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On March 28th, Bollywood celebrates the birthday of one of its most enigmatic actors, Akshaye Khanna. Born into a cinematic legacy as the son of the legendary Vinod Khanna, Akshaye Khanna has carved a niche for himself in the industry with his unique brand of acting.
Khanna made his debut in 1997 with "Himalay Putra," but it was his portrayal of Second Lieutenant Dharamvir Singh in J.P. Dutta's war epic "Border" that same year that truly launched him. The film's critical and commercial success earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, solidifying his place as a talent to watch.
Over the years, Khanna has delivered a string of memorable performances that showcase his versatility in films like, ‘Humraaz’, ’36 China Town’, ‘Tees Maar Khan’, and ‘Mere Baap phle Aap’.
Here are some of Akshaye Khanna's must-watch films:
Dil Chahta Hai (2001): This coming-of-age story showcased Khanna's ability to portray a complex character – the cynical Siddharth- alongside the effervescent performances of Aamir Khan and Saif Ali Khan.
Hungama (2003): Khanna's comedic timing shone in this Priyadarshan-directed laugh riot. His portrayal of the hapless N.R.I. caught in a hilarious web of misunderstandings is a testament to his comedic range. The film received a mixed critical reception.
Race (2008): Khanna took a sharp turn, playing the enigmatic villain Rajiv Singh in this stylish action thriller. His performance added a layer of complexity to the film, proving his versatility.
Ittefaq (2017): A psychological thriller remake, Khanna delivered a nuanced performance as Vikram, a police officer caught in a web of deceit.
The Accidental Prime Minister (2019): In this biographical drama, Khanna delivered a nuanced performance as Sanjaya Baru, the former media advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Despite his undeniable talent, Akshaye Khanna has also been known for his selectivity. Beyond these, Akshaye Khanna has a filmography brimming with diverse roles. He doesn't shy away from portraying anti-heroes or characters with shades of grey. This, coupled with his effortless screen presence, makes him a true asset to Bollywood.
As Akshaye Khanna turns another year older, we celebrate his contribution to Indian cinema. Here's to an actor who continues to surprise and delight audiences with his quiet brilliance.
Akshaye Khanna Recent Projects:
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Drishyam 2 (2022): Khanna portrayed a determined police officer in this crime thriller, a sequel to the 2015 film.
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Chhaava (2025): Recently, Akshaye Khanna was seen playing a powerful role in the film Chhaava alongside Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. In the film, he portrayed the character of Aurangzeb, and his fans were thrilled to see their favorite actor in a completely new avatar, delivering a remarkable performance. Not only did the audience applaud his transformation, but critics also welcomed his comeback with open arms. His performance in Chhaava proved that his acting skills remain unparalleled, and his magic on the big screen is as captivating as ever.
Speaking of the film itself, it made an impressive impact on the box office right from its release on February 14, 2025. After 42 days, Chhaava has collected an astounding ₹589.15 crore, setting a new record in the world of cinema. This unexpected success has made Akshaye Khanna's much-awaited comeback even more special.
With this film, Akshaye Khanna has proven that he is not only a strong actor but also a name in the film industry capable of bringing life to every character he plays. His performance has been widely appreciated by both audiences and critics alike, and this ongoing success stands as a testament to his enduring talent and charm.
Akshaye Khanna Upcoming Projects
2. Rojakkal (2026): Khanna is set to appear in the Tamil film "Rojakkal," directed by Nanda Kumar, with a projected release in September 2026.
3. Dhurandhar (Release Date To Be Announced): An upcoming project titled "Dhurandhar" has been announced, featuring Khanna in a significant role. Details regarding the plot and release date are yet to be disclosed.
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