Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar says Priyadarshan believed in him, treated him like an equal when he was ‘nobody’: ‘Forever your student’

Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar stepped into the limelight by writing dialogues for Priyadarshan's Aakrosh and Tezz. (Credit: Facebook/@officialjiostudios, @DirectorPriyadarshan)

Although his fans, those impressed by his work in Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), were sure that director Aditya Dhar wouldn’t disappoint with Dhurandhar, even they might not have expected the movie to earn such rave reviews and subsequently achieve monstrous success. Surpassing all predictions, both in favour and against it, the Ranveer Singh-led spy actioner emerged as the second-highest-grossing Hindi film and the fourth-highest-grossing Indian film of all time.

After working as an assistant director and writing lyrics for a couple of songs in films like Kabul Express, Haal-e-Dil, and Daddy Cool, Aditya stepped into the limelight by serving as a dialogue writer in films like Aakrosh (2010) and Tezz (2012), both helmed by ace director Priyadarshan. In many ways, these two movies were his stepping stones to mainstream Bollywood. Amid Dhurandhar’s phenomenal success, Aditya has found a new fan in none other than Priyadarshan, who recently took to social media to commend the spy actioner. Now, the Dhurandhar director has reacted to his mentor’s words, mentioning that the filmmaking legend believed in him when no one else did and treated him as an equal despite being a fairly fresh face in the industry back then.

Sharing an old photo of the two of them working on a movie set, Priyadarshan wrote on Instagram, “There is no greater happiness than watching my disciple rise with such remarkable success. Congratulations, Aditya Dhar, on Dhurandhar, and heartfelt best wishes for Dhurandhar 2.” In response, the spy actioner’s director noted that he is overjoyed beyond words at Priyadarshan’s post. “You believed in me when I was a nobody, and when all I had was conviction and a few written pages. You treated me like an equal, and gave me something far more precious than just work — dignity, trust, and love.”

He also thanked Priyadarshan for imparting wisdom and guiding him well. Aditya concluded by mentioning that the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar belongs to the filmmaking legend as well. “In an industry where I often learnt what not to do, you taught me exactly what to do, not just as a filmmaker, but as a human being. From writing dialogues for Aakrosh and Tezz to standing here today, every step carries your imprint. I will forever be your student first. Thank you for everything, Sir. This success is as much yours as it is mine,” he added.

Also starring Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi in key roles, Dhurandhar has registered a worldwide collection of Rs 1,234 crore thus far, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. A sequel to the movie is set to hit the screens on March 19, 2026, clashing with director Geetu Mohandas’ Yash-led Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.