We all know him as Dhurandhar’s Rahman Dakait today, but he was also Dil Chahta Hai’s Sid and Race’s Rajiv – he is Akhaye Khanna. Son of the late legendary actor Vinod Khanna, he has worked on his own terms, delivering several hits, but making space for himself, waiting for the right projects. Dhurandhar’s success has proved that his approach was right all along. One doesn’t need to take up work just to stay relevant, but for playing a long innings in the industry. Recently, one of Khanna’s old interviews resurfaced on social media, which highlighted his views on stardom.
Dhurandhar’s succcess made him a viral sensation overnight, and this brought attention to his low-key presence in Bollywood. In the resurfaced clip that’s now going viral, the actor shared that not everyone gets to be a star, not as big as Ratan Tata or Shah Rukh Khan. Those who do make it big are an anomaly and not the rule. Netizens were quick to start conversations on his view of self-worth, stardom, and the need to stay relevant in Bollywood.
Speaking to the Indian Express, Dr S. Marceline (MA in Public Administration, MSc in Psychology, PhD in Public Administration), Professor at the School of Liberal and Creative Arts, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, shared that Akshaye Khanna’s argument is largely centred around sustainability.
What did Akshaye Khanna say?
In the short clip going viral on social media, Khanna said, “Samjho mai ek businessman hun aur mera 500 crore ka business hai… jab tak mai Ratan Tata ya Shah Rukh Khan nahi banunga, kya main successful nahi hoon? Humare 120 crore ki abaadi mein 15–20 ko mauka milta hai leading man banne ka… aur mujhe 16–17 saal tak kaam mil raha hai apne terms pe.” (Imagine I’am a businessman with Rs 500 crore business. Will I not be called successful till I reach the level of Ratan Tata or Shah Rukh Khan? Only 15-20 people get a chance to star in a film out of 120 crore population. And I am getting work even after 16-17 years in the industry, and that too on my own terms)
He argued that success should not be measured by comparison or fame, it should be dependent on one’s work. He affirmed that he has been working in the industry for nearly two decades, on his own terms, and it stems from that image of success. Khanna, today, might not be a billionaire, but by doing just two films a year, he is the owner of a Rs 167 crore estate. Shah Rukh Khan, on the other hand, had been under fire for the latter part of 2025 for performing in weddings and shows.
How comparison affects self-worth
Dr Marceline explained how comparisons with ‘outliers’ such as top industry moguls, Shah Rukh Khan, are a ‘trap’. She explained, “We cannot compare our life with an Ambani or our beauty with a Sushmita Sen. Younger generations especially fall into this trap, moving farther away from who they truly are.” It often leads to negative feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and even depressive symptoms.
If you do want to make comparisons, Dr Marceline shared, “compare yourself to who you were yesterday,” especially not with those on a different level, in terms of lifestyle, access, and more.
Commenting on Khanna’s wishes to stay away from controversies, parties, and frivolous interviews, the expert shared that he felt a need to maintain his authenticity, without which it might lead to psychological pressure. “Once someone enters the limelight, the challenge isn’t increasing fame—it’s maintaining it,” she noted.
Since celebrities such as actors, influencers, and sportspersons are held to a nearly benchmark level, they also feel the need to constantly set clear boundaries between their personal and professional lives. The Indian Express expert then shared, “Just as a teacher updates herself to support her students, celebrities must keep refining their craft…But while doing so, their identity should stay rooted in who they are.”
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While the author has incorporated expert medical guidance while producing the story and ensured full authentic information is provided to the reader, you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
