I had no objection to Vora making sequel: Priyadarshan

Mumbai, June 17 (IANS) Director Priyadarshan has repudiated reports that he was unhappy with his regular writer Neeraj Vora for making a sequel to "Hera Pheri".

"It is completely untrue! Why would I have objections to Neeraj making a sequel to my 'Hera Pheri'' It's a free world and I am too much into my work to care about what others are doing," Priyadarshan told IANS.

The director, who has been away getting ayurvedic treatment for his sinus, is embarrassed by stories about the rift with Vora who has wielded the megaphone for the sequel "Phir Hera Pheri", which picks up from where Priyadarshan-directed "Hera Pheri" ended.

"Neeraj has written most of my films. In fact, I used to depend on him to get the Hindi dialogues in place since my Hindi was poor. Neeraj and I are a team. When I said no to the sequel to 'Hera Pheri', obviously someone else had to do it. And I can't think of anyone better qualified to do it. Neeraj knows how my vision operated in 'Hera Pheri'. I think he was well qualified to carry the story forward."

Priyadarshan was also disturbed by stories in the media about his disapproval of the sequel.

"Neeraj called me to ask about them. I had to explain myself to him. And I didn't like that. Fortunately, all's well between us now and we are at this moment working on a new comedy 'Bhagam Bhaag'."

Priyadarshan's "Chup Chup Ke" starring Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor released with Vora's "Phir Hera Pheri".

It was said Priyadarshan had gone underground in the past two weeks because he had lost faith in "Chup Chup Ke".

"Not true at all. I was away in Kerala getting treatment for my chronic sinus trouble. I have come back feeling totally healed. I have to go back to the clinic in six months. I have complete faith in 'Chup Chup Ke'. It has turned out exactly the way I wanted it to.

"True, Neeraj's film has taken a better opening than mine. But everyone who has seen my film loves it. And I am sure it'll do well."

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