Zakir Khan recently co-hosted the Screen Awards, where he made comments about the Hindi film industry that quickly gained traction on social media. The stand-up comedian pointed out that Bollywood appears to be shaken following the remarkable success of “Dhurandhar,” which stars Ranveer Singh and is directed by Aditya Dhar. Actor Ameesha Patel has since shared her thoughts on his remarks.
In her response on X, Ameesha urged people to cease spreading negativity. She emphasized the film industry’s appreciation for “Dhurandhar,” praising established stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan for their numerous hits over the years. She reassured fans that the industry will continue to thrive, stating that legendary films have been celebrated for many years and will keep making an impact.
The controversy began during the awards ceremony when Zakir commented that despite public congratulatory messages, many were envious of “Dhurandhar.” He humorously remarked on the film’s dramatic scenes, suggesting that the excitement created ripples across locations in Mumbai.
Director Siddharth Anand also weighed in on the conversation, asserting that the contributions of filmmakers and actors from the Juhu and Bandra areas have been significant for decades. He expressed disdain for any attempts to downplay their impact on the industry.
“Dhurandhar 2” recently made headlines by becoming the first Bollywood film to surpass the ₹1000 crore mark in India. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film boasts an impressive cast, including R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun, in addition to Ranveer Singh.
Following its premiere, Ameesha Patel praised “Dhurandhar,” describing it as an eye-opener for the industry. She called for a shift in filmmaking practices, encouraging creators to focus on producing substantive films rather than projects designed for social media attention. Her sentiments resonated with other celebrities, including Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, who also expressed their admiration for the film.
“Dhurandhar” takes place in Lyari, Karachi, a location notorious for its gang wars and violent conflicts. The narrative of the first film revolved around covert intelligence operations set against the backdrop of significant geopolitical events, such as the Kandahar plane hijacking and the 2001 Parliament Attack. The sequel continues to follow Ranveer’s character, Hamza Ali Mazari, exploring his rise within the Karachi underworld and tracing his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, detailing his transformation into a covert operative.