Veteran actor Akshaye Khanna is currently basking in the audience's acclaim for his powerful performance in the recently released film 'Dhurandhar'. Amid this fresh wave of popularity, a fascinating throwback interview has resurfaced online, revealing a major 'what-if' moment from Bollywood's history. The clip shows Khanna narrating how he was initially approached for a legendary role that eventually went to superstar Aamir Khan.
The Viral Revelation: A Missed Chance at a Classic
In a candid old interview with Mid-Day, Akshaye Khanna addressed the long-standing reports that writer-director Amole Gupte had first considered him for the iconic film 'Taare Zameen Par'. Khanna set the record straight, explaining the unique chain of events. He confirmed that Amole Gupte, who was a friend of Aamir Khan, did not approach him directly. Instead, Gupte took the script to Aamir first.
Aamir Khan, known for his meticulous script selection, laid down a condition. He told Gupte, "I can't recommend a script unless I hear it first. So make me hear it, and if I like it, I will tell Akshaye." As fate would have it, Aamir Khan was so profoundly moved by the narrative that he decided to take on the project himself. The role of the empathetic art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, thus found its perfect match in Khan.
A Fortuitous Meeting on Set
Khanna shared a poignant anecdote about how he learned of this decision. He recalled shooting at Mehboob Studios when he went to say hello to Aamir Khan, who was filming on another floor. It was during this casual meet-up that Aamir informed him about the script. "He was like, 'Oh, you know what, this happened, and I didn't allow him to come to you; I did the film myself,'" Khanna recounted. His gracious response was simply, "Okay, no problem."
Far from harbouring any regret, Akshaye Khanna heaped praise on Aamir Khan's performance. He stated unequivocally, "I don't think I could have done a better job than Aamir. He was superb, so it was good that destiny kind of chose him." The film, released in December 2007 and also starring Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma, and Tanay Chheda, went on to become a monumental blockbuster and a cultural touchstone.
Looking Ahead: From 'Dhurandhar' to Telugu Debut
Today, Akshaye Khanna is receiving immense love for his portrayal of Rehman Dakait in 'Dhurandhar'. The actor's career continues to evolve with exciting new projects. He is now gearing up for his Telugu cinema debut with the film 'Mahakali', directed by Puja Kolluru. This move marks a significant expansion of his cinematic repertoire, promising his fans more versatile performances in the future.
This viral story from the past highlights the unpredictable and often serendipitous nature of film casting. It underscores how a role meant for one actor can find its true home with another, ultimately contributing to cinematic history. Akshaye Khanna's dignified acceptance and his continued success serve as a testament to his professionalism and talent in the industry.
