Saumya Tandon has revealed that she "really" slapped Akshaye Khanna during an emotional scene in the hit film Dhurandhar, which has been in theaters since December 5, 2025. The spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, features Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna in key roles. Tandon plays Khanna's wife in the film and has received widespread appreciation for her powerful performance, particularly in a scene where her character slaps her husband following a tragic personal loss.
Tandon shared behind-the-scenes (BTS) pictures on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, December 21, 2025, offering insights into the making of the film and the emotionally charged atmosphere on set. She explained that the slap was real and filmed in a single take because director Aditya Dhar insisted on authenticity. Tandon admitted she "was hoping to cheat, but no such luck".
In her social media post, Tandon described the scene as her entry into the film, expressing how overwhelmed she was by the love it has received. She wrote, "In this scene, I felt everything at once – anger towards my husband for being the reason behind our son's death, helpless desperation, and the deep, shared pain between us". She also shared a second picture of herself sitting on the floor during a prayer meeting scene after her son's death, conveying the deep pain she felt in that moment.
Dhurandhar tells the story of Hamza, an Indian spy who infiltrates Pakistan to join Rehman Dakait's gang. The film is inspired by real-life events, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, offering audiences a glimpse into the India-Pakistan conflict. The cast also includes Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi.
The scene where Tandon's character slaps Khanna's character has resonated strongly with viewers. Tandon's commitment to authenticity, along with Dhar's direction, contributed to the scene's impact. The actress recalled shooting the scene in Amritsar last November at Rehman Dakait's haveli, describing it as a mix of excitement and anxiety. She noted the unspoken connection she shared with Khanna once the cameras started rolling, making the moment even more special.
The second part of Dhurandhar is scheduled to be released in theaters on March 19, 2026.
