Few actors wear their heart on their sleeve quite like Varun Dhawan. As he gears up for the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by his father David Dhawan, the actor joined us at the Bombay Times Lounge, driven by Jeep, and was at his most unfiltered — cracking jokes, sharing memories and reflecting on the highs and lows of life in the spotlight. From comedy and criticism, to family, fatherhood and fame — the conversation moved effortlessly between laughter and emotion, offering a glimpse into the man behind the star. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store. The promo is out now; catch the full conversation soon on the Bombay Times YouTube channel.

I love comedy and I appreciate anyone who can make me laugh. Let comedy flourish and let people laugh. I feel we all need comedy. Yes, serious cinema should be made, in fact, after Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, I’ll be doing a film which is very different. But it is important to have laughter in our lives

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When Main Tera Hero (2014) first released, there were so many things said, like: He’s a very loud actor, he’s this, he’s that. I was being labelled left, right and centre. When it was re-released last month, I was shocked to see the way people are loving it and responding to it. I am out there to promote Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, but Main Tera Hero is being spoken about so much (laughs)

— On Main Tera Hero’s second innings and finding a new generation of fans

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People say Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is a two-heroine film, but if I am a hero in the film, it’s because of Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. I can’t even call myself a hero here, I am a red flag in the film. I feel if my character shines, it will be because of their support. When you do a David Dhawan film, it’s like a family. My father’s health was up and down through it all and there was a time when he was in the ICU. Everyone from the cast, from the girls to Maniesh Paul and Jimmy Shergill, gave so much love to him and made this film happen together

— On the cast of Hai Jawani… & the family spirit behind a David Dhawan film

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It has become very difficult to keep the illusion, keep the mystery alive. Today, look at how many cameras we have around us. You’re being covered from every angle, everything of your nature is being broken down to a content piece. And even your psychology is being discussed, your body language and your speech is being discussed. I think over-coverage has broken the illusion (of stardom)

— On how stardom has become fragile with excessive exposure

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What I have realized is — whether you love me, whether you don’t like me as much, the point is, I matter. I get discussed. People either cheer for me or criticize me, but I get a reaction from them. The scariest thing for me would be to do something which people don’t react to. Nowadays, we often don’t even know that a film is releasing. So, whether it is through love, through discussions or trolling, at least I’m being discussed and my films are being discussed. I feel that is important

— On why indifference is far scarier than criticism

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Talking about the trolling that he faced prior to the release of Border 2 and how the narrative changed post release, Varun said, “I learnt a lot about God’s screenplay. When you do a film like Border 2, there’s so much responsibility on you. When you work so hard on a film that is so genuine – about the army and your country – you feel, abhi yeh sab accha hi hoga. Why will anything negative happen? So, when that negativity emerged around me, I was like…yeh kaise ho gaya? Yeh, toh mere entertainer films mein hota hai. Why is this happening with this film? I feel that sometimes God takes you down just to lift you up again. That’s exactly what happened to me. I let my work speak for itself. In fact, post the success of Border 2, I didn’t give any interviews around it, I am talking about this with you now.”

I slowed down after Lara, my daughter was born. I realized that this is so special, I am enjoying this so much and I don’t want to miss out on this. Of course, my love for cinema remains unchanged. I’m totally in the service of cinema, and I want to create better films, better characters and I know that I have a lot more to offer

— On how fatherhood made him change his pace

Charming and full of energy, Varun Dhawan brings his infectious sense of humour to the latest episode of the Bombay Times Lounge driven by Jeep. But beyond the laughs, the actor — whose latest release, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, hit theatres on Friday — reveals a more reflective side as he opens up about the dangers of chasing perceptions, the pressures of fame, and why staying true to yourself matters more than ever. A conversation that’s equal parts entertaining and insightful — much like Varun himself. Watch the full episode on the Bombay Times YouTube channel.

