Danish Pandor Sets the Record Straight on Akshaye Khanna's Reputation
Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of Rehman Dakait in the blockbuster film 'Dhurandhar' has catapulted him back into the Bollywood spotlight, with his hook step on the song 'Fa9la' going viral and his scene-stealing performance earning widespread critical acclaim. As the sequel 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' hits cinemas, the buzz around Khanna intensifies, yet a persistent narrative about his alleged difficult nature has shadowed his career for years. Now, his co-star Danish Pandor is stepping forward to challenge this perception, offering a firsthand account that paints a very different picture.
Pandor's Personal Experience: Kindness Over Coldness
In an exclusive interview with News18, Danish Pandor, who played Uzair Baloch in 'Dhurandhar', revealed that his experience working with Akshaye Khanna was starkly contrary to the industry warnings. "He treats you very nicely. He's very receptive as a person," Pandor stated emphatically. He acknowledged Khanna's quiet demeanor but clarified that it should not be misconstrued as arrogance or aloofness. "It's true that he doesn't speak much, but if you ask him anything, he's very responsive. It's not like he says, 'Oh, I don't want to speak to you.' He's an amazing human being," Pandor added, highlighting Khanna's approachable nature despite his reserved personality.
The On-Set Zone: Focus and Dedication
Pandor elaborated on Khanna's intense concentration during filming, describing it as a professional zone rather than a sign of disinterest. "There's a zone that he lives in when he's on a film set. He always concentrated on his character. When the camera rolls, he becomes that character completely," he explained. This dedication, according to Pandor, is a hallmark of Khanna's commitment to his craft, often misunderstood by outsiders as standoffish behavior.
Strict No-Phone Policy and Grounded Habits
One of the most revealing aspects Pandor shared was Akshaye Khanna's strict no-phone policy on set, a practice that distinguishes him from many contemporaries. "He doesn't even sit with his phone on a set. He sits in a tight corner, not speaking to anyone unless spoken to. He's an amazing soul. He sits quietly, keeps to himself, and thinks about his performance," Pandor noted. This discipline underscores Khanna's focus on delivering authentic performances, free from digital distractions.
Retreat to Alibaug: A Strategy for Grounding
As the frenzy around 'Dhurandhar' peaked, Khanna followed his long-standing habit of retreating to his bungalow in Alibaug, away from the public eye. Pandor views this not as reclusiveness but as a wise strategy for maintaining balance. "Isn't that the best thing one can do? Things like these keep him grounded. The moment you feel that you're getting overwhelmed, you should just start taking it easy," he remarked. Pandor also touched on Khanna's perspective on success and failure, stating, "He keeps himself grounded and moves on easily. But he knows everything that goes around on social media. Having said that, I don't think he's one of those people who would actively go to social media to see what's being written or talked about him."
About 'Dhurandhar' and Its Success
'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar, features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. Released in cinemas on December 19, 2026, the film achieved monumental success, raking in over Rs 1300 crore worldwide at the box office. This commercial triumph has further solidified Khanna's comeback, making Pandor's insights all the more relevant in dispelling myths about the actor's professional conduct.
Through Danish Pandor's candid revelations, a new narrative emerges—one that celebrates Akshaye Khanna not as a difficult star, but as a deeply focused and respectful artist dedicated to his work. As 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' continues to draw audiences, this perspective invites a reevaluation of Khanna's legacy in Bollywood.
