Amit Dhanuka and Shashank Khaitan launch Mentor Disciple Entertainment
What's the story
Amit Dhanuka, Star TV's former Senior Vice President, has teamed up with acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shashank Khaitan to launch Mentor Disciple Entertainment.
The duo plans to produce both cinematic films and web shows under the new company's banner.
Khaitan is known for his work as the writer and director of the 2017 Bollywood romantic comedy Badrinath Ki Dulhania.
Valuable asset
Dhanuka's industry experience to benefit new venture
Dhanuka will bring a wealth of industry experience to Mentor Disciple Entertainment.
His previous roles include significant contributions at Lionsgate Play India, where he was instrumental in launching Lionsgate Play in India and Southeast Asia.
Dhanuka has also held leadership positions at Zee and Sony Pictures.
Recently, the new company announced a collaboration with Trigger Happy Studios and Hakuhodo for multiple projects.
Professional bond
Khaitan and Dhanuka reflected on their partnership
Khaitan expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating it holds both personal and professional significance.
"This partnership is personally and professionally special to me in equal measure. Our association dates back 16 years, as Amit is a friend of the family and one of the first people I interacted with in a professional capacity, fresh out of film school," Khaitan said.
Khaitan also acknowledged Dhanuka's extensive industry experience as a valuable addition to Mentor Disciple Entertainment.
Future plans
Vision for Mentor Disciple Entertainment unveiled
The duo envisions Mentor Disciple Entertainment as a future powerhouse for both local and global content creation.
Khaitan expressed their ambition to be the focal point where established and new talent can find a home and express their voices.
Dhanuka echoed this sentiment, stating his excitement about this new chapter in his career and emphasizing their mutual vision rooted in integrity and creativity.
On Khaitan's work front
More on Khaitan's professional life
The renowned director made his filmmaking debut with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania in 2014 with Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in the leading roles. He once again collaborated with the duo for the 2017 film Badrinath Ki Dulhania. His last directorial was Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, and Kiara Advani starter Govinda Mera Naam.
Apart from being a director, Khaitan is also a producer and a director.
Upcoming projects
Khaitan set for his third venture with Dhawan
After the success of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Khaitan is all set to return for his third collaboration with Dhawan. The upcoming collaboration, titled Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, will feature Janhvi Kapoor as the female protagonist, instead of Bhatt.
The film will also mark the second collaboration between Dhawan and Kapoor, after 2023's Bawaal, helmed by Nitesh Tiwari.