24 May,2026 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Varun Dhawan, Salman Khan and David Dhawan (Pic by Yogen Shah)
Actor Varun Dhawan recently opened up about the massive influence Salman Khan had on his father, filmmaker David Dhawan, during the early years of their collaboration. Speaking candidly in a recent interaction, Varun shared amusing anecdotes about how Salman's personality and lifestyle slowly rubbed off on the veteran director.
Recalling those days, Varun revealed that before working with Salman, David Dhawan was extremely disciplined and formal in his daily routine. However, things changed dramatically once the filmmaker began collaborating with the superstar on several hit comedies in the 1990s. According to Varun, Salman's carefree and uninhibited attitude had a lasting impact on his father's personality.
Sharing a humorous memory, Varun said that Salman often walked around casually without a shirt, completely comfortable in his own skin. Over time, David Dhawan too began adopting some of those habits. Varun jokingly recalled seeing his father walking around bare-bodied at home, something that would have been unimaginable earlier. He explained that Salman's relaxed nature made people around him feel more free and uninhibited.
The actor further stated that Salman brought a certain energy and confidence into David Dhawan's life. Their successful collaborations not only changed the filmmaker professionally but also influenced him personally. Salman and David worked together on several successful films including Partner, Judwaa, Biwi No.1, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, all of which became major box-office hits and were loved for their comic timing and entertainment value.
Varun also reflected on how deeply Salman impacted his own life while growing up. Since he spent considerable time around the superstar during his childhood, he naturally absorbed many observations from him. The actor praised Salman's charisma, confidence, and ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable.
Fans on social media reacted warmly to Varun's revelations, with many enjoying the light-hearted glimpse into the bond shared by Salman Khan and David Dhawan over the years. Several users also pointed out how Salman's larger-than-life personality has influenced many people in the film industry beyond just his films.
Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan continues to stay busy with his upcoming projects while also frequently speaking about his childhood memories and experiences growing up in a film family. His candid storytelling and humorous anecdotes often strike a chord with audiences, offering fans a more personal insight into Bollywood's behind-the-scenes relationships and friendships.
