Priyadarshan On Casting Akshaye Khanna: No Issues At All

Akshaye Khanna has been in the news recently after Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed that the actor left the film just 10 days before shooting. The producer said Akshaye wanted to wear a wig and called him “unprofessional” and “toxic.” 

However, filmmaker Priyadarshan has a different take. Speaking to Mid-Day, he shared his experience working with Akshaye in Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998). 

“Everyone discouraged me from casting him. They said he is difficult and moody. But I fell in love with him from the first film itself. I never found him difficult. If I called him at 5 a.m., he would be there on time. He is a darling, and we’ve never had a bitter moment together,” said Priyadarshan. 

Priyadarshan and Akshaye have worked together in six films, including hits like Aakrosh, Hulchul, and Hungama. 

On the other hand, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak said Akshaye left Drishyam 3 because his wig request was denied and claimed that Akshaye now thinks of himself as a superstar after Dhurandhar’s success. 

Currently, Akshaye is enjoying success with Dhurandhar, which has crossed ₹1,200 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film ever. He also has a Telugu film, Mahakali, coming up, where he will play Asuraguru Shukracharya. The release date has yet to be announced.