My dad always told us, ‘I never went in to make comedy films. Main entertainer bana raha tha. Main logon ko entertain karna chahta tha. Usme romance tha, emotion tha, drama bhi tha, thoda sa action bhi tha. Aur uss mein logon ko hasaa bhi raha tha. But unn emotions ke bagair, those films would not be what they were. People and maybe critics back then, labelled them as comedy, but actually they were wholesome entertainers’.

Recently, at the David Dhawan Film Festival, where they showcased Aankhen, so many of us sat together and watched the film on the big screen — it was still so entertaining and magical. The comedy is not forced, it’s not gaggy... ki yaar, yeh trend mein hai, bolenge toh yeh chalega. It’s very close to real things that happen around us. I believe comedy is basically about capturing the nuances of real life and maybe magnifying them a little bit.

Yes, I was told by a very popular director back then that, ‘I wanted to cast you in a film, but I feel the kind of cinema you’re doing, you can only do that. But you should not do such cinema.’

Yes!

At one point, we thought that he wouldn’t direct a film again because his health was down. So, Rohit (brother), my mom and I, felt he should not direct a film. He was going through a very low phase, and I remember Anil Kapoor, telling me, ‘You have to let your father get back on the sets. He has spent more time on the set than he has spent at home. His home is the set and behind the camera. We are built differently, Varun. Humne bahut kaam kiya hai, so unko khushi agar usme mil rahi hai, let him do it and as a son support him.’ Anil uncle has a similar work ethic, so I understood what he said and that made me think about it a lot. Rohit was a little bit more hesitant to let him direct again, but we knew we had to support him.

I think no one comes prepared to deal with the ups and downs in their life. I’ve had my share of ups and downs and my moments of weakness. But what I have learnt is — you have to move on and take the next step. You can dwell over it and feel bad for yourself. You can play victim, but how long will you play victim? This is something that my dad always tells me — move on, take the next step, you have to take the next step. There’s no point sitting and blaming people for your sorrows and think…ki I’m here because usne mere saath yeh kiya, ya yeh hua mere saath. Arre bhai, tumhari bhi thodi galti toh hogi na? So, introspect, take the learnings and move on. Blaming anyone is not going to get you anywhere.

What is number one? It means you’re better than someone. There’s always going to be someone better than you. Someone will come along and something will change. My idea is to just do my work in the best way possible and enjoy the journey. There was a time when we were all being brought up in that very individualistic mindset. I myself have moved away from it a little bit. I was running too fast and sometimes when you do that, you forget which direction you are running in.

It’s addictive.

The lonely moments that you spend with yourself. When you’re all alone in your van, when you’re all alone in your house — those are the lonely moments. Actors’ lives are very lonely, and this is something which I always discuss. I would say most actors are lonely.

Luckily, from the beginning, I kind of dropped the façade. I am what you see. I can’t keep pretending, because I feel my mental health will go for a toss and I will burst somewhere. I mean, if you see my earlier interviews, I was even more moohfat. Abhi thoda sa conscious ho rahe hain log because of social media and all that. But kya hi hone wala hai? Kya hi kar denge? Cancel kar denge? After a point, you’ve just got to be yourself, whether it’s good or bad — at least you’re yourself. Otherwise after some time, you won’t even know who you are.

I feel that bringing people to come and buy the ticket is tough today. You can make a good film, and many good films are being made, but not all of them make money. It’s not like we are not making good films. I saw Superboys Of Malegaon aur mujhe bahut acchi lagi. I loved Laapataa Ladies and 12th Fail; the movie was also a hit, but it could have made even more money given that it was such a good film. Then there is a film like Dhurandhar, which is an entertaining film, it has stars and everything comes together and it does well. So, it’s possible, but not easy. It was never easy.

Driven by: Jeep

Location courtesy: Luuma House

Remixes are often followed by a clash of opinions. Last week, singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who voiced the original Chunnari Chunnari from Biwi No 1 (1999), criticised the recreated version in Varun Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. When mid-day contacted Akshay Raheja and I P Singh, who composed the remix, they viewed the singer’s reaction as part of the territory that comes with revisiting a popular number.

