Varun Dhawan had everyone laughing at the David Dhawan Film Festival fireside chat when he revealed that his family and PVR's Niharika Bijli are literal neighbours.
The moment came after Bijli delivered a speech celebrating David Dhawan's 45-film legacy and his gift for bringing families together through cinema. She spoke about the director's passion, commitment, and storytelling that makes his films appear effortless on screen but are notoriously difficult to execute.
Varun was visibly moved. Then came the punchline.
"Basically, jab inko cheeni kam pad jaati hai, yeh humse poochti hai," Varun said with a grin. "Hum (cheeni) de dete hai. Lekin jab humein screen kam pad jaate hai aur inse poochte hai, toh nahin dete hai!" Translation: When Niharika needs sugar, they give it. But ask for cinema screens? She says no.
The joke was neighbourly banter—cheeky and relatable. Varun clarified it was all in jest, but the implication was clear: even Bollywood's top actors occasionally struggle to secure prime screens at India's biggest multiplex chain.
The father-son duo were at the event to celebrate David Dhawan's career ahead of their upcoming release, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, arriving June 5. The film marks another Dhawan family collaboration.
David Dhawan remains Bollywood's dominant voice in feel-good cinema. Varun inherited his father's comedic timing as well as his filmmaking instincts.
