Designer Mani Shanker Singh Opens Up About Crafting Akshaye Khanna's Look for Dhurandhar
Renowned fashion designer Mani Shanker Singh has provided an exclusive glimpse into the creative process behind the costumes for actor Akshaye Khanna in the 2025 Bollywood blockbuster, Dhurandhar. Singh, who was tasked with dressing Khanna for his portrayal of the character Rehman Dakait in several key scenes, detailed how the collaboration originated and shared intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
The Initial Approach and Collaborative Effort
In a recent interview with ANI, Singh recounted that the opportunity arose approximately three years ago during the film's production phase. "The team representing Akshaye Khanna directly contacted us," he explained. "They presented a specific brief, and we engaged in a close partnership with the film's stylist to bring the vision to life. That was essentially the workflow."
Interestingly, Singh noted that he was given limited information about Khanna's character at the time, a common practice in high-profile projects. "I wasn't privy to extensive details about the movie or his role, as such elements are often kept confidential. Nevertheless, it was a fulfilling experience. I am thrilled to have contributed designs for Akshaye, who delivers a pivotal performance in the film. Dressing him for a couple of scenes is a professional highlight," he added enthusiastically.
Inspiration and Adaptation from Existing Collections
Elaborating on the design inspiration, Singh emphasized the teamwork involved. "You collaborate intensively with the stylist," he stated. "They understand the context of each scene and provide guidance on the desired aesthetic—whether it's for a dramatic opening or a more subdued moment. We then explore and adapt pieces from our collection, experimenting to meet their requirements. It's fundamentally a collaborative endeavor."
The outfits were not created from scratch but were thoughtfully selected and modified from Singh's existing lines to align with the narrative of the spy thriller. This approach ensured that the costumes complemented the character's persona while maintaining stylistic coherence.
Akshaye Khanna's Appreciation for the Outfits
Although Singh did not interact directly with Akshaye Khanna during the process, he coordinated meticulously with the styling team to ensure the outfits resonated with Dakait's character. "Our communication was primarily with the styling team, not directly with Akshaye," Singh clarified. "However, we received feedback that he was extremely pleased with the outfits, which was incredibly gratifying to hear."
Dhurandhar's Massive Success and Upcoming Sequel
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan. The film achieved remarkable commercial success in 2025, emerging as one of the highest-grossing releases of the year and outperforming major hits like Pathaan, Jawan, Chhaava, and Pushpa 2: The Rule.
The excitement continues with the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. This installment is set for a pan-India release and will face box office competition from Yash's Toxic. The production team recently unveiled a teaser, heightening anticipation among fans and industry observers alike.
