Dhurandhar Actor Reveals Akshaye Khanna’s Reaction To Viral FA9LA Hook-Step: 'He Knew He Had Killed It'

After shattering multiple box-office records and emerging as one of the biggest hits of the year, Dhurandhar continues to enjoy a dream run in theatres. What began as a high-stakes action drama has now transformed into a full-blown cultural phenomenon, pulling audiences in with equal parts scale, spectacle and star power.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is led by Ranveer Singh and boasts a formidable ensemble featuring Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal. Together, they anchor a film that has clearly struck a chord far beyond expectations.

In a conversation with NDTV, television actor Hirav Mehta, who plays a BUF Rebel in the film, opened up about sensing Dhurandhar’s blockbuster destiny while still on set, sharing screen

space with industry heavyweights, and being part of Akshaye Khanna’s now-viral song Fa9la.

“I Understood It Would Be A Blockbuster While Shooting Itself”

Reflecting on when he first realised the sheer scale of what Dhurandhar would become, Hirav said the signs were evident from day one of the shoot. “Maybe while shooting. When I went for the shoot on the first day itself, when I saw the set, when I saw that Aditya Dhar sir was directing it so well, and when I met all the actors like Ranveer Singh sir, Akshaye Khanna sir, Sanjay Dutt sir and all the other actors, I instantly knew that this was going to be a blockbuster film. The script was amazing, the set was amazing, and the cinematography, direction and acting were all top-notch. I think while shooting itself, I understood that.”

For Hirav, the conviction didn’t arrive as hindsight after release—it was embedded in the atmosphere, the preparation, and the precision he witnessed on set.

“It Felt Like An Acting Masterclass”

Working alongside a cast of such calibre, Hirav described the experience as nothing short of transformative.

“Looking at Ranveer Singh sir’s acting, Akshaye Khanna sir, Sanjay Dutt sir, R Madhavan sir and Arjun Rampal sir, when I actually shot scenes with them, it felt like an acting masterclass. In simple words, I learned a lot, and it is going to stay with me forever.”

Rather than feeling intimidated, Hirav saw the opportunity as an education—one that extended far beyond the immediate demands of the role.

On The Viral Song Fa9la

Hirav was also part of Akshaye Khanna’s viral track Fa9la, which quickly became a major talking point, particularly due to Akshaye’s understated yet unforgettable hook-step. According to Hirav, the impact of the sequence was apparent even during filming.

“When we were shooting the song Fa9la, the set looked amazing and very grand. There were so many people around us. The walk was shot in slow motion, then we entered the hut, and Akshaye Khanna sir improvised the dance. He was enjoying it so much. While shooting, I definitely felt that this scene was going to make a mark.”

Recalling his interaction with Akshaye Khanna, Hirav described it as brief but deeply memorable. “I was already on the set when Akshaye Khanna sir entered. He was locked into his character, but I still went up to him, introduced myself and said it was a pleasure working with him. He greeted me nicely. It was a small hello-hi conversation, and then we were locked into the shoot.”

“The Hook-Step Was Completely Improvised”

One of the most-discussed aspects of Fa9la was its instantly recognisable hook-step—and Hirav revealed it was entirely spontaneous, “To be very honest, the hook-step was completely improvised. Akshaye sir has a very calm and composed personality, so even if the scene has turned out amazing, you wouldn’t notice his excitement on the set. But deep within, I’m sure he knew he had killed it.”

That quiet confidence, Hirav suggests, is what made the moment resonate so strongly with audiences.

Ranveer Singh’s Energy On Set

Hirav reserved special praise for Ranveer Singh, highlighting not just his screen presence but his generosity as a co-actor, “When Ranveer Singh sir enters the set, he walks in with an aura. He has so much energy, and not random energy – it’s the kind that people around him also feel. Off camera, he is fun and high-energy, but when it’s action time, he locks into the character and it becomes an acting masterclass.”

He also recalled a personal moment that left a lasting impression on him, “It was my first time on a film set, and I was very nervous. Ranveer Singh sir remembered my name, Hirav, and while we were shooting, he hyped me up from the background. That gave me so much confidence, and it’s a memory that will stay with me forever.”

On Aditya Dhar’s Direction

Speaking about the film’s director, Hirav described Aditya Dhar as someone who brings clarity, confidence and calm to the chaos of a large-scale production, “The best part about Aditya Dhar sir is that he makes sure the artist knows everything about the scene – what to do, how to do it, and what the feel should be. When an actor has that clarity, the scene comes out beautifully.”

He added that what truly distinguishes Dhar is his humility and approachability, “All artists are treated at the same level. He makes sure everyone feels comfortable and prepared, and that’s why his direction is always on point.”

As Dhurandhar continues its unstoppable theatrical run, voices like Hirav Mehta’s offer a glimpse into the discipline, collaboration and creative confidence that powered the film from the inside—long before box-office numbers confirmed what the cast and crew already knew.