In an industry where reputations are often built on hearsay as much as talent, veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has stepped forward to debunk long-standing myths surrounding two of Bollywood’s most enigmatic figures: Salman Khan and Akshaye Khanna.
Known for his legendary discipline and cinematic vision, the Hera Pheri director recently shared candid insights into his working relationships with actors often labeled as “difficult” or “moody” by the industry.
The Secret to Managing ‘Superstars’
Speaking in a series of recent interviews while promoting his highly anticipated upcoming film, Bhooth Bangla, Priyadarshan emphasized that the key to a successful collaboration isn’t about control, but acceptance.
“The first thing you have to do is accept these individuals as they are. Don’t try to change them,” the filmmaker remarked.
Addressing his experience with Salman Khan, whom he directed in the 2005 emotional drama Kyon Ki, Priyadarshan dismissed rumors of the superstar being unpredictable. He noted that while some find Salman challenging to handle, he found him “sweet” and deeply respectful.
However, he did offer a witty take on the “Salman method,” suggesting that a director must be “diplomatically arrogant” to get the best out of him.
“If you give direct, blunt instructions to Salman, he might just do the exact opposite,” Priyadarshan laughed. “They have to like you as a person first. Once that rapport is built, everything falls into place.”
Standing by Akshaye Khanna
The director also took a firm stance in defense of Akshaye Khanna, who has recently been in the spotlight following the massive success of the 2025 blockbuster Dhurandhar. Despite reports from some producers calling Khanna’s energy on set “difficult,” Priyadarshan—who has collaborated with him on over seven films including classics like Hungama and Hulchul—sang a different tune.
Punctuality: Priyadarshan recalled that even for 5:00 AM shifts, Akshaye was always on time.
The “Moody” Myth: He revealed that even during their first collaboration in 1998 (Doli Saja Ke Rakhna), industry insiders warned him against casting the actor.
Professionalism: He described Khanna as a “complete actor” and a “darling” who is largely indifferent to external criticism.
“I fell in love with his craft from the very first film,” the director stated. “We have never had a bitter moment in all the years we’ve worked together.”
What’s Next for the Director?
Priyadarshan is currently in a prolific phase of his career. Aside from his reunion with Akshay Kumar in the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla (set for an April 2026 release), he is also preparing for a monumental milestone: his 100th film.
This landmark project will see him reunite with his frequent collaborator and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. The film is reported to be an emotional musical drama exploring a complex father-son relationship, with filming expected to commence in December 2026.
As he navigates these high-profile projects, Priyadarshan continues to prove that his ability to manage diverse personalities is just as sharp as his storytelling. For him, the “difficult” actor doesn’t exist—only the “misunderstood” one. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
