Priyadarshan recently spoke about his experience of working with actors who are often considered difficult. He shared his thoughts on working with Salman Khan and Akshaye Khanna, explaining how he manages different personalities on set.
In an interview with Zoom, Priyadarshan said that one of his biggest achievements was getting Salman Khan and Govinda to arrive on set on time. He explained that instead of trying to change actors, it is better to understand them. He 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.”
While speaking to India Today, he also talked about his experience of working with Salman Khan in Kyon…Ki. He said, “Salman Khan loves me.” He also remembered their time shooting in Romania and described Salman as “very sweet.” Talking about a recent meeting, he shared, “He told me, ‘Garu, next time we work together, I’ll come at 1 am instead of 10 pm.”
Priyadarshan further explained that being too direct with Salman Khan may not work, as the actor might react by doing the opposite. He said his understanding of psychology helps him deal with different kinds of personalities in the film industry.
He also spoke about Akshaye Khanna and said, “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… “
Priyadarshan also shared something Amitabh Bachchan once told him. He said, “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.”
On the work front, Priyadarshan is preparing for the release of Bhooth Bangla, which stars Akshay Kumar along with Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Asrani, and Rajpal Yadav. The film is set to release on April 10.
He also has other projects in development, including Haiwaan with Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. In addition, he has announced Hera Pheri 3, although there has been no major update about it yet.