Akshaye Khanna birthday special:‘Dhurandhar’, ‘Chhaava’, ‘Border’, a look at his best performances

As Akshaye Khanna celebrates his birthday, it’s an apt moment to revisit a career defined by quiet brilliance and understated intensity. There are actors who evolve with time, and then there are those who seem to exist outside it. Khanna belongs firmly to the latter. With a journey spanning decades, from early films like 'Himalay Putra' (1997) and 'Doli Saja Ke Rakhna' (1998) to more recent, layered roles, he has consistently defied conventional stardom. Over the last ten years, he has delivered some of his most compelling performances, proving that restraint and intelligence can often outshine loud theatrics.

Akshaye Khanna delivered a gripping, layered performance in ‘Dhurandhar’, directed by Aditya Dhar. Sharing screen space with Ranveer Singh, the actor plays Rahman Dakait with a mix of quiet authority and calculated restraint. His character, marked by intelligence and underlying ego, never fully appears outplayed, even in moments of betrayal, giving him a haunting edge. With the sequel releasing tomorrow, there is strong anticipation around whether Dakait’s lingering presence and legacy continue to influence the narrative.

In ‘Chhaava’, directed by Laxman Utekar, Khanna portrays Aurangzeb with remarkable subtlety. Sharing the screen with Vicky Kaushal, he brings a sense of quiet dominance to the role. Instead of relying on loud expressions, he uses minimal dialogue and controlled body language to establish authority. His performance complements Kaushal’s intensity, creating a compelling dynamic between the two characters. Khanna’s portrayal stands out for its ability to convey power through stillness, proving once again that he excels in roles that demand precision and depth.

Directed by Subhash Ghai, ‘Taal’ remains one of Khanna’s most celebrated performances. Starring alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anil Kapoor, he portrayed a lover torn between passion and vulnerability. His performance added emotional weight to the narrative, balancing charm with sincerity. Even decades later, the film is remembered for its music and Khanna’s understated acting. It showcased his ability to hold his own in a mainstream romantic drama while bringing a distinct realism to his character.

In ‘Section 375’, directed by Ajay Bahl, Khanna delivered one of his finest performances as a defence lawyer. Sharing screen space with Richa Chadha, he brought sharpness and composure to a complex courtroom drama. His dialogue delivery, combined with a calm yet assertive presence, kept audiences engaged throughout. Rather than resorting to theatrics, Khanna relied on subtle expressions and precise timing, making his performance both believable and compelling. The film reinforced his reputation as an actor capable of elevating intense, dialogue-driven narratives.

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, ‘Drishyam 2’ featured Khanna in a pivotal role opposite Ajay Devgn and Tabu. As a sharp and determined officer, he added a new layer of tension to the narrative. His interactions with Devgn’s character were particularly engaging, as both actors brought contrasting energies to the screen. Khanna’s ability to maintain a calm exterior while hinting at underlying intensity made his character memorable. The film further established him as a strong presence in thrillers.

This epic 1997 war film, directed by J.P. Dutta, is based on the Battle of Longewala. Akshaye Kkhanna plays Lieutenant Dharamvir Singh Bhan, a young officer who begins with fear but eventually displays remarkable courage. Starring alongside Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff, the actor's emotionally resonant performance earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.