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The David Dhawan Chat

David Dhawan with Govinda
For a hit director of a string of comedies, David Dhawan showed how strong he was on repartee without necessarily being cutting. Here, on the eve of the release of two of his films, Mr and Mrs Khiladi and Deewana Mastana he waxes lyrical and Govinda, and shows his evident bias for Deewana Mastana. Over to David


sunny (Thu Oct 9 1997 20:41 IST)
Main to raste se jaa raha tha , ...DD dada swaagat hai ..!


MrKhiladi (Thu Oct 9 1997 20:43 IST)
Jab tak rahega samose me aloo ... tab tak rahega David aur Laloo


sunny (Thu Oct 9 1997 20:47 IST)
Govinda ka waist size kya hai DD boss ...?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:34 IST)
Hi folks, David Dhawan is here.


Sridhar (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:32 IST)
Davidji: May both your films be hits, especially the one you are making for the late Shri Manmohan Desai. Ketan deserves nothing but the very, very best.


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:35 IST)
Sridhar: Well you will be happy to know that the late Manmohan Desai's film is already a hit. Today is the first day and it is already a hit.


Ayesha (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:35 IST)
Hi, David. I have seen just two of your films. Raja Babu and Sajan Chale Sasural. I am a guy who likes to see REAL films. But I loved your movies man. They were great. I just want to know if you can keep the pace of success, considering you are -- what -- shooting some 10 films together?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:37 IST)
Ayesha: Well I do a lot of films at a time but sorry not ten films at a time, say about 3-4 and I really can handle it well, I won't disappoint you. You must see Dewaana Mastana and Mr and Mrs Khiladi which have just released and let me know your opinion.


rang (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:36 IST)
Davidji, My question again. What is so special about Govinda...


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:40 IST)
Rang: Well Govinda is a unique actor, he is a combination of comedy, dance , dramatics, emotions, all into one -- that's the dish called Govinda. With the course of time we have done so many films, and through this time we have started vibing perfectly. He understands what I want from him and there is a lot of improvisation between him and me. We don't plan a lot of things. He is my Jim Carrey.
Sridhar: The picture has released, the reaction of the people and the collections of the first day prove that Dewaana Mastana is a hit.


Ram Balram (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:38 IST)
David: HI! Great to encounter the only and only David Dhawan on-line. I am curious: How long can you milk this formula that you have created?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:42 IST)
Ram Balram: Well as long as I fans like you who believe in me.


MrKhiladi (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:41 IST)
Davidji , Any ideas of making movies with BigB .. ?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:43 IST)
MrKhiladi: I'm already doing a film with the Big B called Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, with Govinda in it and it will be ready for release next year. Its a comedy with both playing double roles.


Raj (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:42 IST)
Mr Dhawan: Just how professionally are super-commercial films like yours shot. I can't believe u actually waste time writing scripts for that and drawing storyboards.


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:46 IST)
Raj: I get up early in the morning at 5. In the morning, I only sit on story ideas. Till nine o'clock my brain works only on story ideas. It is not so easy making films, sitting where you are. More so in the case if it's a comedy. I hope you have a sense of humour:-)


Raj (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:48 IST)
Well I am a film student, and I think I know they're not supposed to be made that way


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:51 IST)
Raj: Well its a very creative line, the idea takes time to develop, you just can't shoot it, it takes time to nurture it, I can sit without doing anything for six months just on one idea. I just cannot go ahead and shoot it. I should get the feel of the idea. If the maker in me does not have the conviction of the idea I cannot direct that subject. It cannot be mechanical in anyway.


MrKhiladi (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:45 IST)
David>> Do ye give instructions to ur music directors to give that "khaas" Dhawan effect ? I salute u for the entertaining movies ...


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:48 IST)
Mr Khiladi: yeah yeah, I crack my brains on the bloody music, I need the common man's music. I like the rhythm to be really peppy. I don't like soft sad music. A film doesn't do well if the music is not good. Today music has become a very important factor in films and most of the songs of my films play in a re-mixed form in discs.


hemant (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:49 IST)
will you stick on to directing comedy movies or do you have something also planned ?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:55 IST)
Hemant: I definitely have something else planned but more in the form of entertainment. Maybe a scoop (a subject dealing with a provocative headline) or a thriller. I'm working on a thriller right now with Jackie, Govinda and Salman. It's called Raju Raja Ram


Ayesha (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:54 IST)
Oh, I forgot. You are directing Mr B and Mr G in BMCM. That must be spectacular. How is like working with the Big B?


