In a heartwarming revelation, celebrated director Priyadarshan has penned a special note and shared glowing praise for his former assistant, Aditya Dhar, the director behind the blockbuster film 'Dhurandhar'. The veteran filmmaker expressed immense pride in Dhar's monumental success and unveiled some lesser-known facets of his protege's career, including his significant contributions as a dialogue writer for major Bollywood projects.
Priyadarshan's Unwavering Pride and a Loyal Disciple
Speaking candidly, Priyadarshan made it clear that he does not shy away from expressing how "proud" he feels about Aditya Dhar's achievement with 'Dhurandhar'. He revealed a surprising detail about Dhar's early work in the industry, stating that he was the creative force behind the dialogues for the 2010 thriller 'Aakrosh', starring Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna. Furthermore, Priyadarshan credited Dhar for writing the dialogues for the 2012 action film 'Tezz', which featured Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, and Kangana Ranaut.
Priyadarshan didn't stop at professional accolades. He emotionally described Aditya Dhar as "one of the best disciples and assistants" he has ever had. Highlighting Dhar's character, the veteran filmmaker added, "Aditya is one of my loyal boys; he takes my blessings for everything." Priyadarshan also confirmed that he has watched the Ranveer Singh-led 'Dhurandhar' recently and absolutely loved the film.
From Cricket Pitch to Film Set: Aditya Dhar's Pivotal Turn
The journey of how Aditya Dhar came under Priyadarshan's wing is a tale of destiny. The filmmaker recalled that it was screenwriter Robin Bhatt, who worked on 'Aakrosh', who first introduced Dhar to him. The bond strengthened while shooting for 'Tezz' in Scotland, where Dhar shared a poignant personal story.
Priyadarshan disclosed that Aditya Dhar was initially a budding cricketer who had made it to the under-19 team. However, his dreams were dashed when he lost his spot to the son of a top Indian cricketer. This rejection left Dhar deeply "depressed." In an attempt to cheer him up, his friends took him to watch Priyadarshan's 1993 film 'Gardish'. That cinematic experience proved life-altering. "That day he decided to quit cricket and become a filmmaker," Priyadarshan shared, marking the birth of a directorial powerhouse.
Looking Ahead: Priyadarshan's New Ventures and 'Dhurandhar's' Record Run
While celebrating his student's success, Priyadarshan is also busy with his own upcoming projects. He is currently working on 'Bhoot Bangla' starring Akshay Kumar, and another film titled 'Haiwaan', which will feature both Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan.
Meanwhile, Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' continues to rewrite box office history. The film, which was released in theaters on December 5, 2025, has amassed a staggering global collection of over Rs 1240 crore. The excitement among fans is already building for the sequel, 'Dhurandhar Part Two', which is scheduled to hit cinemas on March 19, 2026.
This story of mentorship, hidden talents, and a dramatic career shift underscores the unpredictable and inspiring paths that lead to monumental success in the world of cinema. Priyadarshan's revelations paint a fuller picture of Aditya Dhar, not just as the director of a historic blockbuster, but as a dedicated artist whose journey began in the most unexpected way.
