Priyadarshan reveals Shah Rukh Khan said he can NEVER relate to a VILLAGE, says, 'Akshay Kumar can look..'

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has often been associated with stories rooted in everyday struggles, and his reflections on actors tend to mirror that sensibility. As he gears up for his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla, the director recently spoke about what makes certain performers more believable in grounded roles. Drawing from years of experience working with leading stars, he offered an interesting comparison between Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan, focusing on how their personalities translate on screen.

In conversation with Firstpost, Priyadarshan explained that one of Akshay Kumar’s biggest strengths lies in his ability to blend into characters that represent the common man. Unlike many actors who carry a distinct star aura, Akshay, according to the director, can adapt his body language in a way that feels natural and unassuming. Recalling his experience while directing Khatta Meetha, Priyadarshan shared, “The plus point of Akshay is that he can look like a common man. His body language, the way he walks, especially when I did Khatta Meetha, I really thought that he looks like a road contractor who is struggling.”

He went on to point out that several actors come across as inherently stylish, which can sometimes create a distance between them and characters rooted in ordinary life. In contrast, he believes Akshay’s personal journey and lived experiences help him understand the finer details of such roles. “Akshay can definitely look and has the body language of a common man. And he lived as an ordinary man, so he understands the nuances of an ordinary man,” he added.

The plus point of Akshay is that he can look like a common man. His body language, the way he walks, especially when I did Khatta Meetha, I really thought that he looks like a road contractor who is struggling.

- Priyadarshan

Speaking about Shah Rukh Khan, Priyadarshan highlighted a different kind of screen presence. He noted that the actor’s upbringing and personality give him a refined and urban appeal, which shapes the kind of roles he fits into. Sharing an anecdote from the shoot of Billu, the director recalled, “I remember I took SRK to a very remote village, a deep village in the South. So, he asked me, ‘How did you find this place?’ He told me something. I can never relate to a village because I always grew up in Delhi.”

Based on this, Priyadarshan expressed his view that Shah Rukh’s polished demeanor makes it difficult for him to convincingly portray rural characters. “Shah Rukh can never act as a villager, because his body language is very polished, very urban,” he said.

I remember I took SRK to a very remote village, a deep village in the South. So, he asked me, ‘How did you find this place?’ He told me something. I can never relate to a village because I always grew up in Delhi

- Priyadarshan

The filmmaker also touched upon his creative approach, explaining that he is drawn to stories that reflect real life struggles. “What I call is humour of life, humour of poverty. Actually, if you ask me, Hera Pheri is a comedy of poverty. Everybody is desperate, no money, nothing,” he said, underlining how his films often find humour in hardship and everyday challenges.

As Priyadarshan returns with Bhooth Bangla, there is considerable curiosity around how he will blend his signature storytelling with elements of horror and comedy. Known for crafting memorable entertainers that resonate with the masses, the filmmaker is expected to bring his distinct touch to this project as well. The film also marks his reunion with Akshay Kumar, a collaboration that has previously delivered several popular films, raising expectations among audiences.