India, April 3 -- Actor Akshaye Khanna has been enjoying a fresh wave of acclaim for his chilling turn as the ruthless Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar. As a notorious Lyari ganglord, his menacing performance was singled out for praise by viewers ever since the first film hit theatres last December. But did you know that Akshaye was not the first choice for the role? Three actors had turned down the part and eventually casting director Mukesh Chhabra suggested the role to Akshaye, who agreed thereafter. (Also read: AI imagines Dhurandhar in Mollywood: Fahadh Faasil as Rahman Dakait, Nazriya Nazim as Yalina, Unni Mukundan as Hamza)

During a new conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Mukesh said that there were 3 actors who had rejected the role ...