From Govinda to Salman Khan: David Dhawan’s top 10 comedy blockbusters that defined Bollywood humor
From Govinda’s iconic comic timing to Salman Khan’s effortless charm, David Dhawan has crafted some of Bollywood’s most unforgettable laugh riots. This list counts down his top 10 comedy blockbusters—films packed with madcap humor, hilarious misunderstandings, and unforgettable one-liners that redefined Hindi cinema’s funniest moments.
Raja Babu (1994) Starring Govinda, Karisma Kapoor, and Shakti Kapoor, Raja Babu is a typical David Dhawan comedy. The film follows Raja (Govinda), a spoiled, illiterate man who falls in love with Madhu (Karisma Kapoor), an educated woman. His over-the-top antics to impress her, combined with Shakti Kapoor’s hilarious villainy, create a riot of laughter. The film’s comic timing, Govinda’s signature dance moves, and punchy dialogues like "Tere ghar ke saamne mere ghar ke piche" made it a massive hit.
2/10
Coolie No. 1 (1995) A remake of the 1991 Telugu film of the same name, Coolie No. 1 stars Govinda and Karisma Kapoor in lead roles. Govinda plays Raju, a porter who pretends to be a wealthy businessman to woo Hema (Karisma), the daughter of a snobbish father (Kader Khan). The film thrives on mistaken identities, Govinda’s comic disguises, and iconic scenes like the "Main toh rickshaw chalata hoon" dialogue. The chemistry between Govinda and Karisma, along with peppy songs, made it a blockbuster.
3/10
Hero No. 1 (1997) Inspired by Hollywood’s The Honeymooners, Hero No. 1 features Govinda, Karisma Kapoor, and Kader Khan. Govinda plays Rajesh, who disguises himself as a servant to win over his girlfriend’s father (Kader Khan), who hates rich boys. The film is packed with situational comedy, Govinda’s impeccable timing, and memorable scenes like the "Main apni favorite hoon" dialogue. The film was a commercial success and remains a fan favorite.
4/10
Deewana Mastana (1997) A madcap comedy with Anil Kapoor, Govinda, and Juhi Chawla, Deewana Mastana revolves around two eccentric men—a petty thief (Govinda) and a psychiatrist patient (Anil Kapoor)—fighting for the love of Neha (Juhi Chawla). The film is filled with hilarious confrontations, Govinda’s "Bunnu" act, and Johnny Lever’s side-splitting cameo as Inspector Patel. The chaotic yet entertaining narrative makes it one of Dhawan’s most rewatchable comedies.
Biwi No. 1 (1999) Starring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen, Biwi No. 1 is a comedy-drama about disloyalty and revenge. When Prem (Salman) cheats on his wife Pooja (Karisma) with model Rupali (Sushmita), Pooja hatches a plan to win him back. The film blends humor with drama, featuring iconic scenes like Anil Kapoor’s "Main yahaan tumhaari biwi ko dekhne aaya hoon" cameo and Govinda’s hilarious drag act. The film was a box-office smash.
6/10
Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999) Featuring Govinda, Sanjay Dutt, and Pooja Bhatt, this comedy follows two men (Govinda and Sanjay) who fall for the sister (Pooja) of a notorious gangster (Shakti Kapoor). The film thrives on Govinda’s comic timing, Sanjay Dutt’s deadpan humor, and hilarious sequences like the "Chaddi pehen ke phool khila hoon" scene. The film’s lighthearted tone and catchy songs made it a hit.
7/10
Jodi No.1 (2001) Starring Govinda and Sanjay Dutt, Jodi No.1 is a con-comedy where two small-time crooks (Govinda and Sanjay) pose as wealthy businessmen to woo women. The film is packed with disguises, punchy one-liners, and Govinda’s trademark clowning. A standout scene includes Govinda mimicking Amitabh Bachchan in "Hum joh keh denge woh sach ho ke rahega!" The film was a commercial success.
8/10
Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) A romantic comedy with Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Priyanka Chopra, the film follows Arun (Akshay) and Sameer (Salman) competing for Rani’s (Priyanka) love. The film is filled with pranks, hilarious confrontations (like the "Lucky, lucky, lucky!" scene), and Salman’s deadpan humor. The comic rivalry between Salman and Akshay, along with peppy songs, made it a blockbuster.
Partner (2007) A Bollywood adaptation of Hitch, Partner stars Salman Khan and Govinda as a love guru (Salman) and a shy man (Govinda) trying to woo his crush (Katrina Kaif). The film is packed with Govinda’s physical comedy, Salman’s sophisticated charm, and hilarious scenes like the "Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra" dialogue. The film was one of the highest-grossing comedies of its time.
