Actor Akshaye Khanna is again in conversation — not only for his intense performance in Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, but also for his unexpected departure from Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3. As conversations and speculation continue, Arshad Warsi — who has worked closely with Akshaye — has stepped in to share a grounded perspective on the actor’s personality and choices.
Arshad Warsi recalls working with Akshaye
Speaking about their time together in Short Kut (2009) and earlier in Priyadarshan’s Hulchul (2004), Arshad described Akshaye as deeply focused and self-contained.
“Akshaye is a very serious person. He has always been a strong actor — there was never any doubt about that. But he prefers to live in his own world,” Arshad said.
He added that Akshaye has never chased publicity or bothered about perceptions. According to Arshad, the actor believes that how others view him is their concern — and he chooses to live life on his own terms, away from PR strategies or image-building.
Context: The Drishyam 3 controversy
The remarks come amid criticism directed at Akshaye after claims surfaced that he exited Drishyam 3 shortly before filming, despite signing on to the project. Reports suggested creative disagreements — including a supposed wig requirement — contributed to the fallout.
Following his exit, Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the cast, and the film is slated for release on October 2, 2026. Meanwhile, Akshaye continues to win appreciation for his portrayal of Rehman Dakait/Baloch in Dhurandhar, with many calling it one of his standout roles in recent years.