Farah Khan recalls Akshaye Khanna was difficult to work with: 'He was very irritable'

Farah Khan, Akshaye Khanna (Pics/Instagram)

Farah Khan has opened up about her early experiences working with Akshaye Khanna, recalling how the actor's irritable nature once made him difficult to choreograph. The filmmaker-choreographer revealed she eventually refused to work on his songs, but noted that Akshaye underwent a transformation after Dil Chahta Hai and praised his dancing skills.

Farah Khan on working with Akshaye Khanna

In conversation on choreographers Bosco and Caesar's podcast, Dance Masti, Farah Khan said, "At one time, Akshaye Khanna used to be very difficult to work with." She added, "I have done Doli Saja Ke Rakhna with him, then a couple of other movies, Laawaris and something else. He, I think, himself has confessed in interviews that he was very difficult. He was very irritable and wouldn't want to stand."

Farah admitted that Akshaye's behaviour frustrated her to the point that she eventually decided not to work with him. "I said if it is Akshaye Khanna's song, I don't want to choreograph it."

Farah then spoke about the change she felt came in Akshaye after Dil Chahta Hai. "After Dil Chahta Hai, he had a transformation, I think. In Tees Maar Khan, he was too good. He is actually a very good dancer. But I was very clear that I don't want to work with artists who are irritating," she said.

Akshaye Khanna's latest news

Akshaye Khanna recently made a rare appearance in the city as he caught up with his good friend and filmmaker Rajat Rawail over a relaxed lunch in Mumbai. His spotting came amid the Drishyam 3 trailer launch. To note, he exited the third instalment over a dispute with the makers concerning his look and fees. Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him for the role.

For the uninitiated, Akshaye Khanna has also been riding high on the success of Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar, in which he delivered a performance as Rehman Dakait that received widespread appreciation. The action thriller, headlined by Ranveer Singh and featuring Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal, released in theatres on December 5, 2025.

Akshaye Khanna's upcoming movies

Akshaye Khanna is set to take audiences into the world of Indian mythology with his latest role as Shukracharya in Mahakali. The makers have unveiled a nearly three-minute glimpse titled ‘Shukracharya's War Cry', offering the first detailed glimpse of the actor as the powerful guru of the Asuras.