Priyadarshan Reveals Aditya Dhar’s Journey: From Struggles to Success

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan recently shared insights into Aditya Dhar‘s early struggles in the film industry. He also addressed the ongoing debate about the “propaganda” label concerning Dhar’s popular Dhurandhar franchise starring Ranveer Singh.

Aditya Dhar’s Early Challenges

Speaking with Siddharth Kannan, Priyadarshan recounted how Dhar faced numerous setbacks before establishing himself in the industry. He noted that Dhar was initially disheartened but kept his feelings to himself until later. “He never told me about it initially… He only opened up later after he started writing for me,” Priyadarshan shared.

Finding His Direction After Setbacks

Priyadarshan elaborated on how Dhar found his path in filmmaking. During a conversation, Dhar candidly explained, “I had been expelled from the university team in Delhi, and after that, I didn’t know what to do.” The turning point came when he watched Priyadarshan’s film Gardish, which ignited his passion for filmmaking.

The Joy of Mentorship

Reflecting on their collaborative experiences, Priyadarshan expressed immense pride in watching Dhar grow as a filmmaker. He stated, “We worked together in London and Scotland, and he was very comfortable. It felt like watching someone grow in front of you.” He emphasized that seeing a student or disciple flourish is one of the greatest joys for a mentor, noting how proud he feels of Dhar’s achievements today.

Debunking the "Propaganda" Label

Responding to criticisms regarding Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise, Priyadarshan firmly denied the existence of “propaganda” in filmmaking. “There is nothing called propaganda. You are simply presenting something to the audience,” he asserted.

He emphasized the importance of audience reception, stating, “When the entire country has accepted a film, why should a few opinions matter?” He concluded by reaffirming that acceptance by the majority of India validates the film’s worth, rendering dissenting opinions insignificant.

By shedding light on Aditya Dhar’s journey and the misconceptions surrounding his work, Priyadarshan highlights the resilience and creativity inherent in the Indian film industry.