If there's one movie that had changed the whole dynamics of comedy in the history of Indian cinema and had introduced Bollywood's Khiladi Kumar, Akshay Kumar to his hidden talent of being an exceptional comic, it was Hera Pheri (2000). After two decades of its release, the movie is still far superior than most of today's exaggerated comic flicks. However, the man who had directed this masterpiece, Priyadarshan never received the amount of love and recognition he deserved for his tremendous work, even to this very day. However, the filmmaker was never bothered by it. He had continued to make iconic films like Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag, Malamaal Weekly, Dhol, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, and the list goes on. (Recommended Read: When Amitabh, Jaya And Abhishek Had Posed With The Rai Family At Aishwarya Rai's Bhabhi's Godhbharai)
Although Priyadarshan is always hailed as the modern king of comedy in Indian cinema, the director had proved time and again that he's much more than a comedy filmmaker. In 2008, he had made a period drama, Kanchivaram and had won the National Award for Best Film, Filmfare Award for Best Director (Tamil), and multiple awards and nominations on international film festivals. While Priyadarshan was riding high on the professional front on one side, it was his marital life with his wife and actress, Lissy on the other side, that was lying on the floor like broken pieces of a mirror. The couple had tied the knot on December 13, 1990, and Lissy was converted to Hinduism and had changed her name to Lakshami Priyadarshan. The couple had welcomed two kids in their lives and were living happily. But it was in December 2014, when they had filed for divorce, and the rest is history.
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In 2019, Priyadarshan's daughter, Kalyani Priyadarshan was going to make her acting debut in Kollywood with the film, Hero and was promoting it in full-throttle with her co-stars and director, Vikram K Kumar. During her film's promotions, in an interview with the Hindu, Kalyani had talked about her father, Priyadarshan and mother, Lissy's ugly divorce. The young actress had clearly stated that it was a tough time for her and was a huge shock for every family member. Kalyani had said, "It always takes a toll. It is not like their divorce will never affect anybody." When the actress was asked to open up about the actual reason behind her parents' divorce, Kalyani had hinted that divorce was a tough decision but an extremely necessary one in that situation at that time. She had added, "Obviously, it was a shock, but today we are all the happiest we could be… we are at peace, and I think my relationship with my parents is much stronger now. That is the most important thing."
Going further in her interview, the doting daughter had heaped heavy praises on her parents for never letting that ground-breaking phase in their marital life pose any sort of effect on her and Siddharth's (her brother) life. She had added, "I applaud my parents for they never really put us in hell. Whatever, emotionally, they were going through… they made sure they never took that out at home." In the end, the proud daughter, Kalyani had praised her parents for not dragging their married life, instead getting divorced for their better future. As for now, the actress shares a warm bond with her parents and often shares pictures and clips with them on her Instagram handle. (Don't Miss: When Mezaan Jaaferi Had Said He Wanted To Marry Amitabh Bachchan's Granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda)
Priyadarshan and Lissy were granted divorce in 2016 after a long battle in court and soon after their divorce, Lissy had given an interview to The Times Of India in which she had titled both her marriage and divorce as 'ugly'. She had stated, "This is the end of a long and often very difficult road. All of us can now move on. I thank all my lawyers, friends, and well-wishers for their unconditional support and prayers." The doting mother had also thanked her children, Kalyani and Siddharth for understanding her and their father throughout their divorce period. She had added, "I am grateful to both my children for all their love affection and support." (Also Read: When A Young Rakhi Sawant Worked As A Waitress For 50 Rupees At Anil Ambani And Tina Munim's Wedding)
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What do you think about Priyadarshan and Lissy's reason behind their divorce? Let us know!
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