Youth Goes Crazy for Akshaye Khanna; Akshay Raj Dominates Social Media Trends
“Gen Z Goes Wild for Akshaye Khanna: 50-Year-Old Star Reignites Bollywood With ‘Dhurandhar’”: Cinemas across the country are witnessing an unexpected storm — and at the center of it stands Akshaye Khanna. His latest film Dhurandhar, already buzzing before release, has turned into a full-blown phenomenon, driven largely by the actor’s electrifying portrayal of its villain. What’s surprising isn’t the film’s success, but the demographic leading the cheer: Gen Z.
Gen Z’s New Obsession: Akshaye Khanna
In theaters, especially the same ones where young audiences recently flocked for Saiyaara, a new frenzy has taken hold. Videos circulating on social media show teenagers and 20-somethings cheering, screaming, and even weeping after Khanna’s scenes. One clip features a fan proclaiming, “Bro can eat 20 Rocky Bhai, 50 Pushpa, and 100 Salaar for breakfast!”
Another viral video shows a young viewer declaring, “Akshay Khanna didn’t overshadow Ranveer Singh… Akshay Khanna overshadowed the entire Indian cinema. He was the best part of the film.”
Despite playing the villain, Khanna’s performance has become the film’s heartbeat. Fans claim he has “destroyed” the screen with sheer presence — or as one user put it, “This is called aura… Father is father after all.”
A Career of Highs, Lows, and a Stunning Comeback
Akshaye Khanna’s journey in Bollywood has spanned 27 turbulent years. Son of legendary actor Vinod Khanna, he entered the industry with a promising debut in 1997’s Border, followed by Himalaya Putra the same year. He delivered memorable performances in romantic hits like Taal and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
But after this early glow, fate dealt him a tougher hand. Despite strong performances, he was often labeled a “box office failure,” gradually sidelined into supporting roles in films such as Mom, Drishyam 2, and Section 375.
A 50-Year-Old Star Becomes the New Internet Sensation
Now, at 50, Akshaye Khanna is finally receiving the recognition long overdue. His recent streak of intense negative roles — including Chava (2025) and the newly released Dhurandhar — has cemented him as one of cinema’s most powerful performers.
Audience reactions suggest that he has achieved what many actors fail to accomplish even in decades-long careers: winning over an entirely new generation. While Gen Z’s contemporary heroes “break hearts,” a 90s star is quietly “breaking the internet.”
As Dhurandhar collects praise with every passing day, one thing is undeniable — Akshaye Khanna’s aura has returned, brighter than ever. Not only has he outshone expectations, but he has also carved a unique space in modern Bollywood: a veteran actor who has become Gen Z’s newest craze.
ALSO READ: Dhurandhar All Dialogues