Singh said, “These are senior people. Their comments are coming from their personal experience and we respect that. Anu Malik sir [who scored the original] loved it. If Abhijeet sir didn’t like it, what can we do? We can only ask for their aashirwaad. Hum bachche hain; we’ve come here to give our fresh perspective on the track.”

In sharp contrast to Bhattacharya’s opinion, the duo claimed that Biwi No 1’s leading man Salman Khan has endorsed their reinterpretation. While they haven’t spoken directly to the superstar, Singh revealed, “From what I know, Salman sir has given his blessing to the song. That means a lot to us.”

The duo’s brief was to introduce Chunnari Chunnari to the young audience while preserving the original’s soul. Raheja explained, “When we are reimagining songs, the idea is to honour the original composition. We need to keep its integrity alive.”

Singh added, “In the 1990s, there was a wave of reimagining songs from the 1970s and 1980s. I discovered so many tracks through those versions. Now if we can take [the 1990s] songs to Gen Z listeners and evoke in them the feeling we experienced when we first heard them, that’s wonderful.”

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Three’s already a crowd with Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde featuring in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. What if we told you that another stunner has joined the mix? mid-day has exclusively learnt that Dhawan’s Bhediya (2022) co-star Kriti Sanon has a cameo in the upcoming comedy, featuring in a post-credit song. Apparently, the duo filmed the high-energy number — being described as the film’s “big celebratory finale” by insiders — at the Santacruz restaurant, Eve, on April 16.

According to a source close to the production, the team had been planning a glamorous end-credit track, but Sanon’s involvement was a late addition.

“It was meant to be a fun, youthful track that captures the film’s spirit. Getting Kriti on board was an inspired choice, given her crackling chemistry with Varun in Dilwale [2015] and Bhediya [2022],” said a source.

The song is your classic party number with a packed dance floor, neon-lit visuals, and fast beats. The source added, “Director David Dhawan wanted it to feel like a celebration, not just for the characters, but also for the audience walking out of the theatre.”

Certain movies aren’t to be valued on the basis of their box-office collections. Border 2 is one such film for Varun Dhawan. Even as the Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty-led war drama has crossed the Rs 300 crore mark at the domestic box office, it is far more than a commercial milestone for the actor. “I gave everything I had to Border 2 — physically, emotionally, and mentally,” started the actor, who played war veteran Hoshiar Singh Dahiya.

Dhawan joined the cast of Anurag Singh’s directorial venture knowing the responsibility it came with. “I wanted to earn my place in this film every day on set. It’s a film that made my father [David Dhawan] proud,” he smiled.

Over his 13 years in the industry, the actor has built a varied filmography — if there are comedies like Judwaa 2 (2017) and Jug Jugg Jeeyo (2022), there are also thoughtful movies like Badlapur (2015) and Bhediya (2022). To him, his theatrical track record indicates something bigger.

“What matters to me is that people trust my name when they buy a ticket. That trust doesn’t come from one film. It comes from showing up consistently, respecting the audience, and making sure every film gives them value for their money.”

A similar approach is applied to Border 2. Even as the film marks his first Rs 300 crore earner, Dhawan views it through a larger lens.

“It proves that big-screen cinema still matters to the audience. People will come to theatres when the story connects. A Rs 300 crore film isn’t just about personal success; it’s about what it does for the industry. Steady commerce is essential for its health. When films regularly cross Rs 100 crore, it allows producers to invest, technicians to work continuously, and theatres to survive. It allows for more experimental cinema. People are willing to take a punt on [new] ideas because money is being generated by big-ticket ventures. My responsibility doesn’t end with acting well. I want my films to work, and sustain business.”

Anyone who has watched the trailer of Kapil Sharma’s upcoming film, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, will agree that it brings back memories of David Dhawan’s comedies from the 1990s. Director Anukalp Goswami instantly agrees, adding that his knowledge of filmmaking is rooted in those movies.

