Akshaye Khanna Skips ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ Reunion
Though some say he’s become arrogant after Dhurandhar’s success, others who know him well say he’s always been a bit reclusive, nothing new
Farhan Akhtar’s Dil Chahta Hai completed 25 years this month, with the cast and crew coming together for a reunion in Mumbai on August 28. But Akshaye Khanna, who played Sid, was notably absent.
Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Dimple Kapadia and Sonali Kulkarni attended, while Preity Zinta, who played Shalini, missed the gathering but shared her nostalgia online. Akshaye’s absence, however, prompted fans to ask on social media: “Where is Akshaye Khanna?”
Known for his fiercely private nature, Akshaye has long maintained a distance from the glare of Bollywood. He avoids social media, rarely gives interviews and keeps away from the usual circuit of parties and public appearances. His increasingly low-key lifestyle has only added to his enigmatic image.
He is not alone
Rekha, one of Bollywood’s most enduring enigmas, has always kept her life fiercely private. Tabu is similarly low-key, while Aamir Khan often retreats from the spotlight during film projects. In the South, Ajith Kumar has long avoided spotlight, while Nayanthara followed a no-promotion policy for years, with a few exceptions recently. Writer-director Rumi Jaffery, a close friend of Akshaye Khanna, comes to the actor’s defence. “Akshaye was always like this. He has not become this way after Dhurandhar. Success has not gone to his head. He always avoided social gatherings and parties. It’s just that people are noticing it now. I think there is some virtue in a star holding back his public appearances. That aura of stardom is missing today as stars are too easily accessible.