For years, Bollywood audiences and industry insiders alike wondered about Akshaye Khanna's elusive career graph. His infrequent appearances on screen led to widespread speculation: was the actor being excessively choosy, or had he simply lost interest in the relentless competition that defines the film industry? In a rare and candid conversation during the promotions of his film Mom, the actor finally put the rumours to rest, offering a glimpse into the reasons behind his sporadic presence.
The Truth Behind the Absence
In a discussion with NDTV, Akshaye Khanna addressed the elephant in the room directly. Having spent 19 years in the industry, he stated that work is all he has ever known. However, he acknowledged a significant shift in the preceding years. The actor revealed that for a period of two to three years, he was unable to work due to pressing personal reasons. Characteristically understated, he shared this information without drama or delving into specifics, choosing restraint over sensational revelation.
He explained his mindset once that challenging phase concluded. "When that phase passed, I started again and I thought when I start again I will begin with small but good roles. There would not be any compromise in roles and that is how I did a small role in Dishoom," Akshaye said. This marked his deliberate and measured return to the cinema, prioritizing quality over the size of the part.
Dismissing the Myth of the 'Happy Break'
In his conversation, Akshaye Khanna also tackled a common romanticized notion about actors. He firmly dismissed the idea that performers relish long breaks from work. "It's not like that," he stated plainly. "Everyone wants to work. Especially actors, they feel depressed at home, they feel sad." This frank admission highlighted the professional anxiety and need for creative expression that drives artists, contrasting sharply with the perceived glamour of inactivity.
A Storied Career and Blockbuster Present
Akshaye Khanna began his cinematic journey in 1997 with Himalay Putra, a film backed by his father, Vinod Khanna. He quickly established himself with memorable performances in a string of successful films including:
- Border (1997)
- Taal (1999)
- Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
- Humraaz (2002)
- Hungama (2003)
- Race (2008)
His recent filmography includes acclaimed projects like Ittefaq, Drishyam 2, Chhaava, and the monumental hit Dhurandhar.
Dhurandhar has proven to be a historic box office phenomenon, setting new records for Hindi cinema. The film has raked in a colossal over Rs 700 crore in India, making it the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time in the domestic market. Its success extended globally, as it also surpassed Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan to become the highest-grossing Hindi film in North America.
Looking ahead, Akshaye Khanna is reportedly set for a nostalgic return. He will be seen in Sunny Deol's Border 2, making a special guest appearance alongside original cast members Suniel Shetty and Sudesh Berry. The actors will be reprising the iconic characters they played in the 1997 war epic, much to the delight of fans.