10/10
Judwaa 2 (2017) A reboot of Dhawan’s own Judwaa (1997), Judwaa 2 stars Varun Dhawan in a double role as twin brothers separated at birth. The film follows the chaos when they reunite, featuring slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and iconic recreations like "Tan Tana Tan". Though not as iconic as the original, it was a commercial success, continuing Dhawan’s legacy of madcap comedies.
![Raja Babu (1994) Starring Govinda, Karisma Kapoor, and Shakti Kapoor, Raja Babu is a typical David Dhawan comedy. The film follows Raja (Govinda), a spoiled, illiterate man who falls in love with Madhu (Karisma Kapoor), an educated woman. His over-the-top antics to impress her, combined with Shakti Kapoor’s hilarious villainy, create a riot of laughter. The film’s comic timing, Govinda’s signature dance moves, and punchy dialogues like "Tere ghar ke saamne mere ghar ke piche" made it a massive hit.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130316_raja-babu.jpg "Raja Babu (1994) Starring Govinda, Karisma Kapoor, and Shakti Kapoor, Raja Babu is a typical David Dhawan comedy. The film follows Raja (Govinda), a spoiled, illiterate man who falls in love with Madhu (Karisma Kapoor), an educated woman. His over-the-top antics to impress her, combined with Shakti Kapoor’s hilarious villainy, create a riot of laughter. The film’s comic timing, Govinda’s signature dance moves, and punchy dialogues like "Tere ghar ke saamne mere ghar ke piche" made it a massive hit.")
![Coolie No. 1 (1995) A remake of the 1991 Telugu film of the same name, Coolie No. 1 stars Govinda and Karisma Kapoor in lead roles. Govinda plays Raju, a porter who pretends to be a wealthy businessman to woo Hema (Karisma), the daughter of a snobbish father (Kader Khan). The film thrives on mistaken identities, Govinda’s comic disguises, and iconic scenes like the "Main toh rickshaw chalata hoon" dialogue. The chemistry between Govinda and Karisma, along with peppy songs, made it a blockbuster.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130309_coolie.jpg "Coolie No. 1 (1995) A remake of the 1991 Telugu film of the same name, Coolie No. 1 stars Govinda and Karisma Kapoor in lead roles. Govinda plays Raju, a porter who pretends to be a wealthy businessman to woo Hema (Karisma), the daughter of a snobbish father (Kader Khan). The film thrives on mistaken identities, Govinda’s comic disguises, and iconic scenes like the "Main toh rickshaw chalata hoon" dialogue. The chemistry between Govinda and Karisma, along with peppy songs, made it a blockbuster.")
![Hero No. 1 (1997) Inspired by Hollywood’s The Honeymooners, Hero No. 1 features Govinda, Karisma Kapoor, and Kader Khan. Govinda plays Rajesh, who disguises himself as a servant to win over his girlfriend’s father (Kader Khan), who hates rich boys. The film is packed with situational comedy, Govinda’s impeccable timing, and memorable scenes like the "Main apni favorite hoon" dialogue. The film was a commercial success and remains a fan favorite.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130305_hero-no.jpg "Hero No. 1 (1997) Inspired by Hollywood’s The Honeymooners, Hero No. 1 features Govinda, Karisma Kapoor, and Kader Khan. Govinda plays Rajesh, who disguises himself as a servant to win over his girlfriend’s father (Kader Khan), who hates rich boys. The film is packed with situational comedy, Govinda’s impeccable timing, and memorable scenes like the "Main apni favorite hoon" dialogue. The film was a commercial success and remains a fan favorite.")
![Deewana Mastana (1997) A madcap comedy with Anil Kapoor, Govinda, and Juhi Chawla, Deewana Mastana revolves around two eccentric men—a petty thief (Govinda) and a psychiatrist patient (Anil Kapoor)—fighting for the love of Neha (Juhi Chawla). The film is filled with hilarious confrontations, Govinda’s "Bunnu" act, and Johnny Lever’s side-splitting cameo as Inspector Patel. The chaotic yet entertaining narrative makes it one of Dhawan’s most rewatchable comedies.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130302_deewane.jpg "Deewana Mastana (1997) A madcap comedy with Anil Kapoor, Govinda, and Juhi Chawla, Deewana Mastana revolves around two eccentric men—a petty thief (Govinda) and a psychiatrist patient (Anil Kapoor)—fighting for the love of Neha (Juhi Chawla). The film is filled with hilarious confrontations, Govinda’s "Bunnu" act, and Johnny Lever’s side-splitting cameo as Inspector Patel. The chaotic yet entertaining narrative makes it one of Dhawan’s most rewatchable comedies.")
