Watch: Vinod Khanna Performed the Viral ‘Dhurandhar’ Dance Years Ago During a Visit to Pakistan
Watch: Vinod Khanna Performed the Viral ‘Dhurandhar’ Dance Years Ago During a Visit to Pakistan
What began as a scene-stealing moment in a big-ticket action film has now turned into a nostalgic cross-generational conversation online. Akshaye Khanna’s much-talked-about dance entry in Dhurandhar has not only taken over social media but has also led fans to unearth a surprising flashback featuring his late father, legendary actor-producer Vinod Khanna.
As clips from Dhurandhar continued to circulate, a decades-old video from 1989 resurfaced this week, drawing instant comparisons. The archival footage shows Vinod Khanna dancing at a charity concert in Lahore, Pakistan, alongside Rekha, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, and celebrated cricketer Javed Miandad. The concert, which was part of a rare cross-border cultural event, has suddenly found new relevance in the digital age.
Fans were quick to connect the dots. Many felt that Akshaye Khanna’s charismatic and rhythmic steps in Dhurandhar mirrored the effortless style seen in his father’s old performance. Social media timelines were soon flooded with side-by-side clips, with users suggesting that Akshaye may have unknowingly echoed his father’s moves.
“Vinod Khanna wasn’t just a legendary actor — he passed his brilliance to Akshaye Khanna, who carries his legacy with grace and depth. Talent truly runs in the Khanna bloodline,” wrote a fan on X.
Another user added, “He has levelled up what he got in his genes from the legend #VinodKhanna.The charisma, the powerful screen presence.”
Others were more direct in their observations. One comment that gained traction read, “NVM I got it, Akshaye Khanna has copied his father in Dhurandhar (sic).”
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar features Akshaye Khanna in the role of Rehman Dakait, a feared Pakistani mafia boss and political figure. Set largely against the backdrop of Pakistan, the spy action thriller follows an Indian intelligence operative navigating terror networks in Lyari. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and debutant Sara Arjun.
Akshaye’s entry scene, set to the high-energy track FA9LA by Gulf-based hip-hop artist Flipperachi, has emerged as one of the film’s biggest talking points. The song itself has witnessed a renewed surge in popularity following the film’s release, with many crediting Akshaye’s dynamic presence for amplifying its impact.
Interestingly, the now-viral dance was never part of the original plan. In a recent interview with Filmgyan, co-actor Danish Pandor revealed that the moment was entirely improvised by Akshaye Khanna during the shoot in Leh Ladakh. While choreographer Vijay Ganguly was designing the sequence for the ensemble, Akshaye reportedly asked director Aditya Dhar if he could add his own moves. Dhar gave him complete freedom, and what followed left the entire unit stunned.
According to Pandor, Akshaye simply observed the dancers around him and began moving instinctively, without any pre-set choreography. The spontaneity worked so well that applause broke out on set once the take ended, and the shot made it straight into the final cut.
The film’s success at the box office further underscores the impact of such moments. Since its release on 5 December, Dhurandhar has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark globally, as per figures shared by production house Jio Studios.
