Akshaye Khanna’s career in Hindi cinema has spanned nearly three decades, marked by early promise, long stretches of underappreciation, and a powerful resurgence that has redefined his standing in the industry. Son of legendary actor Vinod Khanna, he entered Bollywood with high expectations and delivered an impactful debut in Border (1997), earning praise for his stirring portrayal of a young soldier. This was followed by memorable performances in romantic dramas such as Taal and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which established him as a capable leading man.

Yet despite these strong beginnings, inconsistencies in box-office performance and Akshaye’s preference for selective, often unconventional scripts gradually shifted him away from mainstream stardom. Over the years, he took on supporting and character roles in films like Gunday, Dishoom, and later, the highly successful Drishyam 2, where critics once again noted his craft and screen presence. By 50, he had weathered a career defined as much by quiet perseverance as by talent.

A Long Journey of Persistence

Akshaye’s reputation as a nuanced performer was cemented through films like Dil Chahta Hai, Hungama, and Gandhi, My Father, where critics praised his sensitivity and method-driven approach. However, commercial setbacks, including titles such as Awarapan and Race, affected his trajectory as a traditional leading star. Social media conversations often referred to him as Bollywood’s “underrated gem,” a performer whose full potential had yet to be tapped by the right opportunities.

‘Chhaava’: A Turning Point

His 2025 resurgence began with Laxman Utekar’s historical drama Chhaava, where Akshaye took on the complex role of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, opposite Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. His performance—marked by intensity, restraint, and commanding delivery—quickly became one of the film’s standout elements. With Chhaava’s blockbuster success and praise for its scale and emotional depth, Akshaye’s portrayal was hailed as one of his most powerful in years.

‘Dhurandhar’: A Cultural Moment

Following this momentum, Akshaye appeared in Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar as Rehman Dakait, a calculated Pakistani crime lord and politician. His introductory sequence, set to a Bahraini rap track, went viral across social media platforms for its blend of menace and controlled elegance. Acting alongside major names including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan, Akshaye emerged as one of the film’s central forces. Critics drew comparisons to Robert De Niro for the gravitas he brought to the role. The film’s success—crossing ₹130 crore—further solidified his renewed appeal.

2025: The Year Everything Changed

Industry observers note that Akshaye’s resurgence is not accidental. Strategic script choices after Drishyam 2, directors recognizing his evolving screen presence, and two high-impact releases in a single year collectively marked 2025 as a turning point in his career. His versatility—from historical antagonist to underworld kingpin—has sparked conversations about international recognition, including speculative discussions around his potential for global award nominations.

A Career Reinvented

Today, Akshaye Khanna stands as one of Bollywood’s most respected performers, no longer defined by the unpredictability of early career years. His journey reflects the value of persistence, craft, and resilience. After 27 years in the industry, he has experienced a rare second act—one driven not by formulaic stardom but by strong performances, audience rediscovery, and a renewed appreciation for his depth as an actor.