Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna recently exited the highly anticipated Drishyam 3, just 10 days before shooting was set to begin, according to the film’s producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. The exit comes amid the ongoing success of Akshaye’s latest release, Dhurandhar, which has been performing well at the box office.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Pathak revealed that the makers had finalized an agreement with Akshaye after multiple rounds of fee negotiations. Initially, Akshaye had requested to wear a wig for the film. Director Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it would not be practical due to continuity issues, and Akshaye agreed.
However, Pathak claims that after receiving advice from people around him, Akshaye renewed the wig request. Despite the director being willing to discuss the matter, the actor eventually stepped away from the project.
The producer expressed frustration, saying, “Success has gone into his head. He thinks Dhurandhar is working because of him. He needs to understand that multiple factors contributed to the film’s success.”
Pathak further explained that Akshaye had initially praised the script, calling it a “₹500 crore film” and even embraced the director and writer in excitement. The actor had signed the agreement and received an advance, but then declined to work just days before shooting.
Akshaye has now been replaced by Jaideep Ahlawat, whom the producer called both a better actor and a better person. Pathak also confirmed that legal action has been initiated against Akshaye for his sudden exit, with a legal notice sent to the actor, who has yet to respond.
