Casting director Mukesh Chhabra recently revealed the challenges in convincing actor Akshaye Khanna to take on the pivotal role of Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar's blockbuster film 'Dhurandhar'. According to Chhabra, when he first approached Khanna with the offer, the actor's immediate and striking response was, 'Paagal ho gaya hai kya?' (Have you gone crazy?). Khanna, known for his selective approach to projects, initially scolded Chhabra and expressed hesitation, questioning the suitability of the role. Chhabra persisted, urging Khanna to at least listen to the script narration. Akshaye Khanna eventually agreed to a meeting with Chhabra and director Aditya Dhar, where he reportedly sat for four hours, silently listening and smoking. After the extensive narration, Khanna's perspective shifted, and he remarked, 'F**k, it's very good' and 'Bada maza aayega' (It will be fun). His eventual confirmation to join the cast was a significant moment for the production, as even the makers were initially skeptical that such a discerning actor would agree to the project, especially after Ranveer Singh had already been cast, making it difficult to onboard more stars. Khanna's portrayal of Rehman Dakait ultimately became one of the most talked-about and critically acclaimed aspects of 'Dhurandhar', cementing his performance as a highlight of 2025 Indian cinema. The character's popularity has even led to discussions about his return in 'Dhurandhar 2' through flashbacks.