Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

​Love with restraint, ‘Taal’, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Hulchul’ define Akshaye Khanna’s romantic legacy​

Sonal Khandelwal
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jan 9, 2026, 13:52 IST
Comments
Share
1/5

Taal

Akshaye Khanna’s Manav is remembered for quiet devotion rather than dramatic pursuit. His love is steady, respectful, and emotionally evolved. Instead of competing loudly, he allows feelings to mature with patience. This portrayal challenged the idea that romance must be loud to be meaningful, making Manav one of Hindi cinema’s most dignified lovers.

2/5

Salaam-e-Ishq

Akshaye Khanna portrayed a man navigating love with hesitation, vulnerability, and emotional honesty. His segment explored commitment fears and emotional disconnect with sensitivity. Rather than grand gestures, his romance relied on conversations and silences, making it relatable for audiences who recognised love’s quieter struggles.

3/5

Dil Chahta Hai

As Siddharth, Akshaye Khanna brought emotional depth to a modern love story. His character’s artistic soul and inner conflicts shaped a romance that felt introspective and tender. Sid’s love was rooted in understanding rather than possession, capturing the loneliness, growth, and maturity of adult relationships in a changing urban world.

4/5

Hulchul

In a film filled with chaos and humour, Akshaye Khanna’s romantic presence felt calm and sincere. His love story unfolded gently, balancing comedy with warmth. He played romance as something organic and unforced, proving that softness and emotional clarity could shine even within a loud, ensemble-driven narrative.

5/5

Mere Baap Pehle Aap

This film showcased a lighter, more playful romantic side of Akshaye Khanna. His character combined maturity with gentle humour, offering a romance shaped by understanding and second chances. The love story reflected emotional readiness rather than youthful impulsiveness, adding depth to a family-oriented narrative.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In Entertainment
  • Reble reacts to ‘strange’ accusations after Dhurandhar success
  • 'Resident Alien Season 4': The cancelled show gets OTT home
  • Pooja admits she shared a ‘spark’ with Aamir during DHKMN shoot
  • 'Dhurandhar 2' BO day 71 [LIVE]: Ranveer Singh film eyes final Rs. 1,150 crore mark
  • Paul Heaton announces a massive tour, alongside Rianne Downey
  • 'India’s Got Latent' Season 2: Samay Raina confirms shoot; fans await panel, release
  • Pooja responds to Rahul Bhatt’s 'better than Alia' remark
  • BN Tiwari reacts to Poonam Dhillon’s Ranveer Singh remark
  • Jungkook reacts after Instagram suspension shocks BTS fans
Photostories
  • 10 toxic habits you think are normal, but they're holding you back
  • Indoor plants that you can grow without soil
  • India’s hidden wine regions beyond Nashik
  • Why atta dough turns dry in the fridge and 3 easy ways to retain its moisture
  • 5 art villages of india where art has been passed down from generations and is a way of life
  • 2 Misunderstood traits of high intelligence
  • Can diabetics eat mangoes? Experts say yes, but only if you follow these rules
  • Who is Pankaj Bhadouria? Celebrity Chef and MasterChef India season 1 Winner diagnosed with breast cancer
  • 5 lesser-visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India travellers should explore
Explore more Stories
  • 7
    Ranveer Singh controversies: Recalling ‘Kantara’ row, nude photoshoot and more amid FWICE directive over 'Don 3' exit
  • 6
    All about Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston’s bond: From acquaintances, to co-workers, and lifelong friends
  • 6
    From MBBS to movies: Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela and other south actresses chose cinema over medicine
  • 5
    Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift date nights at sports games: All about their loud cheers and sequin smiles
  • 8
    Varun Dhawan's ‘Chunnari Chunnari’, Kiara Advani's ‘Cheez Badi’ to Jacqueline's ‘Ek Do Teen’ : Bollywood song remakes that failed to impress audiences
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Entertainment
  • /
  • Hindi
  • /
  • Bollywood
  • /
  • ​Love with restraint, ‘Taal’, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Hulchul’ define Akshaye Khanna’s romantic legacy​
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 28, 2026, 10.02PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service