Veteran actor Akshaye Khanna is once again in the spotlight, receiving immense acclaim for his portrayal of Rehman Daikat in the upcoming spy action thriller 'Dhurandhar'. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, features a stellar ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun. Amidst the buzz, Khanna has shared some profound and unfiltered insights about the film industry's realities.
The Collaborative Truth: No Actor Is an Island
In a recent candid conversation, Akshaye Khanna peeled back the glamorous layers of Bollywood to discuss its foundational truths. He emphasised that raw talent is never sufficient for success in the cinematic world. "No matter how good or talented you may think you are, without a good script and director, you are nothing," he stated bluntly.
He described filmmaking as the ultimate collaborative art, where an individual's contribution holds little weight unless the entire project aligns. "Filmmaking is a collaborative art form; individually, you are zero until everything around you is perfect," Khanna explained. He particularly highlighted the director's pivotal role, noting that "how a director uses an actor is the biggest gift that a director can give."
Instinct Over Intellect: The Khanna Method
When it comes to his craft, Akshaye Khanna follows a path of instinct rather than intense intellectual analysis. He revealed that he deliberately avoids overthinking his performances. "I don't think about acting," he said, adding that he has never consciously dissected his technique.
His preparation is focused yet minimalist, revolving around the script. "I read the script as many times as I need to," he shared. The magic, for him, happens in the spontaneous moment of filming. "Till the clap is given, even I don't know what I am going to do," Khanna admitted, placing his trust entirely in the director's vision to judge the final outcome.
An Eclectic Career Built on Gut Feeling
Looking at Akshaye Khanna's diverse filmography—spanning war dramas, romantic comedies, intense thrillers, and biographical pieces—one might look for a strategic pattern. However, the actor confirms there is none. "There has never been one," he asserted about having a selection strategy.
His choices are, and have always been, led purely by instinct. "My selection of scripts depends on instinct," he said, acknowledging that this gut feeling isn't infallible but has honed over time. "Sometimes my instincts are right and sometimes they are not." This instinct-first approach has defined his long and varied career.
Reflecting on longevity in an industry rife with uncertainty, Khanna accepted that "every artiste has a lifespan" decided by the audience. Yet, he remains grateful for the continued appreciation, sharing, "I have gratitude in my heart because people still want to watch me." His honest reflections offer a rare glimpse into the mind of an actor who values the ecosystem of filmmaking as much as his own role within it.
