The release of Aditya Dhar's much-anticipated film 'Dhurandhar' has set the internet ablaze, with audiences and critics alike praising the cinematic experience. While the entire cast is receiving accolades, it is veteran actor Akshaye Khanna who has emerged as the undisputed scene-stealer, capturing the public's imagination with his chilling portrayal of the antagonist, Rehman Dakait.
The Social Media Storm
Since the film hit theatres, social media platforms have been inundated with praise for Akshaye Khanna's performance. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra, in a recent interview with Screen, expressed his amazement at the actor's viral popularity. "He is baap! Now he has literally taken over the internet," Chhabra stated. "The social media belongs to Akshaye Khanna since the time the film has released. Wherever you go, be it Facebook, Instagram, X, all you see is him on your timeline."
Chhabra highlighted that netizens are particularly obsessed with Khanna's entry scene and his overall performance. The casting director also noted that the actor himself was unaware his role would become such a massive talking point. "He had no idea it would become so big, because he is just too focused as a guy on his work," Chhabra added, emphasizing Khanna's dedication to his craft.
How the Casting Came Together
The journey to casting Akshaye Khanna was a meticulous process. Mukesh Chhabra revealed that his team prepared an extensive list of potential actors for the pivotal role of Rehman Dakait. After a rigorous shortlisting procedure, they finally zeroed in on Khanna's name.
The subsequent narration session proved to be a decisive moment. "He came for the narration, and he came alone, that was the beautiful part," Chhabra recalled. The meeting concluded with Khanna's immediate and enthusiastic approval. "After it ended, he looked at me and I looked at him and he said, 'Loved it, maza aa gaya yaar'."
A Man of His Word
Chhabra went on to commend Akshaye Khanna's professional integrity, a trait he holds in high regard. He shared a common industry anecdote to contrast Khanna's reliability. "He says, 'Aaj main padh leta hoon raat mein jaakar phir'. And he is not one of those guys who says 'aaj padh leta hoon' and then ghosts you," Chhabra explained. "He is a man of his word. That's the best part about him—that he takes every single decision on his own."
The casting director also shared a heartwarming snippet from his conversation with veteran actor Rakesh Bedi for another role in the film. Chhabra simply told him, "It's a very interesting character, you haven't done anything like this, please do it." Bedi's trusting response was immediate: "Beta, main trust karta hoon tujhe, let's do it."
With 'Dhurandhar' continuing its successful run at the box office and Akshaye Khanna's performance becoming the film's most discussed element, this project marks a significant highlight in the actor's celebrated career, proving his enduring power to captivate audiences.
