Naveen Kaushik Applauds Akshaye Khanna’s Dhurandhar Magic

Post by : Mina Rahman

Actor Naveen Kaushik, who plays Donga in Dhurandhar, has opened up about his experience working alongside Akshaye Khanna. Naveen called Akshaye’s performance “a revelation,” praising his depth, discipline, and on-set presence.

A longtime admirer of Akshaye’s earlier films, Naveen said witnessing his return in projects like Dhurandhar was inspiring. “He rebuilt his career with incredible focus and brought a unique depth to every scene,” Naveen shared.

He highlighted Akshaye’s collaboration with the director as a masterclass in balance. “He understood the vision perfectly yet added his own approach. Watching him stay confident and prepared was extraordinary,” he added. Akshaye’s “zen-like” focus helped him embody his intense and controlled character with remarkable precision.

Several on-set moments left the cast in awe. From performing a deeply emotional hospital scene with subtle restraint to surprising everyone with an unexpected expressive outburst in a market sequence, Akshaye continuously added layers to his character, making every scene more powerful.

Even during musical sequences, he kept the team on their toes. In a celebratory village song, he spontaneously danced, performing multiple takes, showcasing his versatility and energy.

For Naveen, working with Akshaye was more than acting—it was a learning experience. “Watching someone return after a break, delivering performances with such style and depth, is inspiring. His resurgence is well-deserved,” he concluded.