Mrunal Thakur, who is working with director David Dhawan on the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, wished the filmmaker on his birthday, on Saturday. In a long note, Mrunal thanked David for providing her with a chance when many others did not see her fitting into the "same space". She also praised David for maintaining a cordial work environment. "Everyday on set you made me believe in my screen presence and you made the sets feel like home, full of fun and love!" wrote Mrunal. She went on to add, "It has been an honour to be your heroine and a blessing that I am working with this legend."

In the post, Mrunal has also pinned a part from the song 'Ishq Hona Hai' from David's 1999 film Biwi No 1, starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, Karisma Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, and Tabu, among others. The title for David's upcoming film is inspired by the song from his own 1999 film.

Mrunal makes her first-time collaboration with David on the film, which also stars the latter's actor son Varun Dhawan. Still under production, the film's cast includes Mouni Roy, Chunkey Panday, Maniesh Paul, Pooja Hegde, Rakesh Bedi, Ali Asgar, and Jimmy Shergill. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is slated for an April 10, 2026, release in theatres.