Bollywood is such an industry where people’s fortunes can change in a matter of days. Actors and actresses sometimes make a super flop debut but then their luck changes after starring in one superhit film that alters the course of their career. Today, we are going to tell you about one such actor who had an unsuccessful start in Bollywood despite being a star kid but, in the same year, he starred in a superhit film that transformed his fortunes.
We are talking about Akshaye Khanna, who made his debut in 1997 with the film ‘Himalay Putra,’ which proved to be a massive flop at the box office. However, in the same year, he starred in a film that forever changed his luck and career trajectory.
Akshaye Khanna’s career has been full of ups and downs, but in 1997, he decided to take up a role that had been rejected by superstars like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn. This role helped him carve a lasting impression in the film industry.
Film director JP Dutta’s movie ‘Border’ remains a perennial favorite among audiences. No matter how many times you watch this film, you will never feel bored. This film launched the careers of not just one but several actors. A multi-starrer, the movie is based on the historical war between India and Pakistan.
In ‘Border,’ Sunny Deol played Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, Jackie Shroff was Wing Commander Anand, Suneil Shetty featured as Assistant Commandant Captain Bhairon Singh (BSF), Akshaye Khanna was Second Lieutenant Dharamveer Singh Bhan, Puneet Issar was Subedar Ratan Singh, Sudesh Berry played Naib Subedar Mathura Das, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda portrayed Cook Havildar Bhagiram. The ensemble cast delivered compelling performances that resonated deeply with the audience.
But, the one who received the most praise in this film was Akshaye Khanna, who was relatively new to the film world. This was only his second film. His first film, ‘Himalay Putra,’ had failed miserably at the box office, but his second film ‘Border’ proved to be an all-time blockbuster.
Akshaye Khanna became a household name after ‘Border’ was released. However, you will be surprised to know that Akshaye Khanna was not the makers’ first choice for this role.
. In fact, the director and producers initially aimed to cast a more famous actor. It is said that JP Dutta first offered the role to Salman Khan.
According to media reports, after Salman’s refusal, the director approached Akshay Kumar and then Ajay Devgn. Both, however, turned down the offer for various reasons.
Finally, the director offered the role to Akshaye Khanna, who immediately accepted it. Even today, Akshaye Khanna is fondly remembered as Dharamveer Singh Bhan, thanks to his significant role in this film.
The film ‘Border’ went on to become an all-time blockbuster, giving a new direction to Akshaye Khanna’s career. Made on a budget of Rs 10 crore, ‘Border’ went on to earn Rs 65 crore at the box office, indicating its widespread acceptance and popularity among audiences.
The cinematic landscape of Bollywood is replete with stories of actors whose careers transformed overnight. Akshaye Khanna’s journey from the debacle of ‘Himalay Putra’ to the success of ‘Border’ epitomizes the unpredictable nature of the film industry. His remarkable portrayal in ‘Border’ not only vindicated his talent but also affirmed his position in Bollywood, making him a revered actor.
Years later, the legacy of ‘Border’ continues, both for its historical significance and its impact on the careers of its stars. Akshaye Khanna’s transformation following the film is a testament to how one role can significantly reshape an actor’s career. While he has faced many ups and downs since then, Khanna’s portrayal in ‘Border’ remains one of his most unforgettable performances.
It is fascinating to think about how the course of Bollywood history might have been different if any of the initially intended actors had accepted the role. Would the film have achieved the same success? Would Akshaye Khanna have found another breakthrough? These unanswered questions add an additional layer of intrigue to an already captivating story.
In conclusion, Akshaye Khanna’s journey from a struggling debut to a celebrated actor in ‘Border’ encapsulates the essence of Bollywood’s unpredictability. His story is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one role to change everything.
