Irrfan Khan's Honest Advice Paved Way for Akshay Kumar in Airlift
In a fascinating revelation about the making of the acclaimed film Airlift, director Raja Krishna Menon has disclosed that the iconic actor Irrfan Khan was his initial choice for the lead role, not Akshay Kumar. The film, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, stands out in Akshay Kumar's filmography for its nationalistic sentiment and critical success. However, the journey to casting Kumar involved an unexpected twist initiated by Irrfan Khan himself.
The Initial Approach to Irrfan Khan
Raja Krishna Menon recounted to Bollywood Hungama that he first approached Irrfan Khan through producer Nikkhil Advani, who was seeking fresh ideas at the time. "The first actor I approached was Irrfan Khan," Menon stated, highlighting the actor's priority in his casting vision. During their meeting, Irrfan praised the script but delivered a candid assessment that would alter the film's trajectory.
"Raja, it's a great script, but your vision is Hollywood. But with me, you'll not get money to make anything close to your vision," Irrfan told Menon, as recalled with a laugh by the director. Initially, Menon interpreted this as a polite decline, but it soon became clear that Irrfan's concern was genuine and strategic.
Producer's Perspective and the Shift to Akshay Kumar
Producer Nikkhil Advani echoed similar reservations, suggesting Menon approach an A-lister to ensure the project's financial viability. This advice coincided with a fortuitous opportunity when Advani and co-producer Vikram Malhotra met Akshay Kumar for another project. Kumar inquired about different and exciting scripts, leading to a narration of Airlift.
Advani urged Menon to meet Akshay, despite the director's hesitation. "I was unsure, wondering why any big Bollywood star would work with me. I was a bit scared and uncomfortable," Menon admitted. However, the meeting proved transformative. Within 40 minutes of the narration, Akshay Kumar enthusiastically agreed, saying, "Chalo, banate hai picture" (Cool, let's do it), leaving Menon in disbelief at his luck.
Irrfan Khan's Direct Recommendation to Akshay Kumar
Interestingly, Nikkhil Advani had previously shared a similar account with Galatta Plus, revealing that Irrfan Khan actively recommended Akshay Kumar for the role. Advani recalled, "Irrfan overheard me setting up the meeting and told me, 'Boss, mere sath mat kar ye picture (Don't do this film with me). It is a fantastic film but don't do it with me because you will not get the budget. Go to Akshay. You know Akshay.'"
This selfless advice underscored Irrfan's understanding of the industry's financial dynamics and his belief in the project's potential with a star of Kumar's stature. Advani's subsequent meeting with Akshay Kumar further highlighted the actor's commitment. Despite initial skepticism from Menon, who doubted Kumar's suitability for such a serious role requiring workshops and line memorization, Akshay embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
"He told me that he wanted to do it. I told him Raja doesn't want you, but Akshay did the film. He sat for workshops after workshops," Advani noted, praising Kumar's dedication to bringing the film to life.
Legacy of a Cinematic Decision
The casting shift from Irrfan Khan to Akshay Kumar not only secured the necessary budget for Menon's Hollywood-inspired vision but also contributed to Airlift's enduring success. This behind-the-scenes story illuminates the collaborative spirit in Bollywood, where actors like Irrfan Khan prioritize the film's overall success over personal roles. It also showcases Akshay Kumar's versatility and willingness to step into demanding projects, ultimately delivering a performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
As Airlift marks a decade, this revelation adds a new layer to its legacy, reminding fans of the intricate decisions that shape cinematic masterpieces. The film remains a testament to how honest feedback and strategic casting can elevate a project beyond initial expectations.
