While discussing the ongoing Don 3 controversy, the President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and the Chief Advisor for the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) Ashoke Pandit spoke about loyalty, stardom and the impact of Aditya Dhar‘s Dhurandhar on the Hindi film industry.Pandit said that while contractual disputes must be addressed professionally, the success of Dhurandhar deserves recognition and celebration.
‘Excel backed Ranveer before Dhurandhar’
Pandit pointed out that Excel Entertainment had signed Ranveer Singh long before the actor’s recent resurgence.“Excel signed Ranveer Singh when four of his films had not worked. They signed him before Dhurandhar became a success,” he told Hindi Rush.According to him, industry relationships should be remembered even when careers take an upward turn.“It’s great that the film has worked and that he’s operating at another level now. But people should also remember those who stood by them when things weren’t going their way.”
‘We’ve seen bigger stardom’
Pandit also reflected on the nature of stardom in Bollywood.“We’ve seen Rajesh Khanna‘s stardom. We’ve seen Shah Rukh Khan’s stardom. We’ve seen Salman Khan‘s stardom. Stardom is a very relative thing.”He added that while audience love is invaluable, professionalism remains the foundation of the industry.“People adore you, clap for you and celebrate your success. That’s a wonderful thing. But commitment and trust are equally important.”
‘Aditya Dhar has given life back to the industry’
The filmmaker reserved special praise for Aditya Dhar and Dhurandhar, which he believes has provided a much-needed boost to Bollywood.“You have revived the industry. Aditya Dhar has given life back to the industry. He has injected oxygen into the business.”Pandit described Dhurandhar as the kind of film that can attract audiences back to cinemas.“It’s the kind of film that can genuinely bring people back to theatres. The entire industry has celebrated that achievement.”
‘Don’t mix Dhurandhar’s success with Don 3’
Despite praising the film and its makers, Pandit insisted that Dhurandhar and the Don 3 dispute should be treated separately.“We are celebrating Dhurandhar and we will continue to celebrate it. But that is a different issue altogether.”He added, “Mixing the success of a film with a contractual dispute only creates confusion.”
‘The industry survives on trust’
Pandit said Bollywood has always thrived on relationships and mutual respect.“A producer invests crores based on trust. Hundreds of technicians commit years of their lives to a project because they trust the commitments being made.”For that reason, he believes accountability should apply equally to everyone.“Whether you’re the biggest superstar or the smallest technician, commitments have to be honoured.”He concluded by saying that the federation’s larger objective is to protect the industry’s ecosystem.“We have no personal issue with anyone. Our only concern is ensuring that trust and professionalism continue to exist in the industry.”
