David Dhawan may be preparing to direct his final film, but close friend Anupam Kher is not ready to accept that decision.

The veteran actor has spoken against the 74-year-old filmmaker’s plan to retire after the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, saying there is no fixed age for stepping away from the film industry.

Dhawan recently surprised many in Bollywood when he announced that the upcoming comedy, starring his son Varun Dhawan, would be his last film as a director. 

The news quickly became a talking point among industry colleagues.

Speaking to ANI, Anupam said he immediately picked up the phone and questioned his friend’s decision.

“David Dhawan is my best friend. I go to his house whenever I can. (When I learnt about his retirement decision, I called him and scolded him. (Maine daanta use). I said, ‘What do you mean, this is your last film? Who are you to decide this is your last film? If the audience loves you, don’t say, this is my last film.’”

The 71-year-old actor said his belief comes from advice given by his father.

“My father used to tell me that retirement is merely a state of mind. As long as you can stand on your own feet and keep doing what you love, there’s no reason to retire,” he said.

Filmmaker Karan Johar also reacted to the announcement, calling Dhawan an institution in Indian cinema and praising his contribution to Bollywood comedy.

Known for a string of hit comedies in the 1990s and 2000s, David Dhawan remains one of Bollywood’s most successful commercial filmmakers.

His upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan, is set for release on June 5.