David Dhawan
Biography
David Dhawan, also known as David Dhavan, is an Indian director of Hindi films who specialises in directing comedy films. Born Rajinder Dhawan on August 16, he is known for directing and has sixty-two known credits. He started off as an editor in the film Saaransh in 1984 before moving into directing. His 1993 film Aankhen, which starred Govinda, Chunky Pandey, and Kader Khan, was successful and earned him his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Director. Another successful film of his was Shola Aur Shabnam, and his 2007 film Partner was also successful. Additionally, Dhawan is on the board of the Asian Academy of Film and Television and the Asian School of Media Studies, where he has been honoured with an academy award by Sandeep Marwah.
Career overview
David Dhawan, born Rajinder Dhawan on August 16, 1951, is an Indian director of Hindi films who specializes in directing comedy films. He began his career in the film industry as an editor in the 1984 film Saaransh before transitioning into directing.
Throughout his directing career, Dhawan has been associated with several successful films. His 1993 film Aankhen, which starred Govinda, Chunky Pandey, and Kader Khan, achieved significant success and earned him his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Director. Another successful film in his directing portfolio is Shola Aur Shabnam. Later in his career, his 2007 film Partner also achieved success.
In addition to his filmmaking work, Dhawan serves on the board of the Asian Academy of Film and Television and the Asian School of Media Studies, where he has received an academy award from Sandeep Marwah.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
77 titles- Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (2026) Director
- The Roshans (2025) as Self
- The Great Indian Kapil Show (2024) as Self
- Coolie No. 1 (2020) Director
- Judwaa 2 (2017) Director
- Judwaa 2 (2017) Story
- Judwaa 2 (2017) Screenplay
- The Anupam Kher Show (2014) as Himself
- Main Tera Hero (2014) Director
- Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013) as Self
- Chashme Baddoor (2013) Director
- Rascals (2011) Director
- Do Knot Disturb (2009) Director
- 10 Ka Dum (2008) as Himself
- Partner (2007) Screenplay
- Partner (2007) Director
- Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? (2005) Director
- Shaadi No. 1 (2005) Director
- Shaadi No. 1 (2005) Writer
- Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) Director
- Ek Aur Ek Gyarah: By Hook or by Crook (2003) Director
- Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai (2002) as Himself
- Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (2002) Director
- Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (2002) Editor
- Yeh Hai Jalwa (2002) Director
- Yeh Hai Jalwa (2002) Editor
- Chor Machaaye Shor (2002) Director
- Jodi No. 1 (2001) Director
- Jodi No. 1 (2001) Editor
- Kyo Kii... Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta (2001) Director
- Kyo Kii... Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta (2001) Story
- Kunwara (2000) Director
- Chal Mere Bhai (2000) Director
- Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000) Director
- Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000) Editor
- Biwi No.1 (1999) Director
- Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999) Director
- Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998) as Himself
- Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998) Director
- Gharwali Baharwali (1998) Director
- Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi (1997) Director
- Deewana Mastana (1997) Director
- Judwaa (1997) Director
- Hero No. 1 (1997) Director
- Banarasi Babu (1997) Director
- Saajan Chale Sasural (1996) Director
- Loafer (1996) Director
- Pokiri Raja (1995) Story
- Coolie No. 1 (1995) Director
- Yaraana (1995) Director
- Eena Meena Deeka (1994) Director
- Andaz (1994) Director
- Raja Babu (1994) Director
- Aankhen (1993) Director
- Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) Director
- Bol Radha Bol (1992) Director
- Swarg (1990) Director
- Swarg (1990) Editor
- Aandhiyan (1990) Director
- Taaqatwar (1989) Director
- Taaqatwar (1989) Scenario Writer
- Taaqatwar (1989) Editor
- Gola Barood (1989) Director
- Gola Barood (1989) Editor
- Aag Ka Gola (1989) Director
- Jurrat (1989) Director
- Jurrat (1989) Editor
- Hum Farishte Nahin (1988) Editor
- Naam O Nishan (1987) Editor
- Saveray Wali Gaadi (1986) Editor
- Farishta (1984) Editor
- Lovers (1983) Editor
- Saath Saath (1982) Editor
- Love Story (1981) Editor
- Saajan Ki Saheli (1981) Editor
- Biwi No. 1 Director
- Shaadi No. 1 Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is David Dhawan best known for?
David Dhawan is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (2026), The Great Indian Kapil Show (2024), Coolie No. 1 (2020), Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013).
When and where was David Dhawan born?
David Dhawan was born on August 16, 1960 in Agartala, Tripura, India.
How many credits does David Dhawan have?
David Dhawan has accumulated over 77 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1981 to 2026.
What is David Dhawan's background in cinema and television?
David Dhawan, also known as David Dhavan, is an Indian director of Hindi films who specialises in directing comedy films. Born Rajinder Dhawan on August 16, he is known for directing and has sixty-two known credits. He started off as an editor in the film Saaransh in 1984 before moving into directing. His 1993 film Aan...
David Dhawan by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Great Indian Kapil Show (2024) as Self — aged about 63
- Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013) as Self — aged about 52
- Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai (2002) as Himself — aged about 41
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