While discussing the ongoing controversy of Don 3, Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) president and Film Workers Federation of West India (FWICE) chief advisor Ashoke Pandit spoke about loyalty, stars and influence. Aditya Dhar‘s Dhurandhar about the Hindi film industry.Pandit said that while contractual disputes should be handled professionally, Dhurandhar’s success deserves recognition and celebration.
“Excel backed Ranveer before Dhurandhar”
Pandit highlighted that he was signed to Excel Entertainment Ranveer Singh long before the actor’s recent recovery.“Excel signed Ranveer Singh when four of his films didn’t work. They signed Dhurandhar before it was a hit,” he told Hindi Rush.According to him, industrial relations should be kept in mind even as careers take an upward trend.“It’s great that the film worked and now it’s on another level. But people should also remember those who stood by them when things didn’t go their way.”
“We have seen a bigger star”
Pandit reflected on the nature of Bollywood stars.“We have seen Rajesh Khannastardom of We have seen Shah Rukh Khan starrer. We have seen Salman Khanstardom of Stardom is a very relative thing.’He added that while the love of the audience is essential, professionalism remains the backbone of the industry.“People adore you, applaud you and celebrate your success. That’s a wonderful thing. But commitment and confidence are the same.”
“Aditya Dhar has given life to the industry”
The filmmaker reserved special praise for Aditya Dhar and Dhurandhar, who he feels have given Bollywood a much-needed boost.“You have revived the industry. Aditya Dhar has breathed life into the industry. He has injected oxygen into the business.”Pandit described Dhurandhar as the kind of film that can attract audiences to theatres.“It’s the kind of film that gets people back to the cinemas. The whole industry has celebrated that achievement.”
“Don’t confuse Dhurandhar’s success with Don 3”
While praising the film and its makers, Pandit insisted that the issue of Dhurandhar and Don 3 should be dealt with separately.“We are celebrating Dhurandhar and we will continue to celebrate. But that is something completely different.”He added that “confusing a film’s success with a contract dispute only creates confusion.”
“Industry survives on trust”
Pandit said that Bollywood has always been about relationship and mutual respect.“A producer invests millions based on trust. Hundreds of technicians commit years of their lives to a project because they trust their commitments.”Therefore, he believes that responsibility should apply equally to everyone.“Be it the biggest superstar or the smallest technician, commitments must be kept.”He concluded by saying that the biggest goal of the federation is to protect the ecosystem of the industry.“We have no personal problems with anyone. Our only concern is that trust and professionalism continue to exist in the industry.”