BigB (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:57 IST)
Come ON DAVID answer me! When will Bade Miya and Raju Raja Ram be ready for release I cant wait!


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:58 IST)
Ayesha: I think its great working with Big B, he is one of the most professional actors I have worked with, too disciplined and meticulous its a delight and I'm one of the fortunte ones to work with him. He is like a poker face comedian. He treats Govinda like a younger brother. I'm really enjoying working with both of them in a combination. They come up with what shots I tell you, has you in splits on the sets. It will be a great film of mine.
Big B: Both the films will be released next year.


krishnav (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:56 IST)
Big B has raised is Life Insurance lately what about you ?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:59 IST)
Krishnav: With so many questions I am being asked I will have to raise my insurance too:-)


Raj (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:59 IST)
Dhawan: What sound system do you plan to use for your coming films? DTS, Dolby or what? And do they really help your kind of films?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:0 IST)
Raj: Hero No 1's sound is on a mono soundtrack. Judwaa was DTS.


Manji (Thu Oct 9 1997 21:59 IST)
What will you do when the ideas dry up? How long does it take for a film of yours to come to life from idea to big screen?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:1 IST)
Manji: It really takes two to three years for the idea to come on screen. Because the idea takes about 7-8 months to really get baked.


Ayesha (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:0 IST)
Are you married? Pls tell us something about yourself.


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:2 IST)
Ayesha: Yeah I'm married and my wife is sitting next to me. Shows how happy I'm in my married life. I have two sons. Any comments:-)


Akhlaq (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:3 IST)
Congratulations on your success, you certainly are director no. 1! but i must ask you aren't you nervous about DEEWANA-MASTANA and MR. AND MRS. KHILADI both releasing tomorrow? Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:5 IST)
AKHALQ: Yeah I'm nervous about the releases, but I'm getting good reports on both, that's keeping my blood pressure under control; it's like delivering Judwaas (twins)


ravi (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:2 IST)
With such a massive film following in our country, do you think our films will ever have a worldwide following, comparable to Hollywood movies?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:7 IST)
Ravi: I wish this happens. We are looking forward to it. In our country a film releases in 300 prints. Abroad a film releases in 3000 prints so it seems to be difficult. But we should work towards that. But the only thing that can happen is that our films get dubbed in English and are released abroad.


anurag (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:6 IST)
david>> All your movies seem to be slapstick comedies. Do you think your future comedies will have more sophisticated comedy or are you content with your current style?


Akhlaq (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:7 IST)
Davidji: How come most of your forthcoming films with GOVINDA (my favourite actor by the way) are 2 hero projects? how come you 2 aren't doing any solos anymore?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:9 IST)
Anurag: Watch Dewaana Mastana. That's the answer to your question.
Akhlaq: I'm doing a solo film, Kuwaara, with Govinda and Urmila.


anurag (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:9 IST)
Would you say Govinda is the most versatile actor in our industry? Are you happy with the music of Deewana Mastana? It's not as good as your previous movies after all!


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:11 IST)
Anurag: The music is very good in the film, may not be a chartbuster but it suits the film. Its well picturised in the film. You'll like it more if you see the film. Govinda is one of the most versatile actor in the industry that is why I've done the maximum films with him.


Mademoiselle (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:10 IST)
David: Do you plan to continue making comedies or maybe venture into some more serious drama?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:12 IST)
Mademoiselle: Why are you getting fed up of my films:-) Didn't you see Swarg and Bol Radha Bol?


anurag (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:13 IST)
David : Of all the movies you've made which is your favourite? What is your favourite scene? favourite song? The one that gave you the most satisfaction? And hey since your wife is sitting next to you ask her which is her favourite? We'd like to know! *smile*


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:15 IST)
Anurag: My wife says her favourite film Sawarg and Aankhen. My favourite film is Dewaana Mastana and I want you to see it its releasing tomorrow.


anurag (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:15 IST)
How come you stopped working with Juhi (until Deewana Mastana). I think she's a GREAT actress and she and Govinda look great on-screen together!


