Akshaye Khanna is back in the spotlight, not just for his recent exit from Drishyam 3 but also because of an old interview where he spoke openly about nepotism in Bollywood. As the news around his departure
makes headlines, his earlier comments on how he got his first break are being discussed again.
The actor, who was recently seen in Dhurandhar, has stepped away from Drishyam 3 after talks with the makers failed. The production team has confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat will now take over the role, and the film will move forward as planned.
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak of Panorama Studios addressed the issue after the release date of Drishyam 3 was announced earlier this week. He said the team held multiple discussions with Khanna over his fees, but the talks did not lead to an agreement. Differences also came up over creative choices linked to the role.
“Akshaye Khanna’s remuneration, which is said to be the reason for his walking out of the project, was negotiated thrice. Following this, Akshaye reportedly stopped responding to phone calls altogether,” Mangat said, adding that the production house is considering legal action.
According to Mangat, the issues were not limited to money. He said there were also disagreements over the hairstyle for Khanna’s character, IG Tarun Ahlawat. Despite attempts to sort things out, no solution was reached, and communication eventually stopped.
As this unfolded, a 2020 interview of Khanna with Hindustan Times began circulating again online. Talking about how tough it is to break into films, he had said, “Wanting to be an actor and getting the opportunity are two different things. Millions of people want to be an actor.” When asked what usually helps someone get their first role, he replied, “Nepotism, that works.”
The makers have officially confirmed Jaideep Ahlawat’s casting in Drishyam 3, which is set to release in 2026. While such casting changes are not new in the industry, the timing of Khanna’s exit and his past comments have once again brought the nepotism debate back into focus.
