In a heartwarming display of gratitude, Aditya Dhar, the director behind the colossal blockbuster Dhurandhar, has publicly thanked veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan for his unwavering support and mentorship during the early, uncertain days of his career. This comes after Priyadarshan himself took to social media to applaud the phenomenal success of the Ranveer Singh-led spy action thriller.
A Mentor's Belief in a 'Nobody'
Responding to Priyadarshan's congratulatory post on Instagram, Aditya Dhar penned an emotional note. He revealed that the acclaimed director believed in him when he was virtually unknown in the film industry. "You believed in me when I was a nobody, and when all I had was conviction and a few written pages," Dhar wrote. He emphasized that Priyadarshan treated him as an equal, offering not just work but "dignity, trust, and love."
Aditya Dhar's journey in Bollywood began with roles as an assistant director and lyricist for films like Kabul Express and Haal-e-Dil. His big break came when Priyadarshan entrusted him with writing dialogues for the films Aakrosh (2010) and Tezz (2012). Dhar credits these projects as crucial stepping stones that helped him enter mainstream Hindi cinema.
Dhurandhar's Record-Breaking Box Office Triumph
The context for this heartfelt exchange is the staggering commercial performance of Dhurandhar. The film, starring Ranveer Singh, has surpassed all expectations. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the movie has amassed a staggering worldwide collection of Rs 1,234 crore so far.
This monumental figure has cemented Dhurandhar's place in history as the second-highest-grossing Hindi film and the fourth-highest-grossing Indian film of all time. The spy actioner also features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal.
A Legacy of Guidance and a Promising Future
In his tribute, Aditya Dhar highlighted the profound personal and professional lessons learned from his mentor. "In an industry where I often learnt what not to do, you taught me exactly what to do, not just as a filmmaker, but as a human being," he stated. Dhar concluded by asserting that the success of Dhurandhar belongs as much to Priyadarshan as it does to him, signing off with, "I will forever be your student first."
The excitement for the franchise is far from over. A sequel, Dhurandhar 2, is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. It is set for a box office clash with director Geetu Mohandas's film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash. As the industry celebrates this new hitmaker, Aditya Dhar's story stands as a testament to the enduring power of mentorship and belief in raw talent.