“My training ground was Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee, and then David Dhawan films. Watching their movies was my schooling. For the last 15–16 years, from Comedy Circus to The Great Indian Kapil Show, I’ve been directing pure comedies,” he says.

Goswami insists that the December 12 release — also starring Manjot Singh, Hira Warina, and Tridha Choudhary — is rooted in that lineage of feel-good, family-friendly humour. But it is his leading man’s comic timing that is central to the story.

“Kapil has worked so much in non-fiction that his comic timing comes naturally. He knows exactly how much the scene requires. He improvises beautifully, but he also knows when to hold back. Akshay Kumar and Govinda are great artistes in comedy, and after them, Kapil is great. When I worked with him, I saw a star in him.”

A carnival-style dance number is almost a fitting way to end the shoot of director David Dhawan’s entertainer Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Following weeks of shooting across different locations in Mumbai, leading man Varun Dhawan will face the camera next week for an extravagant dance number that will serve as the end-credit song. mid-day has learnt that the production team has erected a sprawling set at Mehboob Studios in Bandra for the eight-day shoot.

Before stepping on the dance floor, Varun is apparently prepping hard for the track that will be choreographed by Vijay Ganguly.

A source says, “Vijay has mapped out long takes with rapid transitions. In the song, Varun will be moving across different zones — a bridge, a rotating platform, and more — in the multi-level set-up. In one portion, he will also perform a comedic bit that is a hat-tip to Govinda’s dance moves. Varun has been rehearsing at Mehboob Studios, particularly for a demanding sequence that sees him match steps with 60 background dancers.”

After the shoot next week, it will be a wrap on the comedy, which marks the fourth collaboration between Varun and his father David. It also stars Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur.

In the 1990s, most of us grew up on David Dhawan’s comedies. Over two decades on, entertainers in that genre have reduced in Hindi cinema, with Shashank Khaitan being one of the few filmmakers attempting it. From his debut film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) to his latest work, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, it’s easy to see that Khaitan is influenced by the senior director’s school of cinema, blending romance and comedy to make an all-out entertainer.

Ask him what led to that brand of comedy’s decline, and Khaitan analyses that it was perceived as “easy”. “A narrative was created that these films were not real cinema. People started believing that only films with intense messages were serious cinema. It made filmmakers apologetic about the genre. But the truth is that someone like David Dhawan could teach cinema to anyone, given his understanding of editing and craft. The genre was unjustly treated. It’s as tough to make a Sunny Sanskari… as it is to make a Homebound. Our definition of entertainment needs to expand. Entertainment isn’t only laughing and clapping. Homebound was entertaining to me because it engaged me, taught me about a different worldview,” he shares.

The industry may create its narratives, but Khaitan is staying true to what he knows. With the Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf-starrer, the director is bringing a family entertainer set against the backdrop of a big, fat wedding. His trump card is his leading man Varun. Having worked together on two movies previously, Khaitan says they push each other by surprising one another.

Khaitan shares, “When I write for Varun, I have to think, ‘How do I present him differently?’ Otherwise he’ll get bored of me. So even within a similar universe, we tried to make Sunny different from Humpty and Badri. Here, we’ve gone more tongue-in-cheek in terms of the performance.”

As he reunites with Kapoor seven years after launching her in Dhadak (2018), the difference in the actor is evident to him. Today, she is more confident and aware of the world around her, he notes. “When Dhadak was released, she was dealing with a massive personal tragedy, which made her retreat into a shell. Now, she is much more open and ready to express herself as an artiste. She accepts the pros and cons of her family background, the love and hate that comes with it. She is not scared to take chances. That’s exciting for me as someone who knows her personally, and as a director who now has an actor unafraid to take risks.”

With Sunny Sanskari…, Khaitan has managed something unusual — an ensemble cast where each actor holds his ground. Many directors say it’s impossible these days because of egos.

