Farah Khan has recalled a time when Akshaye Khanna was “very difficult” to work with, saying the actor went through a phase when he was “very irritable” on film sets. The filmmaker said she noticed a transformation in him after Dil Chahta Hai and praised him as “too good” during their work on Tees Maar Khan.
Farah made the revelation on choreographers Bosco and Caesar’s podcast Dance Masti. The discussion later took a light-hearted turn when Farah and Caesar talked about actors who had been particularly challenging to work with.
Speaking to the choreographers, Farah said, “At one time, Akshaye Khanna used to be very difficult to work with.” She explained that she had worked with him on Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, followed by Laawaris and another film. According to Farah, Akshaye himself had admitted in interviews that he was difficult during that period. She said he was often irritable and did not like standing around on set.
Farah said she believed Akshaye underwent a change after Dil Chahta Hai. “After Dil Chahta Hai, he had a transformation, I think. In Tees Maar Khan, he was too good. He is actually a very good dancer. But I was very clear that I don't want to work with artists who are irritating,” she said.
During the podcast, Caesar asked Farah which actor had required the most effort from her. When Farah asked him to answer first, Caesar named Abhishek Bachchan. Farah, however, pointed out that Abhishek is an excellent dancer.
“I never said he is a bad dancer,” Caesar clarified. Farah then said that Abhishek could tire her out because of his playful personality. She described him as fun-loving, constantly wanting to wander around, and someone who enjoys teasing people and those around him.
Caesar recalled one particular incident from a shoot, saying he was filming with Abhishek near the Gateway of India when the actor brought a bucket of cold water during the middle of the night and poured it over him. He described Abhishek as a prankster.
Caesar then told Farah, “But you didn't name the bully,” to which she jokingly replied, “But I got you to name.”
Akshaye Khanna in recent discussion
Farah’s comments come at a time when Akshaye Khanna’s recent work has once again generated considerable interest. His performance in Dhurandhar received a strong response on social media. In the franchise, he portrayed Rehman Dakait, a Pakistani gangster from Karachi’s Lyari area.
Although his appearance in the second instalment was limited, audiences noticed his absence. His departure from the Drishyam franchise following Dhurandhar also generated considerable discussion.
The actor was subsequently seen in the courtroom thriller Ikka on Netflix. His next major theatrical project is the mythological action-adventure film Mahakali, in which he plays Shukracharya. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 8, 2027.
