Neeta Lulla Challenges Celebrity Views on Akshaye Khanna's Personality
Following the success of the film 'Dhurandhar', numerous celebrities have publicly described actor Akshaye Khanna as a notably quiet and reserved individual in real life. However, National Award-winning costume designer Neeta Lulla offers a contrasting perspective based on her direct collaboration with Khanna, shedding new light on his on-set demeanor.
Neeta Lulla's Firsthand Account from 'Taal'
In a recent interview, Neeta Lulla opened up about her experience working with Akshaye Khanna during the production of the 1999 Subhash Ghai-directed romantic drama 'Taal'. According to her detailed recollections, the actor exhibited a distinct personality that defies the current narrative of his quietness.
"Akshaye was always soft-spoken, but I won't call him quiet," Lulla stated emphatically. She elaborated that while he may have been reserved in some aspects, his presence on set was far from silent or withdrawn.
Cooperative Nature and Professional Brilliance
Discussing their collaborative process regarding costumes, Lulla recalled, "What I remember about Akshaye Khanna is that he had little to say. He was very cooperative." This cooperation, she noted, stemmed from his deep focus and professionalism rather than any inherent shyness.
Lulla further praised Khanna's acting prowess, describing him as "a brilliant actor" whose performances captivated the entire crew. "Our eyes used to look at him in awe. It was like watching a movie in real life," she reminisced, highlighting the magnetic quality of his work during filming.
Background on the Iconic Film 'Taal'
'Taal', directed by Subhash Ghai, remains a landmark in Indian cinema. The romantic drama revolves around three central characters:
- Mansi, portrayed by Aishwarya Rai
- Manav, played by Akshaye Khanna
- Vikrant, enacted by Anil Kapoor
The film also featured veteran actors Amrish Puri and Alok Nath in pivotal supporting roles, with legendary composer AR Rahman providing the memorable musical score. Released in August 1999, 'Taal' achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of the year's major box office hits and cementing its place in Bollywood history.
Akshaye Khanna's Current Projects and Career Trajectory
Akshaye Khanna is currently basking in the acclaim for his recent release, 'Dhurandhar', where he portrays the character Rehman Dakait. Interestingly, although his character was killed in the first installment, the filmmakers have creatively reintroduced him through flashback sequences in the second part, scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026.
Simultaneously, Khanna is expanding his cinematic horizons by preparing for his Telugu debut in the film 'Mahakali', directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru. This project is notably part of the expanding Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), marking an exciting new chapter in the actor's diverse career.
Neeta Lulla's revelations provide a nuanced counterpoint to the prevailing celebrity narratives, reminding audiences that public personas often differ from professional realities. Her insights not only enrich our understanding of Akshaye Khanna's working style but also underscore the importance of firsthand accounts in shaping accurate perceptions of industry figures.