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:16 IST)
Anurag: She is also the heroine in Mr and Mrs Khiladi yaar. See that film too. It's also releasing tomorrow:-)


Mademoiselle (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:16 IST)
David: How comfortable are you working with newcomers? Are you planning any new upcoming films with any new faces and fresh talent? *smile*


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:18 IST)
Mademoiselle: It's not that I'm uncomfortable working with newcomers, maybe in the future, I'm looking for a new heroine for a venture.


Shashank (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:17 IST)
Mr Dhawan: Why is that you do not make more serious films which is more Indianised and not timepass Bollywood stuff???


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:19 IST)
Shashank: I want the films also to run in the theatres, yaar. Filmmaking is my profession, not my hobby. Also the country is going through such a bad phase they need lighter moments to cheer them up.


Akhlaq (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:18 IST)
Davidji: Have you started any new films in the last 6 months? what's this new SHAH RUKH KHAN film about?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:21 IST)
Akhlaq: I'm looking for a subject desperately for the Shah Rukh Khan film. Can you suggest something?


Mademoiselle (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:22 IST)
David: I've noticed that a lot of Hindi films seem to be shot in foreign locales (esp. Switzerland) these days. Do you think that this increases the saleability of the film? Wouldn't you agree that there are dozens upon dozens of places right there in India which would be just as beautiful as someplace in Europe? *smile*


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:24 IST)
Mademoiselle: It is much easier to go abroad and shoot,. It does not increase the saleability of the film but the artistes are more easily available abroad. Plus we work faster. We are not disturbed and there is more light over there, increasing the working hours. Besides the crowds in India pose another problem during shooting and there are too many permission problems.


Akhlaq (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:22 IST)
David: whatever happened to BIWI NO. 1? has it been shelved? i heard it was going to be a 2 hero-project with ANIL and GOVINDA


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:26 IST)
Akhlaq: We are still working on the script. The project will start at the end of the year.


Akhlaq (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:25 IST)
Davidji: how about a film like the Hollywood hit Liar Liar with Jim Carey. That was quite a funny film. It could be Indianised.


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:28 IST)
Akhlaq: Its a very small story line though I liked it but I don't think the audience would take a film like that here, you know, with lots happening on the screen. They make 90 mins films in Hollywood; our films are at least 2 hours 30 mins long. So.....:-)


Akhlaq (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:29 IST)
Davidji: How did you handle the tag of being vulgar? I noticed a change starting with COOLIE NO. 1 but I saw bits of BANARASI BABU which might make people scream again


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:32 IST)
Akhlaq: No yaar Banarsi Babu, has nothing vulgar in it, San San Sayi Sayi is a folk song. It's the music of one of the villages of India.


Mademoiselle (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:30 IST)
David: What DO you think Indian audiences are looking for when they go to see a film, besides just pure entertainment? *smile*


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:34 IST)
Mademoiselle: Cinema is the cheapest and the only entertainment for the middle class in India. It's escapism. That is what films are about. At least mine.


Shweta (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:33 IST)
Mr David Dhawan: Sorry for being late. Is this is your true name???


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:35 IST)
Shweta: No it's my pet name, my real name is Rajendra Dhawan. But as a kid I had Jewish neighbours. They used to call me David. That is how my name came about.


Kavita (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:33 IST)
*thinking*... Liar Liar was good.....but a through and through comedy would probably not work. As a side story, yeah sure - but can you IMAGINE 3 hours of it??? *shudder* You know, a sports-oriented film would be REAL cool to see.... Haven't seen one since Hip Hip Hooray


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:37 IST)
Kavita: Its a good idea but you know films have been made on boxing, cricket, cycling, football but none of them have run. They don't have the full throttle of mass appeal it could be very boring for sections of soceity. All the time you switch on the TV you see sports 24 hours a day. So in films it doesn't work.


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:39 IST)
Hey guys I'm really tired and I have TWO films releasing tomorrow, too much of stress on me. I haven't had a good sleep also........honestly *Trust me!!!) I'll join you again soon. Goodnight.


anurag (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:39 IST)
David >> How about a movie in which a guy's atma comes into a girl's and vice-versa. i.e. The guy still looks like a guy but is actually a girl and the guy is in the girl's body. Now that could be funny! Don't you think?


Mr David Dhawan (Thu Oct 9 1997 22:41 IST)
Anurag: Come with an original idea I have seen this Steve Martin film.


Questions David Dhawan did not answer
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