Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has opened up about Aditya Dhar’s early struggles in the industry, while also weighing in on the “propaganda” debate surrounding his Dhurandhar films.Speaking to Siddharth Kannan, Priyadarshan recalled that Dhar had faced setbacks before finding his footing. “Yes, he was very disheartened. But he never told me about it initially. He only opened up later, after he started writing for me and was working with me,” he said.
‘He didn’t know what to do after being expelled’
Sharing how Dhar eventually found his path, Priyadarshan revealed, “One day, while we were sitting together in the evening, I asked him how he got into films. He told me he had been expelled from the university team in Delhi, and after that, he didn’t know what to do.”He added that a turning point came when Dhar watched one of his films. “Then he said he watched my film Gardish, and that inspired him to get into filmmaking.”
‘Seeing your student grow is the greatest joy’
The filmmaker also reflected on their time working together. “We worked together in London and Scotland, and he was very comfortable. It felt like watching someone grow in front of you,” he said.Calling it a rewarding experience, Priyadarshan added, “It’s like when your students or disciples grow in life—that’s the greatest joy you can have. I felt very proud seeing what Aditya has achieved today.”
‘There is nothing called propaganda’
Addressing criticism around Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise starring Ranveer Singh, Priyadarshan dismissed the “propaganda” label. “There is nothing called propaganda. You are simply presenting something to the audience,” he said.He stressed that audience reception matters most. “When the entire country has accepted a film, why should a few opinions matter?” Reiterating his stance, the director concluded, “Yes. If a film has been accepted by the majority of India, that itself proves its worth. A few opinions don’t matter—just leave them aside.”
