Mumbai: Akshaye Khanna’s career resurgence has been one of the most talked-about developments in Bollywood this year, largely driven by his critically acclaimed performance in Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar. As audiences continue to praise the actor’s intense screen presence, a behind-the-scenes anecdote shared by his co-star has offered fresh insight into Khanna’s dedication to realism and craft.
Actor Aditya Uppal, who played the role of Omar Haider in Dhurandhar, recently revealed that Akshaye Khanna insisted on being slapped with full force during a crucial scene to make it look authentic. The revelation came during Uppal’s appearance on the Abhishek Pali Talks podcast, where he spoke candidly about the demanding shoot and the senior actor’s commitment to performance integrity.
A scene that demanded realism
Recalling the incident, Aditya Uppal admitted that he was initially hesitant to hit Akshaye Khanna with full force. After all, Khanna is a senior and highly respected actor in the industry. However, the dynamics on set quickly shifted once the cameras rolled.
“There was a little hesitation at first. He is a senior actor,” Uppal said. “But once I am Omar Haider, he is Rehman Dakait for me. No matter how much you prepare yourself, you feel hesitation for a second.”
Uppal explained that the scene involved intense physical confrontation inside a van, making the situation even more challenging. The confined space and the requirement for multiple actors to participate heightened his concern about accidentally hurting Khanna.
‘Tez se maaro,’ Akshaye Khanna insisted
According to Uppal, director Aditya Dhar encouraged the actors to go all out to maintain realism. Veteran actor Sanjay Dutt, who was also present during the scene, reportedly hit Khanna first before the others followed.
“When I hit him for the first time, I obviously held back,” Uppal said. “I thought of doing it softly. He shouldn’t get hurt for real because it was a compact space.”
That restraint, however, did not sit well with Akshaye Khanna. Uppal revealed that Khanna himself urged him to strike harder.
“Aditya sir asked me to go for it. In fact, Akshaye sir told me, ‘Tez se maaro, main gir nahi raha hu (Hit me properly, I am not falling),’” Uppal recalled. “When he said that the second time, then I hit him properly and went all out.”
Although the shot was reportedly longer and more brutal in the original take, it was eventually edited down in the final cut of the film.
Discipline beyond physical scenes
Aditya Uppal also shed light on the rigorous preparation that went into Dhurandhar, particularly the weapon training undertaken by the cast. He credited director Aditya Dhar for insisting on authenticity not just in action sequences, but also in technical details.
“We got proper weapon training,” Uppal said. “Aditya sir is very particular about this. Whenever an actor comes on set, they should be trained properly beforehand.”
As Uppal was playing a Pakistani officer, he explained that his handling of firearms had to reflect professional military training rather than that of an untrained criminal. This level of detail, he said, added depth and credibility to the performances.
Dhurandhar’s massive success
Dhurandhar boasts an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun in pivotal roles. The film has emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes of the year, having already crossed the ₹800 crore mark at the global box office.
Critics and audiences alike have singled out Akshaye Khanna’s performance as one of the film’s highlights, praising his controlled intensity and nuanced portrayal. For many, the film has reaffirmed Khanna’s status as one of Hindi cinema’s most dependable performers.
Conclusion
The anecdote shared by Aditya Uppal not only underlines Akshaye Khanna’s professionalism but also explains why his performances resonate so strongly with viewers. In an era often criticised for superficial action and shortcuts, Khanna’s insistence on realism—even at personal discomfort—stands out. As Dhurandhar continues its successful run, such behind-the-scenes stories only add to the film’s legacy and to Khanna’s renewed stature in Bollywood.