‘My biggest achievement is completing a film with Salman Khan, Govinda on time,’ says Priyadarshan

Priyadarshan has repeated Akshay Kumar as the leading man in most of his Hindi films. The filmmaker explains why he hasn't worked with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Govinda again.

Priyadarshan reveals why he hasn't worked with Salman Khan and Govinda again.

In a career spanning more than four decades and 98 films, Priyadarshan has teamed up the most with Akshay Kumar in Bollywood and Mohanlal in Malayalam cinema. The director claims he feels the most comfortable with the two actors, given not only their acting styles but also their work ethic. That said, Priyadarshan has ventured out of his comfort zone and worked with other prominent lead actors too, but not repeated them.

“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 told Pinkvilla.

The filmmaker 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 2011 comedy Billu, which was headlined by the late Irrfan Khan. Shah Rukh played a supporting role in the film, and also produced it under his production house Red Chillies Entertainment.

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“Shah Rukh used to tell me, ‘Priyan sir, I’ll be there early morning 10’0 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,” added Priyadarshan.

On not repeating his lead actors in Hindi cinema, with the exception of Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, and Akshaye Khanna, the filmmaker clarified, “I still want to work with the others. But each film is different. What goes with certain faces and characters, it’s never happened so I’ve never approached them again,” said Priyadarshan.

“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,” said Priyadarshan, adding, “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.”

Also Read — When Lokah star Kalyani’s mother Lissy opened up about her ‘ugly’ divorce from Priyadarshan: ‘Had a fierce, uncivilised battle on and off the courts’

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Priyadarshan is all set to reunite with Akshay Kumar 16 years after Khatta Meetha (2010) for the horror comedy Bhooth Bangla, slated to release in cinemas next year. They’re also filming the thriller Haiwaan, in which Akshay will reunite with Saif Ali Khan. The actor-director duo is also planning to collaborate on the comedy Hera Pheri 3. Meanwhile, Priyadarshan is hopeful he’ll do his 100th film with Mohanlal.

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