What’s his take? “I managed it by being honest with everyone. I gave my entire script to the actors and told them, ‘Only come on board if you trust me’. I don’t oversell. I don’t make commitments about things beyond my control, like posters or promotions. That honesty keeps egos out of the conversation.”

Even as Kubbra Sait awaits the release of Son of Sardaar 2, she is thrilled to have already completed her second comedy feature, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Unlike the Ajay Devgn-led film, the David Dhawan directorial features her in a small part. “In all honesty, that was a one-day shoot,” she reveals.

But that didn’t matter, as the opportunity to be part of a film directed by the veteran filmmaker was quite special for the actor. “For me, it’s a legacy project, because I’m working with ‘the’ David Dhawan,” she says, before mentioning that the film "was also giving me a chance to work with Mrunal Thakur, whom I last worked with in Son Of Sardaar 2. So, it would have been an extension of our earlier collaboration. Varun Dhawan has been my classmate in my acting class! Lastly, Maniesh Paul is someone I have shared the stage with for so many years. So, that for me was a project I would never say no to, even if it was an hour’s job,” she shares.

Sait tells us that Varun and she attended Barry John’s acting school before making their screen debuts. “We were in the same batch. I would [often] run away to do my events and other stuff; I think I was the worst student in the class. Varun, on the other hand, was the most hardworking student,” she smiles

Once hailed as one of the biggest stars of the ’90s with blockbusters such as Raja Babu (1994) and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Govinda has been conspicuously absent from the big screen in recent years. Now, his wife Sunita Ahuja has broken her silence on the actor’s prolonged hiatus, candidly pointing to a toxic inner circle and an unwillingness to evolve with the times as key reasons behind his career slowdown.

In an interview with The Powerful Humans, Sunita said that he lives too much in the present, and that’s his mistake. Opening up about their personal disagreements, Sunita didn’t hold back.

“Why hasn’t Govinda been seen on the big screen for the past 17 years? Because the circle around him is completely wrong. Sab wah wah karne waale log hain. Mera aur Govinda ka jhagda bhi ho jaata hai kyunki main naa jhooth nahi bol sakti aur chaplusi nahi kar sakti. Aaj iske pass ek writer hai, secretary hai, ek friend jaisa vakeel hai, sab faltu. Kyunki sirf wah wah karna hai. ‘Wah chi chi bhaiya kya kamaal kardia’. Abey tu sach toh bol. Hum sach bolte hain to chidhta hai voh.”

She went on to emphasise how out of sync her husband is with the current landscape of cinema. “I told him, the ’90s are over. It’s 2025 now. Look at what’s working today — Netflix and OTT platforms. But he’s stuck in his Wah-Wah Productions’ circle. I told him to change the people around him, because as long as those four or five people are with him, they won’t let him grow. David (Dhawan, filmmaker) said the same thing.”

Govinda was last seen in Rangeela Raja (2019), a comedy where he played a double role. The film, however, failed to leave an impression at the box office, and the actor has not returned to the big screen since.

Varun Dhawan barely has time to breathe. After wrapping up an elaborate 45-day schedule for Border 2, he is now preparing for the next schedule in Uttarakhand. He will then head to shoot for his father David Dhawan’s entertainer. This yet-untitled project marks the father-son duo’s fourth collaboration after Main Tera Hero (2014), Judwaa 2 (2017), and Coolie No. 1 (2020). Backed by Ramesh Taurani’s Tips Entertainment, the film also marks Kannada actor Sreeleela’s Bollywood debut, featuring alongside Mrunal Thakur and Maniesh Paul.

After wrapping up the Mumbai and Goa schedule, a 45-day schedule has been planned across London and other parts of the UK during May and June. A source reveals that the veteran filmmaker and his team have locked several iconic locations for the shoot, ensuring a mix of grand cityscapes and scenic countryside backdrops.

The source shares, “Varun and the team will be shooting extensively in London, covering popular spots including Piccadilly Circus among other places. There is an elaborate dance number planned which will be one of the highlights of the film.”

