Akshaye Khanna: I'm Back To Act; Bollywood Please Take Note!!

A career that Akshaye Khanna launched with a box office failure like Himalay Putra in 1997, the actor has come a long way in his 19 years old career in Bollywood. The USP of the actor in this long journey remains that he has not stereotyped himself by fitting the bill of a particular character.

From critical roles like Hiralal in Gandhi, My Father, humorous roles in Hungama and Hulchal , to playing the a negative character in Race, the actor has seamlessly shifted from one role to another. He is back to the big screen in as the antihero in Dishoom  after four long years. He was last seen as a part of a hit and miss venture Gali Gali Mein Shor Hai in 2012. The actor has been absent from all promotional ventures of Dishoom, while his part in the film has sure created a buzz. He has finally broken his silence in an interview over his sudden absence and the rumours that surrounded his break from the movies.

Source: darpantoday.com

In an interview that Akshaye gave to the Mumbai Mirror, he admits that these four dry years were difficult for him and his absence was a result of "personal issues which did not allow him to work".

On staying away from films

"I felt suffocated, creatively stifled, as acting is the only thing I know. I don't have any other hobbies or talents like a Farhan Akhtar who is a fantastic writer, director, singer and now, I was told by his business partner, Ritesh (Sidhwani), recently that he is also writing lyrics and composing music, besides acting of course! He's blessed but not everyone can be a Salman Rushdie and a Steven Spielberg at the same time. There's nothing else I want to do in my life at the moment besides acting" said the actor who has worked with Farhan Akhtar for Dil Cahta Hai.

Source: indianexpress.com

On speculations over his directorial debut

Akshey has no plans to direct or write for a film project yet and is comfortable in his skin being he actor that he is. “I don't feel that urge in me yet. I'm back to act. Once I was in front of the camera I felt like I was able to breathe again, there was a sense of belonging."

He has been acclaimed to do well in a negative role in Humraaz as well as Race from which he connects the treads of his current choice of character in Dishoom that is winning accolades,"I've played the villain before, but my baddies have always entertained. The audience enjoyed these badmash guys rather than hating them. It's the same this time too. I wanted to test the waters before taking on bigger roles. I had to earn my stripes again, after being away for four years. I had to start from scratch like any newcomer."

Source: firstpost.com

On alcoholism rumours 

The actor had vanished from the film circle and the reasons were bestowed upon his having become an alcoholic. He brushes off the rumours and says, "Whether they are factual or malicious, these rumours are natural because in India we are not used to actors disappearing on us suddenly. I don't want to dwell on the four years except to say that there were personal issues that did not allow me to work. Yes, dad wasn't well, but he is better now. The alcohol rumours are nonsense. I don't gossip but I understand that when you are not around to clarify things, there is some loose talk."

Source: bollywoodlife.com

On his marriage speculations

As part of an industry that is obsessed with celebrity marriages, Akshaye Khanna wasn’t spared off the wedding speculations as well, the actor clarified that he not yet willing to part with his singlehood ."No, I'm not getting married, I don't plan to. I'm not cut out for it. My 'aloneness' is extremely valuable to me. I know I'm an oddball given that today 90 per cent of all human beings are extremely social, and I, for one, am a part of a profession which is not perceived to be for introverts, but I enjoy my personal space."

Source: bethlovesbollywood.com

The actor has made a promise to stick around this time in his new phase in Bollywood, we hope that his performances in his future projects mesmerise us as much as we loved his character in Dishoom.