Actor Saumya Tandon has opened up about one of the most intense and talked-about moments from Dhurandhar—a powerful scene in which her character slaps Akshaye Khanna. The moment, brief yet emotionally charged, has left a strong impact on audiences. Now, Saumya has revealed the behind-the-scenes story, sharing how director Aditya Dhar encouraged her to fully commit to the scene and not hold back.
In a recent interaction, Saumya spoke candidly about the pressure, emotions, and preparation that went into shooting the scene, calling it one of the most challenging moments of her career.
“I Was Extremely Nervous”
Saumya admitted that she was initially nervous about performing such a physically intense scene with an actor as respected and experienced as Akshaye Khanna.
“I was very conscious,” she said. “Akshaye sir is such a senior and accomplished actor. The thought of slapping him on screen was intimidating.”
According to her, the scene wasn’t meant to be dramatic for shock value but carried deep emotional weight within the narrative. It marked a turning point in the relationship between their characters and revealed suppressed anger, pain, and confrontation.
Aditya Dhar’s Clear Direction: ‘Go For It’
What helped Saumya overcome her hesitation was director Aditya Dhar’s clarity and confidence. She recalled that during rehearsals, she instinctively held back, worried about hurting her co-star or making the moment look awkward.
That’s when Aditya Dhar stepped in.
“He told me very clearly, ‘Don’t fake it. Go for it. This scene needs honesty, not hesitation,’” Saumya shared.
The director explained to her that the power of the scene lay in its realism. If the slap looked restrained or artificial, the emotional payoff would be lost. His assurance gave Saumya the confidence to trust the process.
Akshaye Khanna’s Professionalism on Set
Saumya was full of praise for Akshaye Khanna, describing him as “extremely professional and supportive.” Before the take, Akshaye reportedly reassured her and told her not to worry about him.
“He said, ‘You do your job honestly. Don’t think about me,’” Saumya revealed. “That really helped me relax.”
She added that Akshaye’s calm demeanor and focus created a safe space for her to perform the scene authentically. The slap, though real for cinematic effect, was carefully choreographed to ensure safety while maintaining emotional impact.
One Take Was Enough
Interestingly, the scene was completed in just one take. According to Saumya, once the slap happened, the emotional intensity in the room was palpable.
“There was silence after the cut,” she recalled. “Everyone knew we had got it.”
The director reportedly decided not to do another take, believing the rawness of the moment could not be recreated. That very take eventually made it to the final cut—and audiences have since praised its realism.
Audience Reaction Validated the Effort
After the film’s release, viewers took to social media to discuss the scene, calling it “chilling,” “unexpected,” and “brilliantly performed.” Many appreciated that the moment didn’t feel theatrical or exaggerated but instead felt painfully real.
Saumya said the audience reaction validated the emotional risk she took.
“When people tell you they felt the tension and pain in that scene, it makes everything worth it,” she said.
Breaking Out of Her Comfort Zone
Known largely for her warm, composed roles on television and in films, Dhurandhar allowed Saumya to explore a darker, more confrontational side. She described the role as transformative and credited Aditya Dhar for pushing her beyond her comfort zone.
“This film demanded emotional courage,” she said. “It wasn’t about looking good on screen—it was about being truthful.”
A Film Driven by Performances
Dhurandhar has been widely praised for its intense performances and grounded storytelling. With actors like Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Saumya Tandon delivering layered portrayals, the film relies heavily on emotional authenticity rather than spectacle.
Saumya believes that such moments—like the slap scene—work because everyone involved trusted each other completely. “When there is trust between actors and the director, magic happens,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of Dhurandhar, Saumya Tandon says she is now more open to complex and challenging roles. The experience has given her confidence to take creative risks and explore stories that demand emotional depth.
As for the slap that audiences can’t stop talking about, Saumya summed it up simply:
“It wasn’t about the slap. It was about everything that led to it.”
