In a recent revelation, acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan shed light on his unique bond with younger director Aditya Dhar and made a significant statement about the latter's career struggles. The veteran director, known for hits like 'Khatta Meetha' and 'Bhagam Bhag', called Dhar one of his "loyal boys" and expressed pride in his success, but also pointed out a glaring injustice.
A Bond of Guru and Shishya
According to a report by Mid-Day, Priyadarshan detailed the enduring respect Aditya Dhar has shown him over the years. He illustrated their relationship with an anecdote from the sets of his upcoming film 'Bhoot Bangla'. Priyadarshan shared that Dhar visited him there specifically to show the trailer of his own directorial venture, 'Dhurandhar'. "That’s the kind of relationship I share with him—a guru and shishya," Priyadarshan stated, highlighting the traditional teacher-disciple dynamic they maintain.
The Uncredited Talent Behind Major Hits
Priyadarshan went beyond praising Dhar's character to address a serious industry issue. He revealed that despite writing several scripts that eventually became successful films, Aditya Dhar "never got his due credit." The senior filmmaker accused unnamed directors of exploiting Dhar's efforts. "The directors took his research, hard work, and talent but kept him aside," Priyadarshan lamented. This statement casts a light on the often unseen writers and creators in Bollywood. He concluded this point with immense pride, saying, "I am very proud of him; he has made it so big."
Interestingly, Priyadarshan also touched upon a lesser-known fact about Dhar's early aspirations. He disclosed that the 'Uri' director initially wanted to pursue a career in cricket, but a pivotal incident changed his path, steering him towards filmmaking.
Multi-Faceted Careers and Upcoming Projects
Apart from his directorial and scripting prowess, Aditya Dhar has also showcased his versatility by penning lyrics for films such as 'Kabul Express', 'Haal-e-Dil', and 'Daddy Cool'.
On the work front, Priyadarshan is gearing up for two releases: 'Haiwaan' and 'Bhoot Bangla'. 'Haiwaan' features Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, while the horror-comedy 'Bhoot Bangla' stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role.
Meanwhile, Aditya Dhar's latest directorial, the mega-hit 'Dhurandhar', continues to make waves. Released in theaters on December 5, 2024, the film has shattered box office records, raking in over Rs 1200 crore globally. The stellar cast includes Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Rakesh Bedi, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and R Madhavan. Fans are already anticipating the sequel, which is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026.
