Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently addressed why he was not cast in the successful action film "Dhurandhar," directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh. Kumar stated that director Aditya Dhar likely did not consider him for the role, dismissing any feelings of insecurity or jealousy about another actor's success. He made these remarks at the India Today Conclave Delhi 2026, discussing evolving audience preferences and the nature of the film industry.[livemint+4]
Kumar Explains Dhurandhar Casting
During his session at the India Today Conclave, Akshay Kumar was directly asked if he would have liked to be part of "Dhurandhar," a film known for its intense action sequences. He responded simply, "I don't think Aditya thought that, so I didn't get it."This candid admission clarified that the decision was likely a creative choice by director Aditya Dhar, rather than a missed opportunity on Kumar's part.[livemint+10]
Kumar emphasized that he does not harbor any insecurity or jealousy when fellow actors achieve success with films he was not offered. He used the Hindi phrase "jalan nahi hoti" (there's no jealousy) to convey his feelings.The actor highlighted the collaborative nature of the industry, noting that approximately 15 to 20 prominent actors work on around 180 films produced in India each year, ensuring everyone finds work.[livemint+9]
Shifting Audience Tastes
Akshay Kumar also used "Dhurandhar" as an example to illustrate the dynamic and ever-changing preferences of the audience. He pointed out that the film's success demonstrates a renewed appetite for large-scale, high-octane action movies featuring a hero with an "angry young man" image, a trend he observed had subsided for some time.[livemint+6]
He explained that cinematic trends are cyclical, with different genres gaining popularity at various times. Kumar mentioned that several years ago, social films like his own "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" and "Padman" were highly successful.Currently, he observed a strong inclination towards horror comedies, citing the hit film "Stree" as an example.This constant evolution means filmmakers and actors must adapt to what audiences desire next.[ndtvprofit+12]
Mutual Respect Among Actors
Kumar shared that he and Ranveer Singh, the star of "Dhurandhar," often discuss their work with mutual admiration. He recounted instances where Ranveer might express a wish to have done a film Kumar starred in, and vice versa.This exchange, Kumar explained, is a common and healthy part of their professional relationships, indicating a spirit of camaraderie rather than rivalry within the industry.[livemint+10]
The actor reiterated that while a momentary thought of wishing one had done a particular film might arise, it does not escalate into genuine regret or competitive animosity.This perspective underscores his professional outlook, focusing on the abundance of opportunities and the changing landscape of Bollywood.[livemint+8]
Akshay Kumar continues to have a busy schedule with several upcoming projects, including the horror-comedy "Bhoot Bangla" and the ensemble film "Welcome to the Jungle."His comments provide insight into the mindset of a veteran actor navigating a constantly shifting industry, emphasizing adaptability and a lack of personal envy.[livemint+2]
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