LSN News › India

World · India Bureau

Farah Khan recalls Akshaye Khanna's difficult phase, notes post-DCH transformation

Filmmaker Farah Khan has opened up about her working experience with actor Akshaye Khanna, describing him as challenging in their early collaborations. Khan suggested the actor underwent a significant personal transformation following the success of Dil Chahta Hai.

LSN India · 10 September 2026

Filmmaker Farah Khan recently shared insights into her professional relationship with actor Akshaye Khanna, revealing that she found him difficult to work with during their initial projects together. The acclaimed director did not elaborate on specific incidents but acknowledged the friction in their earlier collaborations.

However, Khan noted a marked change in the actor's demeanor and approach to his craft following the release of Dil Chahta Hai, the acclaimed 2001 film directed by Farhan Akhtar. According to Khan, Khanna underwent what she described as a "transformation" after the film's success, suggesting the movie served as a turning point in both his career and personal growth.

Khan's comments provide a glimpse into the dynamics of working relationships within Indian cinema, where creative partnerships can be influenced by various professional and personal factors. The filmmaker's observation about Khanna's evolution reflects the broader trajectory of the actor's career, which has seen him take on diverse and challenging roles in both mainstream and independent cinema over the past two decades.

Akshaye Khanna has maintained a selective approach to film selection throughout his career, working with some of the industry's most respected directors and continuing to earn critical acclaim for his performances in contemporary productions.