The UK schedule will also include a week-long shoot in the countryside, where the team will film key romantic portions and a chase sequence.

“David Dhawan is keen on bringing a fresh, international aesthetic to the film while maintaining his signature humour and energy,” the source adds.

Varun, who has been juggling multiple projects, will fly to London by mid-May after completing his commitments for Border 2 and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.

We have learned that Pooja Hegde has been roped in to star alongside Varun Dhawan in David Dhawan’s upcoming directorial venture. This is contrary to previous reports suggesting actress Sreeleela, who has predominantly worked in South films such as Guntur Kaaram and Bhagavanth Kesari, among others, will make her Hindi debut with this film. Sources close to the project confirm that Pooja has been chosen to play the leading lady, marking her first collaboration with Varun.

When we reached out to Pooja, she said, “I have a bunch of announcements coming. I just let the production house announce it. Going ahead, you are going to see me in different roles. This year, I decided to take a step back, watch my entire filmography, and decide what I want to do next.”

The yet-to-be-titled project also stars Mrunal Thakur and marks the reunion of the father-son duo (Varun–David) after a decade.

Earlier in an interview, Pooja spoke about reflecting on her journey. "I’ve taken moments to reflect on my journey. With my relentless work ethic, I often find myself moving from one project to the next, keeping busy. However, when I do pause and cast a glance back at my career, it’s a humbling realisation. Not bad for a shy, introverted girl with stage fright and no connections in the film industry. I didn’t have a godfather to pave the way, but it seems the universe had its own plans. There’s still a long road ahead, with a list of esteemed filmmakers I aspire to collaborate with, characters I’m eager to portray and plenty yet to prove," she said in an interview.

It’s one world after another for Varun Dhawan. Having recently completed a chunk of Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, the actor has dived into the promotions for Citadel: Honey Bunny. But he has earmarked November for daddy dearest. mid-day has learnt that come November 6, the actor will begin the second schedule of director-father David Dhawan’s next, tentatively titled Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The father-son duo had kicked off the romantic comedy, which has Mrunal Thakur as one of its leading ladies, in July (Take one done, July 22).

A source reveals, “The second leg will begin in Goa on November 6. By then, Varun would have wrapped his promotion commitments for the Prime Video series. After the Goa schedule, David has charted out a month-long stint in Mumbai. A set will be erected at Mehboob Studios where they will film till mid-December.”

An extensive foreign schedule is also being planned for early next year, but the details are yet to be finalized.

The romantic comedy marks Varun’s fourth collaboration with David after Main Tera Hero (2014), Judwaa 2 (2017), and Coolie No 1 (2020).

Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal became parents to a baby girl on Monday. Announcing the birth of their little one, Varun, on Tuesday morning took to Instagram to share a cute announcement video.

The adorable clip featured an illustration of Varun’s pet dog Joey who was seen holding a placard that read ‘Welcome Lil sis’. The video post also read, “Baby Dhawan, proud parents Natasha and Varun, proud family ‘Dalals and Dhawans’. In the caption, Varun wrote, “Our baby girl is here. Thank you for all the good wishes for the mama and the baby (sic).”

Fans and celebs congratulated the couple on social media. “The best news! Congratulations to you both (sic),” Samantha Ruth Prabhu commented. “Congratulations...wohoo (sic),” Priyanka Chopra wrote. Arjun Kapoor also took to his Instagram stories to congratulate the couple.

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Finally, here’s the good news all Varun Dhawan fans have been waiting for! The actor’s wife, Natasha Dalal, gave birth to a girl at a Mumbai hospital on June 3.

When we reached out to Varun’s father, filmmaker David Dhawan, he told us, “It’s a baby girl.”

Yesterday, Varun took to Insta to share the good news with their pet baby Joey’s illustration and captioned it, “Our baby girl is here. Thank u for all the good wishes for the mama and the baby. Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare (sic).”

