Before portraying the character of Rahman the Bandit in the film Dhurandhar, Akshay Khanna was initially hesitant to take on the role. His initial refusal was overcome by the persistence of casting director Mukesh Chhabra and the compelling nature of the script, which ultimately proved to be a significant strength of the film.
Dhurandhar Akshay Khanna In Film: Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna initially turned down the role of Rahman the Bandit in the film Dhurandhar. This discussion took place in Mumbai with casting director Mukesh Chhabra and director Aditya Dhar during the film's casting process. Akshay had doubts about the character and declined over the phone. However, when he was presented with the full script, the story and the depth of the character impressed him. A four-hour meeting and a subsequent phone call changed his decision, leading him to agree to the pivotal role.
Why Akshay Khanna Didn't Want to Do It Initially
According to Mukesh Chhabra, when he suggested Akshay Khanna for the role of Rahman the Bandit, director Aditya Dhar also had some reservations. The casting was considered risky due to pre-conceived notions about established star power and screen space in the industry.
When Chhabra called Akshay Khanna, the response was quite the opposite of what was expected. The actor clearly stated that the role was not for him, and the beginning of the conversation was rather sharp. This clearly demonstrates how selective Akshay Khanna is about his work and how he doesn't commit to projects without a solid reason.
The Impact of Mukesh Chhabra's Persistence and the Script
Despite the initial refusal over the phone, Mukesh Chhabra didn't give up. He simply said that a decision should be made after listening to the script. After much consideration, Akshay Khanna agreed to meet, but on his own terms.
This meeting in Mumbai lasted almost four hours. Akshay Khanna listened to the entire script attentively, without asking many questions. Immediately after the narration, his reaction was surprising. He admitted that the story and character had substance and that the role would be both challenging and enjoyable.
A Call Changed the Decision
Even after hearing the script, there was no response for two days, which increased the team's anxiety. Then, suddenly, Akshay Khanna called and directly stated that he was ready to do the film.
This is where the journey of Rahman the Bandit began, adding a different depth to Dhurandhar. Both critics and audiences acknowledged that Akshay Khanna's restrained performance was one of the film's greatest strengths.
