Veteran director Priyadarshan spoke candidly about Aditya Dhar’s early struggles in the industry, while also taking part in the ‘propaganda’ debate surrounding Dhurandhar’s films. Facing criticism over Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise starring Ranveer Singh, Priyadarshan refused to call it ‘propaganda’.
Veteran director Priyadarshan spoke candidly about Aditya Dhar’s early struggles in the industry, while also taking part in the ‘propaganda’ debate surrounding Dhurandhar’s films.Speaking to Siddharth Kannan, Priyadarshan pointed out that Dhar faced setbacks before finding his footing.
“Yes, he was very disappointed. But he didn’t tell me that at first.
He didn’t open up until later, after he started writing to me and was working with me.”
“He didn’t know what to do after he was fired.”
Revealing how Dhar eventually found his way, Priyadarshan said, “One day, as we were sitting together in the evening, I asked him how he got into films. He told me that he had been kicked out of the university team in Delhi, and after that, he didn’t know what to do.”He added that the turning point came when Dhar watched one of his films. “Then he said he had seen my film Gardish, and that inspired him to get into filmmaking.”
“Seeing your student grow is the greatest joy.”
The director also spoke about their time working together. “We worked together in London and Scotland, and he was very relaxed. It felt like you were watching someone grow in front of you,” he said.Describing it as a rewarding experience, Priyadarshan added, “It is as if your students or disciples are growing in life – and that is the greatest joy you can have.
I felt extremely proud when I saw what Aditya achieved today.
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“There is no such thing as propaganda”
Facing criticism over Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise starring Ranveer Singh, Priyadarshan refused to call it ‘propaganda’. “There is no such thing as propaganda,” he said. “You are simply presenting something to the public.”He stressed that the audience’s reception is the most important. “When the entire country accepts a film, why do some opinions matter?”
The director reiterated his stance and concluded, “Yes. If the film is accepted by the majority of India, that in itself proves its value. Some opinions don’t matter – just leave them aside.”
