Akshaye Khanna, known for his intense performances and intelligent choice of roles in Bollywood, has recently been in the spotlight due to his acclaimed performances in Chhaava and Dhurandhar. Despite a career spanning numerous successful films like Border, Taal, Dil Chahta Hai, and Section 375, Khanna has maintained a remarkably grounded perspective on his own capabilities.
In a resurfaced interview, the actor reflected on his journey, revealing that he never considered himself a "great performer." This statement comes even as critics and audiences alike celebrate his recent work and his consistent ability to deliver memorable characters. Khanna's modesty contrasts with the praise he has received from peers and critics throughout his career. Shah Rukh Khan, for instance, has expressed his admiration for Akshaye's acting abilities and the "strange mystique" he brings to his roles. Richa Chadda, his co-star in Section 375, has also lauded him as an "underrated" and "intelligent" actor.
Khanna's career has been marked by periods of both success and absence from the limelight. He made his debut with Himalay Putra in 1997, and quickly gained recognition for his role in Border the same year, earning a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He continued to deliver noteworthy performances in films like Dil Chahta Hai, where his portrayal was considered the emotional backbone of the movie, and Humraaz, where he played a convincing antagonist.
However, Khanna also experienced periods where he stepped away from films. In a 2017 interview with The Indian Express, he spoke about personal issues that prevented him from working for a couple of years. He described this time as "torture" and admitted to the emotional toll it took on him. Following his return, Khanna strategically chose roles that helped rebuild his credibility, such as Dishoom, Mom, The Accidental Prime Minister, and Section 375. His performance in Section 375 earned him a Filmfare Critics Award nomination for Best Actor. More recently, he portrayed Aurangzeb in Chhaava and Rehman Daikat in Dhurandhar, receiving acclaim for his versatility and intensity.
Akshaye Khanna's candidness extends beyond his assessment of his acting prowess. He has also spoken about the pressures of meeting "unrealistic" Bollywood expectations. In an interview with Anurradha Prasad, he revealed that he was advised to attend parties and red-carpet events to improve his visibility, but he remained steadfast in his refusal to change himself to fit into industry norms. "If you say to me, 'If you don't change yourself, you'll be out of the industry,' I'll still choose not to change. I'd rather be out," he asserted.
Moreover, Khanna has been open about his personal struggles, including experiencing hair loss at a young age. He revealed that this affected his self-confidence, comparing it to a pianist losing his fingers. Despite these challenges, Khanna focused on his craft and established himself as a respected actor, proving that talent and resilience are more important than appearance.
Akshaye Khanna's journey reflects a unique approach to his career, prioritizing artistic integrity and personal well-being over conventional notions of stardom. His self-effacing view of his acting abilities, coupled with his commitment to his craft, has solidified his position as one of Bollywood's most dependable and admired performers.
