The cinematic landscape of 2025 may have concluded, but the impact of certain performances continues to resonate powerfully. Among the most talked-about is the exceptional work delivered by veteran actor Akshaye Khanna. His dual portrayals in two major films have not only captivated audiences but also earned high praise from industry insiders, including the celebrated makeup artist behind his transformative looks.
Preetisheel Singh's Heartfelt Appreciation for a Versatile Actor
Celebrity makeup and prosthetic designer Preetisheel Singh, the creative force responsible for crafting Akshaye Khanna's contrasting appearances in 2025, recently shared an appreciation note for the actor. She highlighted the challenge and joy of working with him on two radically different projects released in the same year.
In her note, Preetisheel emphasized the difficulty of making stark contrasts believable on screen. "Designing contrast is easy, making it believable is not," she wrote, applauding Khanna's ability to stretch "across timelines, temperaments, and histories." She specifically pointed to his roles as the cold-hearted gangster Rehman Dakait in the spy-thriller 'Dhurandhar' and the restrained Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the historical drama 'Chahava'.
"What never shifted was Akshaye Khanna's command of nuance and that rare instinct that keeps surprising you, even after so many years," she added, praising his deep understanding of both characters. Preetisheel concluded by stating it was a genuine pleasure and joy to build these distinct personas for him in a single year.
Industry Acclaim and Box Office Success
The admiration for Akshaye Khanna's 2025 work extends beyond the makeup room. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, in a recent conversation, hailed the actor's performances as "absolutely brilliant in both films." He described watching Khanna as a masterclass for any actor, particularly noting his body language and nuanced delivery. "Fab, fab, fab is an understatement. It's brilliant," Bhandarkar, the director of 'Fashion', emphatically stated.
This critical acclaim was matched by phenomenal commercial success, particularly for 'Dhurandhar'. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy-thriller emerged as one of 2025's biggest blockbusters. Within a month of its release, the film's India collections soared, inching remarkably close to the monumental Rs 800 crore mark, cementing its status as a box office juggernaut.
A Testament to Lasting Artistry
The convergence of praise from a creative collaborator like Preetisheel Singh and a respected director like Madhur Bhandarkar underscores a significant moment in Akshaye Khanna's career. It highlights an actor who, with decades of experience, continues to evolve and deliver work that surprises and impresses both critics and audiences.
The year 2025 showcased his exceptional range—from the gritty underworld of a gangster to the opulent, calculated coldness of a Mughal ruler. Both roles, separated by centuries in setting but united by their complexity, required a profound internal and external transformation, expertly supported by Preetisheel Singh's design and magnificently brought to life by Khanna's performance. This synergy between actor and artist has created some of the most memorable cinematic moments of the year, proving that powerful storytelling lies in both performance and precise visual craft.
