Akshaye Khanna is once again earning widespread praise for his performance as Rehman Daikat in Dhurandhar. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy action thriller also stars Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun. In a candid interview, the actor spoke about the hard truths of the profession, stressing that talent alone is never enough without the support of strong writing and direction.
Why scripts and directors matter most
In an earlier interview with ETimes, Akshaye emphasised that evolution is non-negotiable for an artiste and warned that creative stagnation can be dangerous. Highlighting the limits of individual ability, he said, “No matter how good or talented you may think you are, without a good script and director, you are nothing.”Calling acting an inherently insecure profession, he added, “Filmmaking is a collaborative art form; individually, you are zero until everything around you is perfect.” He also underlined the director’s role, stating, “How a director uses an actor is the biggest gift that a director can give.”Reflecting on longevity, Akshaye admitted that uncertainty is constant in the industry. “Every artiste has a lifespan,” he said, adding that the audience ultimately decides when it ends. Still, he shared, “I have gratitude in my heart because people still want to watch me.”
His instinct-first approach to acting
Akshaye avoids over-intellectualising performance. “I don’t think about acting,” he said, explaining that he has never consciously analysed the craft. His preparation remains minimal yet focused. “I read the script as many times as I need to,” he shared.On spontaneity, he added, “Till the clap is given, even I don’t know what I am going to do.” Ultimately, he trusts the moment and accepts that the final outcome is not his call. “Whether it is magic or utter crap, it is for the director to decide,” he said.
No pattern behind his genre-spanning choices
From war films to romances, thrillers, comedies, and biographical dramas, Akshaye Khanna’s filmography appears eclectic. When asked if there was a strategy behind his choices, he was clear. “There has never been one,” he said.Describing his decisions as instinct-led, he explained, “My selection of scripts depends on instinct,” adding, “Sometimes my instincts are right and sometimes they are not.” Over time, that instinct sharpens—but for Akshaye, trusting the gut remains the only constant.
