Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan recently shared insights into a challenging chapter of her professional journey with actor Akshaye Khanna. During a candid conversation on podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s show, she opened up about her early experiences in the film industry during the 1990s, where she deliberately chose to distance herself from working with him.
Reflecting on her past, Farah recalled having collaborated with Akshaye on a few films, but those experiences left her feeling quite unsettled. She noted that the actor’s behavior on set was markedly different back then, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone involved. After those initial projects, she made a conscious choice to steer clear of films that included him. “In the ’90s, I did a couple of movies with Akshaye, and after that I was traumatized,” she admitted. “He was introspective but not pleasant on set.”
Farah described how she would often decline film offers upon discovering Akshaye’s involvement, saying, “Whenever I heard that Akshaye Khanna was in a film, I would say, ‘I don’t have the dates.’” She emphasized that he often appeared irritated during that time, speculating that personal issues, particularly related to his hair loss, might have influenced his on-set demeanor. “I think at that time he himself had said that he was losing his hair. He was constantly irritable. He used to throw things and say, ‘What kind of dialogue is this?’” she recounted.
However, Farah’s perception of Akshaye evolved over the years. They eventually reunited for the 2010 film Tees Maar Khan, and she came to appreciate his acting prowess more fully. Her remarks highlight how relationships in the film industry can change over time, with initial misunderstandings paving the way for mutual respect and collaboration.