Discussing the controversy surrounding Don 3, Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) President and Principal Advisor of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) Ashok Pandit spoke about loyalty, stardom and the impact of Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar on the Hindi film industry.While contractual disputes should be handled in a professional manner, Dhurandar’s success deserves recognition and celebration, Pandit said.
“Excel support Ranveer by Durandar”
Pandit noted that Excel Entertainment had signed Ranveer Singh much before the actor’s recent resurgence.“Excel signed Ranveer Singh when four of his films were unsuccessful. They signed him before Dhurandhar became successful,” he told Indian Rush.According to him, industrial relations should be remembered even when career takes an upward turn.“It’s great that the film worked and that it works on another level now. But people should also remember those who stood by them when things weren’t going their way.”
“We saw more stardom.”
Pandit also spoke about the nature of stardom in Bollywood.“We have seen the stardom of Rajesh Khanna. We have seen the stardom of Shah Rukh Khan. We have seen
Salman Khan
stardom. Stardom is very relative.”He added that although the public’s love is priceless, professionalism remains the foundation of this industry.
“People adore you, applaud you and celebrate your success. That’s a wonderful thing. But commitment and trust are just as important.”
“Aditya Dhar has brought life back to the industry”
The director gave special praise to Aditya Dhar and Dhurandhar, who he believes gave a much-needed boost to Bollywood.“You have revived the industry. Aditya Dhar has brought life to the industry. He has injected oxygen into the business.”Pandit described Dhurandhar as the kind of film that can attract viewers to cinemas.“It’s the kind of film that can really bring people back to theaters. This achievement has been celebrated by the entire industry.”
“Don’t confuse Dhurandhar’s success with Don 3”
Despite praise for the film and its makers, Pandit insisted that the Dhurandhar and Don 3 dispute should be dealt with separately.“We celebrate Durandhar and we will continue to celebrate him. But this is a completely different issue.”He added: “Confusing the film’s success with a contractual dispute only leads to confusion.”
“The industry lives on trust.”
Pandit said that Bollywood always thrives on relationships and mutual respect.“The producer invests crores of rupees on the basis of trust. Hundreds of technicians devote years of their lives to a project because they trust the commitments being made.”For this reason, he believes accountability should apply equally to everyone.“Whether you are the biggest star or the youngest technician, your commitments must be respected.”He concluded by saying that the union’s biggest goal is to protect the ecosystem of this industry.“We do not have any personal issue with anyone. Our only concern is to ensure continued trust and professionalism in the industry.”
