5 Films Rejected By Dhurandhar Actor Akshaye Khanna: Parineeta To Kurbaan

Akshaye Khanna made an exception in 2025. After a long time, the actor had two major releases in a year. With Chhaava and Dhurandhar, he climbed up to the peak once again. Following the success of Dhurandhar, he was supposed to reunite with his Drishyam team for the third part. However, he turned down the role at the last minute. This isn’t the first time Akshaye has declined a film. In his acting career, the actor has been specific about the films he picks. Be it based on monetary criteria or character requirements, Akshaye kept his demands clearly before the makers. Amid Dhurandhar’s smashing success and exit from Drishyam 3, let’s take a look at the films that Akshaye rejected. From Parineeta to Kurbaan, the actor denied movies, and some

of them are now an integral part of Indian cinema’s history.

Parineeta

According to reports, Pradeep Sarkar wanted to work with Akshaye in Parineeta. Vidya Balan made her debut in the romantic drama set in Kolkata. The role, which was initially offered to Akshaye, eventually went to Saif Ali Khan. Parineeta was critically acclaimed and performed well at the box office. The film also starred Sanjay Dutt and Raima Sen.

Khakee

Akshaye was the first choice to play Sub Inspector Ashwin Gupte in Rajkumar Santoshi’s acclaimed cop drama, Khakee. Due to alleged creative differences, the actor turned it down. It was eventually played by Tusshar Kapoor. The film also starred Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Aishwarya Rai.

Zinda

Sanjay Gupta’s perfect cast for Zinda included Akshaye Khanna. In the remake of the Korean classic Oldboy, he was offered the role of Rohit Chopra. Due to remuneration conflict, he chose not to do the film. John Abraham was offered the part in the movie co-starring Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Celina Jaitly.

Kurbaan

During the promotions of Ittefaq, Karan Johar revealed that Akshaye was offered a role in Kurbaan, which he rejected. Before Vivek Oberoi came on board, the character of Riyaz Masood was taken to Khanna. Johar teased the actor by saying, “I got rejected once by you in my office for a film. I wasn't directing the film. I offered you Kurbaan and you said no.”

Kaante

Sanjay Gupta wanted to cast Akshaye in Kaante, one of his memorable and best films. He was approached for the role of Mak, an undercover police officer planning a bank heist with other criminals. After his rejection, the role was played by Lucky Ali.

After Dhurandhar, Akshaye will be seen in the mythological film, Mahakali. It is his first Telugu film.