Ready to work with father after SOTY: Varun Dhawan

Varun Dhawan, who is making his debut with Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year', says he always wanted to start on his own in Bollywood rather than getting launched by his father David Dhawan

"I had always wished to start on my own, to test waters on my own. Had I begun with my dad's film, the launching would not have been the way I wanted."

"And I would not have taken such a move. Now I have no qualms in working with my father," he told reporters here while promoting the film, which also stars newcomers Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra.

Siddharth, who essayed the character of Abhimanyu Singh in the movie, said, "I had never imagined to face the camera, that too for a sizable screen space, in a Karan Johar film at such an early phase of my career. "

The duo, who had earlier been assistant directors of Johar's superhit 'My Name Is Khan', recalled how they were taken aback when Johar first approached them with the role.

"We have been on promo from October 14 all over India and Kolkata is the last leg. Hope the city of Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak will not turn its back to Students of the Year," Dhawan said.

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David hasn't seen his son's Student Of The Year

The entire Dhawan family has decided to set aside its other commitments to focus on the younger Dhawan scion Varun's debut next month. 

Never known to be exceedingly religious David and his wife flew to Rishikesh on Wednesday to pray for Varun's film. 

Describing the trip David said, We had gone to do aarti in Rishikesh. I've never prayed for my own career. But when it comes to one's children one's attitude to everything from God and destiny to luck and good fortune, changes. 

David also let out that he is next planning a post-launch film for his son. Though he is unwilling to reveal any details at the moment we understand that David's elder son Rohit Dawan will direct Varun in a home production which is currently being planned on a war footing and would be announced after the release of Varun's debut film Student Of The Year on 19 October. 

All David wants to say on this subject at the moment is, We are definitely doing something with Varun. My elder son is now a director and my younger son will hopefully make a mark as an actor when Karan Johar's film releases. 

Like any anxious parents, David Dhawan and his wife are eager to see what their son has done in his first job-venture. David, unfortunately, has not seen a single glimpse of his son Varun's camera-presence. 
Trying to make light of it David says, I made it a point never to visit Varun on the sets. Or to ask Karan to show me any portion of the film. Like everyone else all my wife and I have seen of our son is what has come in the first trailer. It was a very proud moment for us. 

David adds that there is no possibility of his son's film being shown to him before the first formal preview for family members of the cast and crew. 

And that's the way it should be. Karan Johar is a very capable filmmaker. I don't want spoil Varun's debut by judging him like a father or a director. As far as I'm concerned we're happy to just be there for him. For the next two months we're all there for Varun in whatever capacity he needs us. 

David rules out the possibility of directing Varun's post-debut project. I think it's time for me to take it easy for a while. Let my sons carry the legacy forward.

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David Dhawan's next to clash with Akki's Khiladi 786

David Dhawan firmly believes that business and friendship are in their own respective places

And that’s why the filmmaker has no qualms in releasing his upcoming project on the same day buddy Akshay Kumar’s action-comedy will release at the marquee — on December 7.

The director’s film is the remake of the 1980s Chashme Buddoor that starred Farooque Sheikh and Deepti Naval. The remake has Ali Zafar in the lead.

Our source says, “A lot is at stake for both the films. David Dhawan’s last hit was Partner that released way back in 2009. For Akshay too, Khiladi 786 is important as he is reprising his Khiladi image after a long time.

With 2012 being a lucky year for him, Akki is hoping for another hit. Both the films being comedies, they may end up eating into each other’s share of the pie.” All we can say is — may the best man win!

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