Was Nagarjuna the first choice for Akshay Khanna’s role in Dhurandhar? the actor answers
Nagarjuna addressed the rumors of being offered the role of Rahman the dacoit in Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar. He also praised the film and Akshay Khanna and shared updates on his upcoming projects.
since stalwart After making a splash in theatres, the film is garnering as much applause as it is off-screen. While Akshay Khanna’s intense role as Rahman the dacoit has emerged as one of the biggest talking points of the film, a fresh debate has recently erupted on social media – was this role originally meant for Tollywood star Nagarjuna?
Amidst the praise for Akshay Khanna’s impressive screen presence in Aditya Dhar’s action thriller, speculations have been rife with many viewers wondering how his performance fares with Ranveer Singh, who plays Hamza in the film. However, Nagarjuna has now completely put an end to the rumours.
In a recent interview with Bollywood HungamaThe actor clarified that he was never offered the role. Nagarjuna said before praising the film, “Not at all. I was not offered this role – although I wished I had been offered this role.” Calling Dhurandhar “a brilliant film”, he said, “Aditya Dhar’s direction is really incredible. I also loved his previous film Uri: The Surgical Strike. Everyone’s acting is fantastic and Akshaye Khanna was wonderful. I’m really looking forward to the sequel and wish him all the best for another blockbuster.”
Nagarjuna’s stellar response increased the excitement around the franchise, especially as anticipation for the sequel continues to grow. The actor also talked about his career milestones and revealed that he is currently working on his 100th film.
“We’re in no rush. There’s no rush to get it done,” Nagarjuna said, emphasizing that the project needed to feel special. Reflecting on the changing preferences of audiences, he said, “After Dhurandhar, it is clear that audiences expect international standards of storytelling.”
Nagarjuna was last seen in Bollywood Brahmastra: Part One – ShivaWhere he played the role of Aneesh Shetty, an artist and archaeologist, alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. His next release is scheduled to coincide with Sankranti festival on 15th January.
Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna is set to return as Rahman the dacoit in the sequel. Dhurandhar: RevengeWhich is going to be released on March 19. With his character already becoming a fan favorite, expectations for the follow-up are sky-high.
Apart from the Dhurandhar franchise, Akshaye Khanna has two more films in the pipeline. Mahakali And ace.