Many celebs took to social media to congratulate the new parents. While actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas wrote, “Congratulations woohoo”, filmmaker Karan Johar, who shares a close bond with Varun, wrote, “My baby had a baby girl!!!! I am over the moooooooon!!!!! Congratulations to the proud mama and papa!!! Love you Natasha and Varun (sic).” Alia Bhatt wrote, “Another little girl who is going to rule the world. Congratulations dearest Nat and VD (sic).”

Akansha Ranjan is a producer’s daughter, an actress’ sister and best friends with Alia Bhatt, but she is certain about carving a path for herself in the film industry on her own. “Making a mark all on my own has a different kick to it! And I can feel it. Nobody can say that I had it easy or that anyone helped me,” says Akansha.

The fact that she is connected with the movie business is often spoken about. Whether it is her father Shashi Ranjan, who’s backing films, her sister Anushka Ranjan, who has been seen in films and series or her actor best friends. However, the actress makes it clear that she doesn’t use her connections to get work.

“My dad wanted to be an actor but unfortunately, he could not make it. He was in the same batch as David Dhawan, Satish Kaushik, Gulshan Grover and Shatrugan Sinha in Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and he is the only one who couldn’t make it as an actor. He knows that actors ke dost hone se kuch nahi hota hai and I have also learnt that. I have been friends with actors, but I never expected them to help me out in any way. I know my journey and my circumstances. I am familiar with failure, but I have never imagined seeking help from my friends in the industry. I want to be able to make it on my own,” she shares.

Akansha, who was seen in the web film Monica O My Darling, goes on to add, “I believe that someone else’s success is not yours. I am happy for all my friends for their success, and while I have waited in the green room clapping for them, it is my turn now. I believe it is my time to shine.” The actress will also soon make her Telugu debut.

On the personal front, rumour has it that Akansha is dating Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl director Sharan Sharma. Akansha admits, “Yes, I am in a relationship with Sharan. While I have not hidden the fact that I am dating him, I don’t like to discuss my personal life too much.”

Govinda and David Dhawan are still considered one of the most successful actor-director jodis. In the 90s, the two worked together on at least 18 films, a record of sorts, and many of those, like Hero No.1, Coolie No.1, Partner and Deewana Mastana, among others, turned out to be massive hits. Years later, their messy fall-out made headlines, they both moved on to work with different people, but their differences remained unresolved for long.

However, now all that seems to be a thing of the past. The two have buried the hatchet and were seen interacting with each other at Ramesh Taurani’s recent Diwali bash.

Govinda even shared a picture with David on his social media handle, which had many fans requesting a comeback for this jodi. Along with the photo, he wrote, “80s Aur 90s mein meri doh biwiyaan thi. Ek Sunita aur ek David (sic).”

For the unversed, in an old interview, Govinda claimed that he heard the director talking to someone on the phone and saying that he didn’t wish to collaborate with his favourite hero anymore. That among other things was apparently the cause of a rift between this hit jodi.

Talking to Bombay Times about reconnecting with David Dhawan after really long, Govinda said, “I am glad people still feel that we should work together. Yeh unka pyaar hai. Our patch-up had already happened. This was our second meeting. It was a Diwali bash where we ate good food and had a great time. We don’t believe in raking up the past. Why mull over it? That’s not necessary. Let bygones be bygones. Filmy talk wasn’t a priority, but when that happened, we only spoke about the happy memories and those were plenty.”

The actor added, “I stepped out for an industry party after 19-20 years because it was an industry party and not a group party. Ramesh Taurani is a good person. Over the years, Bollywood parties have become these group parties, and if you don’t belong to a certain group (camp), you aren’t invited. If you are not seen at these parties, it is assumed that you aren’t social, which is wrong. I am not anti-social at all, and I don’t believe in groups. Back then, people used to say Govinda, Shakti Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor and David Dhawan are a group. I didn’t agree with that either. We are all artistes who worked together.”