Growing up as the son of one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, Akshaye was no stranger to the world of greasepaint and film sets. However, the conversation about joining the industry himself was surprisingly understated.
Akshaye recalls that there wasn’t a “grand announcement” or a dramatic scene.
Instead, he simply approached his father and expressed his desire to act. Vinod Khanna’s reaction was one of measured support. He didn’t jump with joy, nor did he discourage him; rather, he accepted it with the grace of a man who knew the industry’s highs and lows intimately.
The veteran actor’s main concern was that his son should be well-prepared. He famously told Akshaye that while the “Khanna” name might open the first door, it wouldn’t keep him in the room—only talent and hard work would. This grounded reaction shaped Akshaye’s work ethic, leading him to focus on craft rather than just stardom.
While Akshaye made his debut in Himalaya Putra (produced by his father), it was his second film, Border (1997), that truly established him as a powerhouse performer.
The story of how he landed the role of 2nd Lt. Dharamvir Singh Bhan is legendary in its own right. Director J.P. Dutta was looking for a fresh face who could embody the innocence and burgeoning courage of a young soldier.
J.P. Dutta approached Akshaye specifically because he saw a certain “intensity and vulnerability” in his eyes—traits that mirrored the real-life soldier the character was based on. When Akshaye was asked to work in Border, he was initially overwhelmed. The film was a massive ensemble featuring stars like Sunny Deol and Suniel Shetty.
J.P. Dutta’s belief in him paid off. Akshaye’s portrayal of the soldier who writes letters home and eventually finds his courage on the battlefield became the emotional heartbeat of the film. He said “J.P. Dutta didn’t just give me a role; he gave me a baptism by fire in one of the greatest war films ever made,” Akshaye once reflected on the experience.
Decades later, Akshaye Khanna remains one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema. Whether it’s the quiet artist in Dil Chahta Hai or the menacing antagonist in his recent 2025 hits like Dhurandhar, the foundation of his career remains that early approval from his father and the trust J.P. Dutta placed in a newcomer.
He continues to honor his father’s memory by choosing roles that challenge the status quo, proving that while he may have inherited the “Khanna” charm, his path is entirely his own. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
