Actor Naveen Kaushik recently opened up about his experience working alongside Akshaye Khanna in their upcoming project Dhurandhar, and his words reflect deep admiration, gratitude, and awe. In a candid interview, Naveen described his time on the film’s set as nothing short of a “masterclass,” recalling how just being around Akshaye changed the way he approached his craft. For Naveen, who has worked on several notable projects before this, Dhurandhar became a turning point, largely because of the presence of the ever-enigmatic Akshaye Khanna.
Naveen shared that when he was first offered the role, he was excited but nervous. He had always respected Akshaye’s work—from Dil Chahta Hai and Gandhi, My Father to his more recent performances that showcased maturity, control, and an unmatched command over subtle emotions. According to Naveen, Akshaye’s screen presence is powerful even when he says nothing, and that same presence was felt intensely during the shoot. Naveen said stepping onto the same set as him felt like entering a new school of acting, but without any formal teacher—learning simply by observing.
What impressed Naveen the most was Akshaye’s preparation. He explained that Akshaye would arrive on set fully aware of every layer of a scene—its rhythm, mood, underlying tension, and even the emotional beats of actors around him. Naveen described it as “watching a director’s mind inside an actor’s body.” He said Akshaye’s attention to detail was not loud or flamboyant; instead, it was quiet, internal, and extremely precise. This made every take feel spontaneous but sharply focused.
Among all the moments on set, there was one particular scene that left Naveen completely speechless. Though he didn’t reveal major plot details, he hinted that it was a confrontational scene where the emotional intensity between their characters rises sharply. Naveen recalled that he had rehearsed the scene multiple times, prepared his lines thoroughly, and believed he knew exactly how he wanted to deliver them. But when the camera rolled and Akshaye performed his part, everything changed. Naveen said Akshaye’s energy, voice modulation, and controlled intensity were so magnetic that it shifted the tone of the entire room.
He shared that for a few seconds, he forgot his own lines—not out of fear, but out of sheer admiration. He said watching Akshaye in that moment felt like witnessing a “flow state,” something only naturally gifted and highly disciplined actors can achieve. The silence on the set after the take ended told him he wasn’t the only one stunned; even the crew members were trying to process the power of the moment. Naveen added that experiences like these shape an actor more than any workshop or training session.
Another aspect Naveen highlighted was Akshaye’s generosity as a co-actor. Despite his seniority and long-standing reputation in the industry, Akshaye never made anyone feel intimidated. Naveen mentioned that Akshaye was soft-spoken, respectful, and genuinely curious about how other actors interpreted their roles. He would offer suggestions only when needed and was always ready to rehearse scenes multiple times so everyone could find the right emotional balance. Naveen felt this collaborative attitude helped the entire team perform better.
Talking about Dhurandhar, Naveen said the film itself is packed with intense storytelling, strong characters, and sharp drama. Working on a project where every frame demands authenticity pushed him to bring out his best. He expressed gratitude for being part of a film that allowed him to grow professionally and creatively. Naveen believes the audience will get to see a powerful performance from Akshaye once again, one that blends his trademark calmness with a strong internal storm.
For Naveen Kaushik, Dhurandhar was not just another project. It became an unforgettable learning experience—one that helped him evolve both as an actor and as a human being. He said that watching Akshaye Khanna up close has changed his approach toward acting forever. Instead of overthinking scenes, he now focuses on grounding emotions, listening more deeply to co-actors, and allowing moments to breathe naturally.
As the release of Dhurandhar approaches, Naveen is excited for the audience to witness the magic he experienced firsthand on set. He hopes people will appreciate the depth, intensity, and honesty that Akshaye brings to the screen—and the hard work the entire team has put in. For him, sharing screen space with Akshaye Khanna will remain one of the most special chapters of his career.
