Priyadarshan has said what many in the industry usually imply more carefully. Reflecting on his experience with two famously strong personalities, the veteran filmmaker said Salman Khan needs to be handled with what he called “diplomatically arrogant” tact, while Akshaye Khanna may carry a reputation for being “difficult” but never caused trouble on his sets.
The filmmaker made the remarks during a recent interview while discussing actors who are often labelled hard to work with. His comments stood out because they did not come with gossip or grievance. Instead, they came wrapped in an understanding of temperament, stardom and the director-actor equation. For a filmmaker who has spent more than four decades directing some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars, the distinction clearly matters.
Priyadarshan’s Latest Comments On Salman Khan And Akshaye Khanna
Speaking about Salman Khan, Priyadarshan said, “You have to accept these people as what they are; don’t try to change them. You have to be diplomatically arrogant. If you tell Salman to do something, he’ll do the exact opposite. I think they have to like you as a person.” The two worked together on Kyon Ki in 2005.
He added that his academic background in psychology helped him understand and navigate such personalities through his career. The remark was less a complaint and more a working philosophy from a director who has consistently managed ensemble casts and larger-than-life actors.
On Akshaye Khanna, Priyadarshan was equally candid. “Akshaye Khanna is another ‘difficult person’. But I have done seven or eight films (with him) without any difficulties. He has done both Dhurandhar and Jeetu from Videocon in Hungama, two completely opposite characters. It’s because people like him are talented… Amit ji once told me, ‘actors are beggars, they can’t choose.’ So you give them the best and exploit their talent. That’s the way I always worked with that.”
Priyadarshan and Akshaye Khanna have collaborated on films including Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, Hungama, Hulchul, Mere Baap Pehle Aap and Aakrosh. His latest comments suggest he places far greater value on range and instinct than on an actor’s off-screen reputation.
Salman Khan’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Salman Khan was last seen in the 2025 theatrical release Sikandar, which followed his 2023 release Tiger 3. He also made a special appearance in Singham Again in 2024, extending his long-running screen association with larger franchise storytelling.
As of April 2026, Salman has a new feature film with director Vamshi Paidipally officially announced and moving ahead, with Nayanthara attached as co-star. That project now stands as one of his confirmed upcoming theatrical releases. His recent run has reflected a transitional phase, with franchise value still strong even as audience scrutiny around star-led vehicles has sharpened.
Priyadarshan’s Next Film
Priyadarshan is now gearing up for the release of Bhooth Bangla, a fantasy horror comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi. The Hindi film is directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films. It was confirmed for an April 2026 theatrical release, with April 10 currently cited by the makers’ promotional rollout.
The film marks Priyadarshan’s return to a comic space that audiences strongly associate with him, while also reuniting him with Akshay Kumar in a genre blend designed for a theatrical audience.
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