Maharaj Director Defends Protégé Junaid Khan, Slams His Latest Film Loveyapa

In a recent exclusive interview, acclaimed director Siddharth P Malhotra opened up about his bond with Junaid Khan, the lead actor of his 2024 film Maharaj. Malhotra, who launched Junaid's career, confessed that he did not enjoy the young actor's 2025 film Loveyapa, co-starring Khushi Kapoor.

"I saw Loveyapa and I didn't like the film. I had issues with it," Malhotra stated. However, he emphasized that he remains in close contact with Junaid, speaking to him every 4-5 days. "He's like my own kid and I am protective about him," the director added.

Malhotra also shared a humorous anecdote from the industry screening of Maharaj at Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios. The security guards initially refused to let Junaid enter, as he had arrived in an auto-rickshaw instead of a private vehicle. "I said, 'Bolunko ki tu hero hai'! He explained that since he was in the auto, they were not convinced. We had to come down to take him inside," Malhotra recalled with a laugh.

Despite his criticism of Loveyapa, the director expressed confidence in Junaid's upcoming film Ek Din, co-starring popular South actress Sai Pallavi. "I have seen it and I am confident about it," Malhotra stated, assuring that audiences will appreciate Junaid's next project, scheduled for release on November 7, 2025.