When Akshaye Khanna stepped into the shoes of ‘Rehman Dakait’ in Dhurandhar, it didn’t just feel like another negative role. Viewers felt the screen obeyed his presence. His cold stare, unshakeable calm, and quiet menace overshadowed even the lead actor. For many, this felt like a career reinvention.
Fans now argue that this is the kind of performance that earns award buzz, some even whisper “Oscar material.” After several lighter and romantic earlier roles, Akshaye has firmly reclaimed a niche: the brooding, unpredictable anti-hero that lingers long after the credits roll.
Akshaye Khanna: From Romantic Hero to Villain — A Bold Shift in Choice
Akshaye is no stranger to risk. Earlier, he stunned audiences with a villainous turn as ‘Aurangzeb’ in Chhava. His cold delivery and sharp dialogue stunned viewers. That role revived faith in him as a serious actor. With Dhurandhar, he doubled down — proving he wasn’t just playing the villain; he was becoming a force to reckon with.
Most movie-goers walked out talking about his swagger, his silence, the way he carried menace so effortlessly. His entry track from Dhurandhar — loud, hypnotic, and aggressive — became a cultural moment, almost like an announcement: “Here’s the new Akshaye.”
Why Akshaye Khanna never married?
As the public cheered his on-screen comeback, they also grew curious about his real life. People asked, that Why has a successful actor never married?
Akshaye didn’t shy away. He admitted that he’s “commitment-phobic.” He told interviewers that he doesn’t believe in marrying “just because.” He said, “You need to find the right girl for yourself before deciding to get married. It is wrong to marry for the sake of it … I am hoping it will happen one day.”
Over time, he said, his discomfort with the idea of permanent commitment has grown. He added, “I’m even more commitment-phobic now. I wasn’t like that in the past, but over time, I have become more wary of relationships. It has a lot to do with the fact that I enjoy being alone. I am comfortable in my skin.”
This honesty struck many. It aligned with the brooding, introspective energy he brings on screen. Fans feel that the actor behind the anti-hero isn’t pretending — he’s showing a side of life many quietly relate to.
What This Means for Akshaye’s Career and Image
Strong versatility: Akshaye has proven that he can excel beyond romantic or “hero-heroine” roles. He convincingly carries intensity, menace, and depth.
Audience trust: Viewers now expect more from him — not just performance, but choice. They believe Akshaye picks roles where he can push the boundaries.
Real and relatable off-screen: By staying single and admitting his discomfort with forced commitment, he wins empathy from fans who appreciate freedom and honesty.
Career-long relevance: His shift from loveable hero to dark anti-hero may extend his stardom well into years where typical “hero roles” might fade.
What Lies Ahead for Akshaye Khanna
As Dhurandhar continues to impress at the box office and among critics, all eyes are on what Akshaye picks next. Will he stay on the darker, more complex path — or surprise us again?
Off-screen, his stance remains firm: “I’m comfortable in my skin.” Perhaps this comfort fuels his on-screen power. Either way, Akshaye Khanna looks set to carve his own lane — one where he answers only to his art, and to himself.
