Priyadarshan Opens Up on Salman Khan and Akshaye Khanna, Prepares for Bhooth Bangla Release
New Delhi: Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, whose illustrious career spans over 100 films across four decades, is back in the spotlight as he promotes his upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi. While the film’s quirky and spooky premise is creating a buzz, the director also reflected on his experiences working with Bollywood actors often labeled “difficult,” including Salman Khan and Akshaye Khanna.
Insights on Salman Khan
Priyadarshan, who directed Salman Khan in Kyon… Ki, recalled the actor’s warm demeanor and professionalism. “Salman Khan loves me. He was very sweet to me,” the director said. Sharing a light-hearted moment, Priyadarshan mentioned how Salman jokingly promised to arrive at 1 PM instead of his usual 10 PM timing for their next collaboration—a testament to his dedication to working relationships.
The filmmaker added, “You accept a person as what he is and deal with him. There’s no problem.” His words underline a philosophy that has helped him navigate collaborations with actors of different temperaments across his prolific career.
On Working with Akshaye Khanna
Akshaye Khanna, acclaimed for hits like Hulchul and Hungama, is often rumored to be a “difficult” co-star. Priyadarshan dismissed this perception entirely: “A lot of people say, ‘Oh, it’s difficult to work with him.’ I never found it difficult. Thank God.” The director emphasized that understanding an actor’s personality and approaching work with flexibility is key to a smooth collaboration.
Bhooth Bangla: A Star-Studded Reunion
Priyadarshan is set to release three films with Akshay Kumar over the next two years, with Bhooth Bangla leading the pack. Originally scheduled for 15 May 2026, the film has now been preponed to 10 April 2026. The horror-comedy also features Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, and the late Asrani, who plays a crucial role introducing the Vadhusur curse that drives the story.
The teaser, recently released online, hints at classic Priyadarshan-style humor, witty dialogues, and clever visual gags. Fans of the director’s earlier comedies like Hera Pheri and Hungama can expect the same blend of slapstick, situational comedy, and well-timed scares.
Upcoming Films
- Haiwaan: Another Priyadarshan-Akshay Kumar collaboration, co-starring Saif Ali Khan, currently in production with behind-the-scenes glimpses shared online.
- Hera Pheri 3: The much-anticipated sequel has resolved previous controversies. The original trio—Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty—are all on board. The film is expected to go on floors in 2027, rekindling the legacy of one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy franchises.
Priyadarshan’s Philosophy
Across decades, Priyadarshan has successfully managed a range of actors, from newcomers to established superstars. His approach, as he explained, is simple: accept the actor for who they are, respect their craft, and maintain a professional balance on set. This philosophy has helped him sustain a career that spans multiple genres, languages, and generations of actors.
With Bhooth Bangla, Priyadarshan returns with a blend of comedy and horror, relying on a stellar ensemble cast and his signature comic timing. Fans are eagerly awaiting a film that promises both laughter and thrills, marking the director’s return to mainstream Bollywood with a bang.
