Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, known for directing industry’s some of the biggest stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar in films such as Kal Ho Naa Ho, Salaam-E-Ishq, Chandni Chowk to China, Patiala House and more recently revealed why he can no longer direct these Bollywood superstars. Despite having strong relationships with them, he believes the industry dynamics have changed making it difficult for him to collaborate with them again.
Nikkhil Advani On Why He Can’t Work With Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan & Other Big Stars
In a recent interview with Lehren Retro, when asked if he would make another film with Salman Khan after Salaam-E-Ishq and Hero, Nikkhil candidly replied, “Mujhe film nahi banani hain (I don’t want to make a film)“. He further stated that he considers himself “very lucky” to be in a position where he can choose the actors he wants to work with.
Further discussing if not them then whether he would direct John Abraham or Akshay Kumar, Nikkhil explained that the massive budgets of films starring such actors are beyond his comfort zone. He said, “Main John, Akshay… sabse yahi kehta hu ki mujhe 600-800 crore se I don’t know how to make a film (I keep telling John and Akshay that I don’t know how to make a film with a budget of 600-800 crore).” He further questioned, “Kaise banayenge? (How will I make it?)” and joked, “I don’t know 600 crore ke saath log karte kya hai. (I don’t know what people even do with 600 crores.)”
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Advani on the Pressure of Superstar Films
Nikkhil explained that the sheer stardom of actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar demands larger-than-life films. He stated, “These guys have become so big and massive – Shah Rukh, Salman, Akshay, and Ajay, all of them have become so big that for them it is unheard of not to satisfy their fanbase without those numbers!” He acknowledged the immense pressure on them to deliver box-office hits that reach record-breaking numbers. Although, he shared that he still speaks with Akshay Kumar in the early mornings and even suggests scripts to him. However, when it comes to directing, he clarified, “Yes, I will produce for them, but I don’t wish to direct. I can’t. Even if I have the will to do it, I can’t.”
Discover detailed insights in the exclusive interview below, with the one and only filmmaker-producer Nikkhil Advani:
Nikkhil Advani may still be close to these Bollywood superstars but directing them again seems unlikely. With the industry’s ever-growing obsession with massive budgets and blockbuster expectations, he prefers to work on films that align with his creative vision rather than commercial demands.
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