Mumbai: Actor Arshad Warsi has come out strongly in support of his long-time co-star Akshaye Khanna amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Drishyam 3, praising him as a serious, grounded individual who has never been bothered about public opinion or industry politics.

Arshad Warsi defends Akshaye Khanna

Arshad Warsi’s comments come at a time when Akshaye Khanna has been under scrutiny following allegations of unprofessional conduct levelled by Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. Speaking in an interview with Lallantop, Arshad drew from his personal experiences of working with Akshaye in films such as Hulchul and Short Kut, offering a perspective that contrasts sharply with the producer’s claims.

“Akshaye is a very serious guy. He has been a brilliant actor from the very beginning; there was never any doubt about that, but he likes to stay in his own world,” Arshad said.

According to Arshad, Akshaye’s personality has always been consistent — private, introspective and detached from industry noise. He stressed that the actor has never sought validation or approval from others, including colleagues, the media or public relations teams.

‘He lives life on his own terms’

Elaborating further, Arshad described Akshaye as someone who is indifferent to external judgement and criticism. Using colloquial Hindi to underline his point, Arshad explained that Akshaye believes firmly in personal freedom and self-defined boundaries.

“He doesn’t care about you or anybody. Uska apna hai ki apni zindagi hai, aap mere baare mein kya sochte ho ya nahi sochte ho, woh meri problem nahi hai. Life jeeta hai apne hisaab se,” Arshad said.

Translated loosely, Arshad explained that Akshaye believes it is his life, and what others think or do not think about him is not his concern. He added that Akshaye has never relied on image management or public relations strategies to shape his career.

“He does not care about PR and all that — he has been like this right from day one,” Arshad noted, suggesting that Akshaye’s approach to life and work has remained unchanged despite decades in the industry.

The Drishyam 3 dispute

The controversy erupted after producer Kumar Mangat Pathak accused Akshaye Khanna of walking out of Drishyam 3 just ten days before the film was scheduled to go on floors. Pathak claimed that the actor had already signed an agreement and that his sudden exit caused disruption to the project’s planning and scheduling.

The producer reportedly sent a legal notice to Akshaye, alleging breach of contract and unprofessional behaviour. Pathak also made public claims that Akshaye had requested to wear a wig for the film, a demand that was allegedly turned down by the director due to continuity issues related to the character.

According to Pathak, the disagreement over the wig and other creative aspects contributed to Akshaye’s decision to exit the project. These allegations quickly triggered debate within the film industry, with opinions divided over creative autonomy, contractual obligations and professional ethics.

Industry reactions and silence from Akshaye

While several industry insiders have chosen to stay silent on the matter, Arshad Warsi’s remarks stand out as one of the most direct defences of Akshaye Khanna so far. Notably, Akshaye himself has not issued any public statement addressing either the legal notice or the allegations made against him.

Akshaye, known for his low-key presence and minimal media interactions, has historically avoided public controversies. His silence in the current situation has only reinforced the image described by Arshad — that of an actor who prefers to stay detached from public discourse and focus solely on his work.

Jaideep Ahlawat steps in

Following Akshaye Khanna’s exit, actor Jaideep Ahlawat has been roped in to take over the role in Drishyam 3. The casting change was officially confirmed by the makers, bringing some closure to the immediate production concerns.

Drishyam 3, the third instalment of the successful thriller franchise, is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. The film carries high expectations, given the popularity of the previous two parts and the franchise’s strong box office performance.

A debate beyond one film

Beyond Drishyam 3, the episode has reignited a broader conversation within Bollywood about professionalism, creative disagreements and the balance between contractual commitments and artistic comfort. Akshaye Khanna’s career, marked by selective choices and critically acclaimed performances, has often defied conventional industry norms.

Arshad Warsi’s defence suggests that what some perceive as indifference or aloofness may, in fact, be a conscious lifestyle choice rather than unprofessional conduct. His comments have resonated with fans who admire Akshaye for staying true to himself in an industry often driven by perception and publicity.

Conclusion

As Drishyam 3 moves forward with a new cast member and the legal dispute remains unresolved, Arshad Warsi’s remarks have added an important counter-narrative to the controversy. Whether the matter escalates legally or fades with time, the episode has once again highlighted Akshaye Khanna’s reputation as an unconventional actor who chooses to live — and work — strictly on his own terms.