Akshaye Khanna, who stepped into Bollywood alongside icons like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar, has always carved his own space in the industry — even if he never became part of the “superstar” league. In an earlier heartfelt conversation with journalist Anurradha Prasad, Akshaye shared his honest views on his journey, the constant comparisons with his more commercially celebrated peers, and why he’s at peace with his place in the industry.
When asked why his name never quite reached the heights of stardom enjoyed by his contemporaries, despite delivering standout performances in acclaimed films such as Dil Chahta Hai, Border, and Taal, Akshaye offered a grounded perspective. He said that it’s not an actor alone who makes a superstar, but rather the films that define them.
“You become a superstar only when your films make you one,” Akshaye explained. “It takes a Gadar, a Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, or a Hum Aapke Hain Koun to elevate someone to that level. You can give your best, but ultimately, it comes down to destiny. Imagine a businessman who’s running a ₹500-crore company — does that mean he isn’t successful just because he isn’t Ratan Tata or Dhirubhai Ambani? So until I become Shah Rukh Khan, does it mean I haven’t tasted success at all?” he reflected.
The actor also spoke about the narrow path to leading roles in Indian cinema. In a country of over a billion people, only a handful — perhaps 15 or 20 — actually get the opportunity to become lead actors, he pointed out. “How much more can anyone ask for?” he said. For Akshaye, success has never been about fame alone but about personal satisfaction and staying true to himself.
He also shared his thoughts on the pressure to constantly stay in the limelight. Akshaye admitted he’s not the type to embrace the party circuit, chase headlines, or engage in self-promotion just to stay relevant. “If surviving in this industry meant I had to reinvent myself at every step, socialize endlessly, give countless interviews, or stir up controversies to remain visible — I’d rather walk away than lose myself,” he said with quiet confidence.
When asked if he ever felt overshadowed or disappointed because others became household names while he didn’t, Akshaye’s response was filled with gratitude. “Never. What has God not given me?” he replied, dismissing any feelings of regret. Addressing the notion that he lives a reserved and low-profile life, he admitted, “There’s a perception that I stay in a cocoon. Compared to some other actors, maybe it looks like that. But I’ve never been the flamboyant type, and I don’t intend to change that.”
Most recently, Akshaye impressed audiences with his performance as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar. The historical action film, based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, featured Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, with Dia Mirza, Ashutosh Rana, and Vineet Kumar Singh also part of the ensemble. The movie went on to become the biggest box-office hit of the year, grossing ₹806.45 crore worldwide.
Next up, Akshaye is set to appear in Dhurandhar, a film directed by Aditya Dhar. The project, which is currently in production, will see him share the screen with Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and several other big names.
