The Art of Directing Stars: Nikkhil Advani’s Journey in Cinema

As a seasoned filmmaker, Nikkhil Advani has had his fair share of experiences working with some of Bollywood’s biggest stars. From Shah Rukh Khan in Kal Ho Naa Ho to John Abraham in Vedaa, Advani has navigated the challenges of directing big actors with ease. But what sets him apart from other directors?

In an exclusive interview, Advani shared his first big lesson on a film set, courtesy of none other than Salman Khan. “If you have to direct big actors, you need to understand when they are going to be uncomfortable,” Khan had advised. This valuable piece of advice has stayed with Advani throughout his career, helping him to build a reputation as a director who can get the best out of his stars.

Salman Khan on the sets of a film

Advani recalled an incident on the sets of Salaam-e-Ishq, where Salman was struggling to get the steps right for a song. Instead of pushing him to do more takes, Advani took a step back and adjusted the choreography to suit Salman’s comfort level. “Choreographers sometimes give such steps that only Vicky Kaushal and Hrithik Roshan can do. Not everybody can do something like that, and that was my first big lesson,” Advani explained.

This approach has served Advani well in his collaborations with John Abraham, with whom he has worked on several projects, including Batla House and Vedaa. Abraham, who is also a producer, has been instrumental in backing some of Advani’s most critically acclaimed projects, such as D-Day and Airlift. Their partnership has resulted in some of the most exciting and innovative films in recent Bollywood history.

John Abraham and Nikkhil Advani on the sets of a film

Despite his success with big-budget films, Advani has also made a name for himself in the indie-commercial space with projects like Mumbai Diaries and Rocket Boys. His ability to adapt to different genres and formats has earned him a reputation as a versatile and talented filmmaker.

As Advani continues to push the boundaries of storytelling in Indian cinema, his approach to directing stars remains a key aspect of his success. By understanding and empathizing with the needs of his actors, he is able to bring out their best performances and create films that resonate with audiences.

Nikkhil Advani on the sets of a film