Akshaye Khanna Opens Up on Why He Avoided Working with Father Vinod Khanna
On his father's death anniversary, Akshaye Khanna revealed why he chose not to work alongside Vinod Khanna, citing his father’s overwhelming screen presence.
Key Highlights:
Vinod Khanna Remembered: Akshaye Khanna Reflects on Father’s Impact and Screen Dominance
As India marks the 8th death anniversary of Vinod Khanna, one of Bollywood’s most charismatic stars, his son Akshaye Khanna has offered a deeply personal insight into why he consciously avoided acting alongside his father. In a resurfaced interview, Akshaye candidly acknowledged that his father’s overwhelming screen presence made it nearly impossible to share space with him confidently.
This heartfelt revelation resurfaced on April 27, 2025, reigniting conversations about the towering legacy Vinod Khanna left behind in Indian cinema.
Why Akshaye Khanna Avoided Collaborating On Screen
Speaking in a 2008 interview with IANS, Akshaye Khanna had said:
“There are certain people whom you shouldn’t work with. My dad is one of them. Amitabh Bachchan is another. To stand in the same frame as them confidently is impossible. They’ve such an overpowering screen presence… Very frankly, I don’t have it. Some actors just wash you away on screen.”
Akshaye made his debut with Himalay Putra (1997), a film that also featured Vinod Khanna. Though the film marked their only direct collaboration, Akshaye later chose to steer clear of any co-acting ventures with his father.
Vinod Khanna’s Cinematic Legacy
Vinod Khanna was one of Bollywood’s most successful and versatile actors, known for both heroic and villainous roles. His iconic performances include:
- Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
- Qurbani (1980)
- Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
- Dayavan (1988)
His career also extended into politics. He served as Minister of State for External Affairs (2003–2004) and was elected four times as an MP from Gurdaspur. In 2018, he was posthumously awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honor.
Akshaye Khanna: A Journey Independent Yet Rooted
Despite his lineage, Akshaye Khanna carved an independent path in Bollywood, acclaimed for roles in Border (1997), Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Gandhi, My Father (2007), and Section 375 (2019). In 2025, he took on the historical role of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Chhaava, further demonstrating his depth and range as an actor.
Akshaye’s acknowledgment of his father’s dominance on screen reveals a profound respect that surpasses familial ties and ventures into the realm of professional reverence.
What Lies Ahead
Vinod Khanna’s legacy remains not only in the films he made but also in the deep respect he commands within the industry. As his sons continue to contribute to Indian cinema, tributes like Akshaye Khanna’s stand as a powerful reminder of the emotional and artistic complexities that define Bollywood’s enduring dynasties.
On this anniversary, fans and industry insiders alike remember Vinod Khanna not just as a star but as a presence—one that continues to inspire awe, even years after his passing.
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