Mumbai: As Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar continues its record-breaking box-office run, Akshaye Khanna’s electrifying entry scene as Rehman Dakait—where he dances to the Arabic track FA9LA—has taken social media by storm. But now, an unexpected video from the late 1980s featuring his father, legendary actor Vinod Khanna, has resurfaced online, drawing fascinating parallels between the father–son duo.
Throwback clip from 1989 charity event goes viral
The viral video, reportedly from a 1989 charity gala in Lahore, features Vinod Khanna grooving effortlessly with Rekha, while Pakistan cricket captain and former Prime Minister Imran Khan is also seen on stage. Fans online were quick to connect Vinod’s smooth moves with Akshaye’s swaggering, spontaneous performance in Dhurandhar.
Comments poured in as social media users noticed the uncanny similarities. One fan wrote, “Now I understand why every time I praise Akshaye, my mom talks about the craze for Vinod Khanna in their time.” Another noted, “Both danced in Pakistan—one in real life, the other in reel life.”
Dhurandhar’s Rehman Dakait becomes a cultural moment
When Dhurandhar was announced, most of the excitement surrounded Ranveer Singh and Arjun Rampal’s intense avatars. However, it was Akshaye Khanna who ended up stealing the spotlight with his chilling yet charismatic portrayal of Rehman Dakait, also called Sher-E-Baloch. His dance to FA9LA, sung by Bahrain-based rapper Flipperachi, has now become one of the film’s most replayed scenes.
Interestingly, Danish Pandor—Akshaye’s co-star and the film’s action choreographer—recently revealed that the viral dance moment wasn’t planned at all. It was entirely improvised by Akshaye on set, adding to the mystique and impact of the scene.
Fans celebrate a legacy carried forward
Social media is abuzz with discussions about how Akshaye may have unknowingly inherited gestures, rhythm and presence from his father. One user commented, “A lot of kids embody similar body language as their parents—intentional or not, I’m here for it.” Another wrote, “My dad loved Vinod Khanna. Watching Akshaye now feels like watching that legacy burn brighter.”
Some even called the moment a “subtle tribute”, with a fan posting, “What a tribute he gave to his father—consciously or otherwise.”
Akshaye Khanna, known for his understated brilliance, has now added yet another chapter to his list of standout moments—this time evoking nostalgia while commanding the screen with his distinct style.
A timeless connection
While Akshaye’s viral Dhurandhar dance may not have been inspired directly, the resurfaced video of Vinod Khanna has strengthened the emotional bridge between two generations of performers. Fans are delighted to witness that spark shared across decades—an echo of charisma carried forward, reinvented, and cherished anew.