Priyadarshan Backs Akshaye Khanna: “Never Found Him Difficult”

The Bollywood controversy surrounding Akshaye Khanna just took an interesting turn! After Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak’s explosive comments calling the Dhurandhar star “unprofessional,” veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has come forward with a completely different perspective, defending his longtime collaborator.

Akshaye Khanna Controversy

What Did Priyadarshan Say?

In a candid interview with Mid-Day, acclaimed director Priyadarshan completely dismissed the notion that Akshaye Khanna is difficult to work with. The filmmaker recalled his first collaboration with the actor in the 1998 romantic comedy Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, revealing that industry insiders had warned him against signing Khanna.

“Everyone told me he is difficult and moody,” Priyadarshan admitted. However, his personal experience painted a dramatically different picture. “I never found him difficult,” the National Award-winning director stated emphatically.

Priyadarshan shared a telling anecdote about Khanna’s dedication: “I would call him at 5 in the morning, and he would be there on time.” This punctuality and professionalism stood in stark contrast to the reputation that preceded the actor.

The Bhool Bhulaiyaa director went further, calling Akshaye a “darling” and revealing that throughout their six-film collaboration, “we never had a bitter moment together.” Perhaps most significantly, Priyadarshan noted that Khanna remains “least bothered by criticism”—a quality that explains his ability to weather the current storm.

For more Bollywood news and updates, visit TechnoSports Entertainment.

The Drishyam 3 Fallout

The controversy erupted when producer Kumar Mangat Pathak spoke to Bollywood Hungama about Akshaye’s sudden exit from Drishyam 3. According to Pathak, Khanna declined to work on the film merely 10 days before his scheduled shoot—a move the producer deemed highly unprofessional.

Pathak claimed that Akshaye’s demeanor on set creates a “toxic” energy. When the producer previously worked with Khanna on Section 375, he received similar warnings from industry colleagues. “His energy on set is absolutely toxic,” Pathak stated bluntly.

The producer further alleged that Dhurandhar’s success inflated Khanna’s ego. “He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me,'” Pathak revealed, adding that Khanna now believes himself a superstar. The producer emphasized that “multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar,” suggesting Khanna’s claim to sole credit was misguided.

The Six-Film Track Record

Priyadarshan and Akshaye Khanna’s professional relationship spans multiple successful collaborations:

Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998) – Their first collaboration that defied industry warnings Hungama (2003) – Comedy that showcased Khanna’s versatile acting Hulchul (2004) – Multi-starrer where Khanna delivered a memorable performance Mere Baap Pehle Aap (2008) – Family drama strengthening their partnership Additional Projects – Two more films cementing their professional rapport

This extensive collaboration history lends significant credibility to Priyadarshan’s defense. Six films together without “a bitter moment” speaks volumes about Khanna’s actual working style versus his reputation.

Explore more celebrity controversies at TechnoSports.

Why the Conflicting Accounts?

The stark contrast between Priyadarshan’s glowing account and Pathak’s scathing criticism raises intriguing questions about working relationships in Bollywood. Several factors could explain the discrepancy:

Director vs. Producer Dynamic – Directors work closely with actors creatively, while producers handle logistical and financial aspects, potentially creating different friction points.

Evolving Personalities – Khanna’s approach may have changed over his decades-long career, though Priyadarshan’s consistent experience suggests otherwise.

Project-Specific Issues – Perhaps Drishyam 3 faced unique circumstances that created conflict, rather than reflecting Khanna’s general behavior.

Success Impact – Pathak suggests Dhurandhar’s success changed Khanna’s attitude, though this contradicts Priyadarshan’s assessment that the actor remains unaffected by criticism.

The Dhurandhar Effect

Akshaye Khanna’s powerful performance in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has indeed revitalized his career. Playing a complex character opposite Ranveer Singh, Khanna earned widespread critical acclaim and reminded audiences of his exceptional talent.

The film’s massive box office success—crossing Rs 760 crores—has put Khanna back in the spotlight. However, whether this success has altered his professional demeanor, as Pathak claims, or simply brought existing tensions to the surface remains debatable.

Frequently Asked Questions