‘Not a nice person on set’: Farah Khan reveals Akshaye Khanna was IRRITABLE because of ‘hair loss’ earlier

Every few years, a performance resurfaces online and reminds audiences why a certain actor stood out in the first place. Recently, that renewed appreciation has centred around Akshaye Khanna. After his striking appearance in Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, viewers have begun revisiting many moments from his earlier films. Among them is his unusual and widely discussed role in Tees Maar Khan, which has slowly transformed from a box office disappointment into an internet favourite.

When Tees Maar Khan first released in theatres, it failed to impress critics and struggled commercially. Over time, however, the film began finding a second life online. Scenes featuring Akshaye Khanna’s flamboyant film star character are now frequently shared on social media platforms. Many reels showcase his dramatic expressions and eccentric dialogue delivery, often accompanied by comments praising how committed he was to the absurdity of the role. The clips have circulated widely enough that the film’s director, Farah Khan, is regularly tagged in them. In several instances, she has also expressed admiration for Khanna’s performance in those scenes.

What makes this renewed appreciation interesting is that Farah Khan herself once had a complicated working relationship with the actor. During a recent appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, the filmmaker spoke openly about how her first experiences collaborating with Akshaye Khanna in the nineteen nineties left her uncomfortable.

Sharing her memories from that time, Farah said, “In the ’90s, I did a couple of movies with Akshaye, and after that I was traumatised. Because he used to be a different person. Yes, introverted, but not a nice person on set. Whenever I heard that Akshaye Khanna was in a film, I used to say, ‘I don’t have the dates.”

In the ’90s, I did a couple of movies with Akshaye, and after that I was traumatised. Because he used to be a different person. Yes, introverted, but not a nice person on set. Whenever I heard that Akshaye Khanna was in a film, I used to say, ‘I don’t have the dates‘

- Farah Khan

According to Farah, the actor appeared to be going through a difficult personal phase at the time. She explained that Khanna was dealing with hair loss, something that seemed to affect his mood and behaviour during shoots.

“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?’ He used to be that kind of person.”

Despite these early experiences, Farah eventually noticed a dramatic shift in the actor’s attitude when they later worked together on Dil Chahta Hai, which marked the directorial debut of her cousin Farhan Akhtar. Because of her family connection to Farhan, declining the project was never really an option. The experience, however, ended up surprising her in a positive way.

“He had completely changed by then. He had reconciled with his hair. In Dil Chahta Hai, he became very chill. Before that, if there was water or rain in a scene, he would always wear a cap, like see every rain song of his, such as in Taal. But after Dil Chahta Hai, something changed. And he is a brilliant dancer, if you watch ‘Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe,’ he is dancing better than Aamir and Saif.”

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?’ He used to be that kind of person

- Farah Khan

Farah Khan explained that this transformation altered the way she saw the actor. Over time, their professional interactions evolved into a more comfortable and friendly dynamic.

She also revealed that after watching Dhurandhar recently, she immediately felt the urge to reach out to Akshaye Khanna. The filmmaker called him to congratulate him on the performance and later even visited him at his home in Alibag.

“I called him and then I went to his Alibag house. What I like about him is that he is not about the fluff, he is about the work. He enjoys acting.”

Her remarks underline how her perception of the actor has changed over the years. While their early collaborations were challenging, Farah now appreciates the sincerity with which Khanna approaches his craft. As audiences continue rediscovering his older performances alongside his recent work in Dhurandhar, the actor seems to be experiencing a renewed wave of recognition for his distinctive presence on screen.