Bhubaneswar, Dec. 27 -- Just as Akshaye Khanna was enjoying renewed attention after the success of Dhurandhar and Chhaava, along with reports of his involvement in big-ticket sequels such as Kick 2, Bhagam Bhag 2 and Border 2, an unexpected development jolted the industry.

Reports of his exit from Ajay Devgn-led Drishyam 3 soon began circulating, triggering intense speculation. The silence was eventually broken by producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, who confirmed Akshaye's departure, described it as an 'unprofessional' exit, and announced Jaideep Ahlawat as his replacement- while making a series of scathing allegations.

During an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, recounting the sequence of events, Pathak detailed how things unravell...