![Biwi No. 1 (1999) Starring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen, Biwi No. 1 is a comedy-drama about disloyalty and revenge. When Prem (Salman) cheats on his wife Pooja (Karisma) with model Rupali (Sushmita), Pooja hatches a plan to win him back. The film blends humor with drama, featuring iconic scenes like Anil Kapoor’s "Main yahaan tumhaari biwi ko dekhne aaya hoon" cameo and Govinda’s hilarious drag act. The film was a box-office smash.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130258_biwi.jpg "Biwi No. 1 (1999) Starring Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen, Biwi No. 1 is a comedy-drama about disloyalty and revenge. When Prem (Salman) cheats on his wife Pooja (Karisma) with model Rupali (Sushmita), Pooja hatches a plan to win him back. The film blends humor with drama, featuring iconic scenes like Anil Kapoor’s "Main yahaan tumhaari biwi ko dekhne aaya hoon" cameo and Govinda’s hilarious drag act. The film was a box-office smash.")
![Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999) Featuring Govinda, Sanjay Dutt, and Pooja Bhatt, this comedy follows two men (Govinda and Sanjay) who fall for the sister (Pooja) of a notorious gangster (Shakti Kapoor). The film thrives on Govinda’s comic timing, Sanjay Dutt’s deadpan humor, and hilarious sequences like the "Chaddi pehen ke phool khila hoon" scene. The film’s lighthearted tone and catchy songs made it a hit.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130254_haseena.jpg "Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999) Featuring Govinda, Sanjay Dutt, and Pooja Bhatt, this comedy follows two men (Govinda and Sanjay) who fall for the sister (Pooja) of a notorious gangster (Shakti Kapoor). The film thrives on Govinda’s comic timing, Sanjay Dutt’s deadpan humor, and hilarious sequences like the "Chaddi pehen ke phool khila hoon" scene. The film’s lighthearted tone and catchy songs made it a hit.")
![Jodi No.1 (2001) Starring Govinda and Sanjay Dutt, Jodi No.1 is a con-comedy where two small-time crooks (Govinda and Sanjay) pose as wealthy businessmen to woo women. The film is packed with disguises, punchy one-liners, and Govinda’s trademark clowning. A standout scene includes Govinda mimicking Amitabh Bachchan in "Hum joh keh denge woh sach ho ke rahega!" The film was a commercial success.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130250_jodi.jpg "Jodi No.1 (2001) Starring Govinda and Sanjay Dutt, Jodi No.1 is a con-comedy where two small-time crooks (Govinda and Sanjay) pose as wealthy businessmen to woo women. The film is packed with disguises, punchy one-liners, and Govinda’s trademark clowning. A standout scene includes Govinda mimicking Amitabh Bachchan in "Hum joh keh denge woh sach ho ke rahega!" The film was a commercial success.")
![Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) A romantic comedy with Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Priyanka Chopra, the film follows Arun (Akshay) and Sameer (Salman) competing for Rani’s (Priyanka) love. The film is filled with pranks, hilarious confrontations (like the "Lucky, lucky, lucky!" scene), and Salman’s deadpan humor. The comic rivalry between Salman and Akshay, along with peppy songs, made it a blockbuster.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130247_shaadi-karogi.jpg "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) A romantic comedy with Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Priyanka Chopra, the film follows Arun (Akshay) and Sameer (Salman) competing for Rani’s (Priyanka) love. The film is filled with pranks, hilarious confrontations (like the "Lucky, lucky, lucky!" scene), and Salman’s deadpan humor. The comic rivalry between Salman and Akshay, along with peppy songs, made it a blockbuster.")
![Partner (2007) A Bollywood adaptation of Hitch, Partner stars Salman Khan and Govinda as a love guru (Salman) and a shy man (Govinda) trying to woo his crush (Katrina Kaif). The film is packed with Govinda’s physical comedy, Salman’s sophisticated charm, and hilarious scenes like the "Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra" dialogue. The film was one of the highest-grossing comedies of its time.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130243_partner.jpg "Partner (2007) A Bollywood adaptation of Hitch, Partner stars Salman Khan and Govinda as a love guru (Salman) and a shy man (Govinda) trying to woo his crush (Katrina Kaif). The film is packed with Govinda’s physical comedy, Salman’s sophisticated charm, and hilarious scenes like the "Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra" dialogue. The film was one of the highest-grossing comedies of its time.")
![Judwaa 2 (2017) A reboot of Dhawan’s own Judwaa (1997), Judwaa 2 stars Varun Dhawan in a double role as twin brothers separated at birth. The film follows the chaos when they reunite, featuring slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and iconic recreations like "Tan Tana Tan". Though not as iconic as the original, it was a commercial success, continuing Dhawan’s legacy of madcap comedies.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250816130238_judwaa.jpg "Judwaa 2 (2017) A reboot of Dhawan’s own Judwaa (1997), Judwaa 2 stars Varun Dhawan in a double role as twin brothers separated at birth. The film follows the chaos when they reunite, featuring slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and iconic recreations like "Tan Tana Tan". Though not as iconic as the original, it was a commercial success, continuing Dhawan’s legacy of madcap comedies.")
