Priyadarshan’s films have entertained audiences for over four decades, with 98 releases across Bollywood and Malayalam cinema. He has collaborated most often with Akshay Kumar in Hindi films and Mohanlal in Malayalam cinema. The director says he feels most comfortable working with these two actors, valuing both their acting skills and professional work ethic.Yet, Priyadarshan has also worked with many other lead actors in Bollywood, stepping out of his comfort zone, though he has not repeated most of them.
What is Priyadarshan’s greatest achievement?
“When I got my Padma Shri, a journalist asked me, ‘Don’t you think this is your greatest achievement?’ I said, ‘No, my biggest achievement is working with Govinda and Salman (Khan) on time and finishing it in one or two schedules.’ There was a fear brought into my mind by other people that they don’t come on time. But both of them were very sweet. They came on set at 7 am. I remember Salman telling me, ‘Garu, if you make a film (with me) next time, I won’t come to set at 5 am,’” Priyadarshan revealed in an interview with Pinkvilla.
Priyadarshan recalls memorable films with stars
He directed Salman Khan in the 2005 romantic drama ‘Kyon Ki’ and Govinda in the 2006 comedy ‘Bhagam Bhag’. He also worked with Shah Rukh Khan in the 2011 comedy ‘Billu’, which starred the late Irrfan Khan in the lead role. The ‘Bhagam Bhag’ director further said, “Shah Rukh used to tell me, ‘Priyan sir, I’ll be there early morning 10 o’clock.’ So, the unit would say even if he comes by 10, it’s a big thing. I was very comfortable with all these people. I never had any issues with all these actors I’ve worked with. I think it’s maybe my destiny. It worked for me, which is why I could do so many films in these many years.”
Priyadarshan finds trust crucial with certain actors
The ‘Hungama’ director admits he feels an extraordinary level of comfort and trust with Akshay Kumar and Mohanlal. But he also said, “I was very happy with Shah Rukh or Govinda. I won’t say they’re bad actors. The only thing is I was very comfortable with Akshay and Mohanlal.” He explained why the trust matters so much, “They both never ask me what I’m doing. When I go to them with a film, they just ask me, ‘Are you excited?’ When I say yes, they say, ‘Let’s do the film.’ When they trust you so much, I do have a responsibility to deliver and maintain that trust.”
Priyadarshan prepares to reunite with Akshay Kumar
Priyadarshan is all set to reunite with Akshay Kumar 16 years after ‘Khatta Meetha’ (2010) for the horror comedy ‘Bhooth Bangla’, scheduled for release next year. The duo is also working on ‘Haiwaan’ and ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Go to Source
