Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar is currently enjoying one of the most defining phases of his career. With Dhurandhar rewriting box office history and cementing
its place among the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema. As audiences continue to celebrate the massive success of his latest directorial, January 11 holds a deeper, more personal significance for Dhar. The date marks the anniversary of his debut feature film Uri: The Surgical Strike, which released in theatres in 2019. On Sunday, January 11, 2026 Aditya reflected on the milestones that shaped his career, and expressed both gratitude for the journey so far. His wife Yami Gautam has reacted to Aditya's emotional note. Interestingly, in Uri: The Surgical Strike, Yami Gautam portrayed Pallavi Sharma, an undercover RAW intelligence officer who serves as the key intelligence link and strategic guide for Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, played by Vicky Kaushal. Operating under the alias Jasmine Almeida, her character plays a vital role in collecting and coordinating crucial intelligence for the surgical strike mission.
Aditya Dhar's first film Uri: The Surgical Strike turns 7
Aditya Dhar’s directorial Dhurandhar has not only dominated the box office but has also emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Indian cinema. As the film continues its record-breaking run, the director is taking a moment to look back at his evolution as a filmmaker. Coincidentally, January 11 also marks seven years since the release of his debut film Uri: The Surgical Strike, which first hit theatres in 2019 and changed the trajectory of his career forever.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Aditya shared a heartfelt note reflecting on the significance of that day. “11th January 2019. A day that changed my life forever. My first film, Uri, released that day. I had waited a long time for that moment. My dream finally became a reality,” he wrote. He further revealed that his vision for the film was firmly in place from the very beginning. “The intent was clear from the start—to make a brave, bold film that could signal a new phase in our cinema. To tell an Indian story with international standards,” he added.
Dhar went on to speak candidly about the realities of filmmaking, reminding himself to stay rooted despite success. “I remind myself often to never forget where it all began. Beginnings keep you grounded and hungry. Filmmaking is a hard, unforgiving journey, full of doubt and long nights. But when the audience shows up and embraces your work, every struggle suddenly makes sense. That feeling makes it all worth it,” he shared.
Reacting to his emotional post, Aditya’s wife and actor Yami Gautam expressed her support and pride, writing, “I’m mighty proud of you.”
Take a look:
About Uri: The Surgical Strike
Uri: The Surgical Strike is a war drama inspired by India’s surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Kashmir in September 2016, conducted in retaliation for a terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri earlier that year. In the fictionalised account, Vicky Kaushal portrayed Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, leading the high-risk mission. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning National Awards for both Aditya Dhar and Vicky Kaushal.
