MUMBAI: The Indian film industry has a way of resurfacing old interviews at just the right moment, and one such clip of Akshaye Khanna talking about a young Aishwarya Rai is suddenly everywhere again.
Long before she became one of the most celebrated faces in Indian cinema, Akshaye had already spotted something in her, a spark he believed would turn her into “a very fine actress." Two decades later, fans are calling his early confidence in her talent “spot on."
Before social media and viral reels existed, actors often spoke their minds in long, relaxed conversations, and one of those old interviews is now back in the spotlight. In an old chat with Lehren Retro, Akshaye Khanna can be seen praising Aishwarya Rai with a warmth that feels even more meaningful today.
Akshaye and Aishwarya worked together in Aa Ab Laut Chalen and later in Subhash Ghai’s musical hit Taal.
Speaking about her back then, Akshaye said, “I have worked with Aishwarya before in Aa Ab Laut Chalen. Taal is my second one with her.
She is very beautiful." He then added that his admiration wasn't limited to her appearance. “Not just from the outside but also from the inside. She is always smiling and laughing. Always cheerful. I guess she is going to be a very fine actress. She has performed amazingly in Taal."
Looking at Aishwarya’s career today, Devdas, Dhoom 2, Guru, Jodha Akbar, her international work, and most recently Ponniyin Selvan II — Akshaye’s early words feel almost predictive.
At that time, she was still finding her space in the industry. But Akshaye seemed completely sure of where she was headed.
Years later, Akshaye continued to admire her. During the promotions of Ittefaq in 2017, Karan Johar asked him, “Who do you think is the sexiest girl in business right now?" Without hesitating, Akshaye replied, “Ash (Aishwarya Rai)."
He also admitted he feels overwhelmed around her.
Akshaye said, “I can’t take my eyes off her every time I meet her. It’s embarrassing for men. She must be used to it (people staring at her). But I am not used to not being able to take my eyes off somebody. You just keep staring at her like a lunatic."
While Aishwarya went on to become one of Indian cinema’s biggest global icons, Akshaye carved his own lane with selective films and widely respected performances.
Today, he is earning massive praise for his turn as Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, which has brought him back into the social media buzz.
His candidness ensures that, whether he is playing a menacing villain or simply offering a sincere compliment, Akshaye Khanna always leaves his indelible, respected mark on Indian cinema.
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(ALSO READ: Akshaye Khanna’s On-Set Improvisation Has Become Dhurandhar’s Viral Hook Step )
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CREDIT: NEWS 18
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