Priyadarshan Says 'Never Found Akshaye Khanna Difficult', Reveals Salman Khan Was 'Very Sweet'

Filmmaker Priyadarshan is currently in the news as he is busy promoting Bhooth Bangla, led by Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi. Having done over 100 films and with a career spanning four decades, the veteran director is gearing up to return with three films in the next two years. He recently opened up about working with actors such as Salman Khan and Akshaye Khanna, who are perceived as "difficult."

What's Happening

• Priyadarshan told India Today he recalled working with Salman Khan in Kyon...Ki and also revealed a softer side of the superstar.
• The director said, "Salman Khan loves me. He was very sweet to me."
• Further talking about a recent meeting, he shared how Salman Khan told him that the next time they work together, the actor will come at 1 PM instead of 10 PM.
• As for Akshaye Khanna, he delivered some of his most loved films such as Hulchul and Hungama with Priyadarshan.
• The filmmaker shared, "A lot of people say, 'Oh, it's difficult to work with him.' I never found it difficult. Thank God. You accept a person as what he is and deal with him. There's no problem."

Priyadarshan's Upcoming Releases

On the work front, Priyadarshan has not one, but three films with Akshay Kumar. His first film this year is Bhooth Bangla, the horror comedy led by Akshay Kumar along with Tabu, Wamiqa, and Paresh Rawal in key roles. The film is releasing in theatres on 10 April 2026.

He then has Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Several behind-the-scenes pictures of the film have been shared online since last year as the team has been busy filming.

Then there is the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3, which was embroiled in controversy after Paresh Rawal's initial exit. However, the OG trio-Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty-are back again, and the film is expected to go on floors in 2027.

About Bhooth Bangla

This more-than-a-minute-long teaser, which was unveiled recently, introduces a bunch of familiar faces in a classic Priyadarshan comedy. Akshay Kumar-who has collaborated with Priyadarshan after 14 years-leads the pack with old-school energy. There are witty one-liners, glimpses of Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi, and more. Asrani, who died in October last year, introduces the Vadhusur curse in Mangalpuri in the opening scene. And, of course, there's a ghost hovering around the plot.

Akshay also confirmed that Bhooth Bangla has been preponed. Originally slated for release on 15 May, the film will now arrive in cinemas earlier, on 10 April 2026.

The duo last collaborated on Khatta Meetha in 2010. The film boasts a massive ensemble cast featuring Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Wamiqa Gabbi, and veteran actor Asrani. Presented by Balaji Motion Pictures (a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd.) in association with Cape of Good Films, Bhooth Bangla is produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa R. Kapoor.

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