Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur is riding high on excitement as she steps into the leading role of filmmaker David Dhawan’s upcoming romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The celebrated director, known for delivering blockbuster laugh riots, has cast Mrunal as the female lead, and the actress couldn't be more thrilled. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, “Still pinching myself! Guyssssss I’M DAVID DHAWAN’S HEROINE! I’m beyond grateful Sir.”

A New Chapter in Comedy: Shooting Begins in Glasgow

The film is currently being shot in the scenic city of Glasgow, Scotland. Mrunal shared a heartwarming behind-the-scenes moment with the director, where she’s seen leaning on David Dhawan’s shoulder, both smiling with genuine warmth — a testament to their new creative partnership.

This film marks a significant chapter in Mrunal’s career, allowing her to showcase her comic timing under one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedy filmmakers.

Star-Studded Cast Joins the Set

Joining the ensemble cast is actress Mouni Roy, who recently posted glimpses from the set featuring Mrunal Thakur and Varun Dhawan. Captioning her post, she wrote, “So glad to be on set with my beauty @mrunalthakur & the dapper @varundvn,” tagging the film’s hashtag #HJTIHH. The post added to the growing buzz surrounding the film, which boasts an exciting multi-starrer lineup.



The cast includes an eclectic mix of talent such as: Varun Dhawan, Chunkey Panday, Pooja Hegde, Maniesh Paul, Jimmy Shergill, Rakesh Bedi, Ali Asgar, Kubbra Sait, Rohit Saraf, Rajeev Khandelwal, Nitish Nirmal and Sreeleela.

Backed by Ramesh Taurani under the Tips Industries banner, the film also marks the much-anticipated reunion of David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan, a duo known for their dynamic on-screen comedy legacy.

A Nod to the Past: A Title with Legacy

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai takes its name from a popular track in Dhawan’s 1999 cult comedy Biwi No. 1, which starred Salman Khan and Karisma Kapoor. This intertextual callback has piqued curiosity among fans who associate Dhawan’s cinema with vibrant storytelling, catchy music, and larger-than-life characters.

Previous Shooting Schedules and Locations

Earlier, the team had been spotted shooting important scenes in Rishikesh, with Varun Dhawan and Pooja Hegde filming key sequences. The film promises a blend of exotic backdrops, musical charm, and the signature high-energy humor synonymous with a David Dhawan film.

Mrunal Thakur’s Rising Star Power

With a string of big-ticket projects under her belt, Mrunal’s career is on a rapid upward trajectory. Apart from Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, she is currently working on:

Dacoit, a dark action thriller directed by Shaneil Deo, co-starring Adivi Sesh

Son of Sardaar 2, alongside Ajay Devgn, a sequel to the hit 2012 film

An untitled romantic entertainer with Siddhant Chaturvedi

Known for her versatility and strong screen presence, Mrunal has steadily moved from critically acclaimed roles like Sita Ramam to commercial entertainers — and this rom-com could solidify her place as a mainstream leading lady.

David Dhawan’s Return to Rom-Com Brilliance

With over three decades of delivering box office gold, David Dhawan is a master of the romantic comedy genre. His return with a vibrant young cast, catchy title, and fresh pairings signals a comeback of full-blown Bollywood masala — a genre fans have long cherished.

This new film is expected to follow in the footsteps of hits like Coolie No. 1, Main Tera Hero, and Judwaa 2, blending slapstick, romance, and emotional beats into an all-around entertainer.

Final Thoughts: A Dream Role and a Promising Hit

For Mrunal Thakur, being cast in a David Dhawan rom-com is not just another role — it’s a dream realized. Her excitement and gratitude reflect the magnitude of the opportunity, and fans are already eager to see her in this playful, vibrant avatar.

With an ensemble cast, catchy throwback title, and a seasoned director at the helm, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is shaping up to be a rom-com extravaganza that could dominate both the box office and audience hearts in 2025.