While the internet is in a frenzy over Akshaye Khanna’s legendary portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, the actor remains his typical reclusive self, performing a Vastu Shanti puja in Alibaug while the world watches his improvised dance on loop.
December 18, 2025: Days after the theatrical release of Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, a specific clip featuring Akshaye Khanna grooving to the Arabic track FA9LA by Bahrainian rapper Flipperachi went nuclear on social media. Despite having Ranveer Singh in the same frame, it was Akshaye’s “aura” that stole the spotlight.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra recently revealed that the viral dance wasn’t even in the script—it was a pure moment of brilliance from the actor himself.
“It was Akshaye paaji’s own idea; it was improvised. Every actor has a sur (tone), but his is so different that it never feels borrowed or copied. He puts something into a scene so convincingly that you just fall in love,” Chhabra told Miss Malini.
The “Alibaug Update”: Akshaye’s Real-Life Reaction
Despite being the most talked-about man in Indian cinema right now, Akshaye—who famously stays off social media—is largely indifferent to his status as an “internet sensation.” Chhabra shared their recent conversation:
- The Reaction: “I was talking to him this morning. He’s very unaffected. He just said, ‘Haan mazza aa gaya’ (Yeah, it was fun). That’s it.”
- The Process: Chhabra noted that Akshaye is a deeply meditative actor who “handles his aura carefully” and prepares extensively in his own space before the cameras roll.
- Vastu Shanti Puja: As fans scoured the web for updates, a video of the actor performing a Vastu Shanti puja at his Alibaug residence surfaced on Wednesday, showing him in a peaceful, domestic setting far away from the “Dhurandhar” mania.
“Assalamualaikum Lyari”: The Birth of a New Icon
Critics and fans alike have been citing the “podium scene” as a masterclass in screen presence. Chhabra highlighted the moment Akshaye’s character bends down to address the crowd with “Assalamualaikum Lyari” as a specific actor-choice that redefined the villainous role.
The hype has reached such heights that even Allu Arjun recently lauded Akshaye’s “charismatic aura,” while Vicky Kaushal called his performance a “revelation.”
March 19: The Return of Rehman Dakait
The “aura farming” isn’t over yet. With the massive success of the first installment, fans are already counting down to March 19, 2026, for the release of Dhurandhar 2.