.
Dhawan’s career began as an editor before he turned to directing with the 1989 film Taaqatwar. He rose to prominence in the 1990s and 2000s with a string of successful comedies such as Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Coolie No. 1, Judwaa and Biwi No. 1. His most recent directorial, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, featured his son Varun, and was billed as his swansong.
