Akshaye Khanna Almost Starred in This Ranbir Kapoor Blockbuster

Akshaye Khanna is riding a massive career high in 2025. His powerful performance in *Dhurandhar* follows his acclaimed turn as Aurangzeb in *Chhaava*. Few know he almost joined another major hit years earlier. The actor was nearly cast in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster biopic *Sanju*.

He was in serious contention for a pivotal role. The part was that of Sanjay Dutt’s father, the legendary Sunil Dutt. This casting would have paired him with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role.

Why Akshaye Khanna Lost the Sanju Role to Paresh Rawal

Ultimately, veteran actor Paresh Rawal portrayed Sunil Dutt. His performance was widely praised by critics and audiences. So what happened with Akshaye Khanna’s opportunity?

According to Hindustan Times, Khanna was approached and gave multiple look tests. The reports indicate he failed to clear these successive tests. The filmmakers did not feel his transformation into the older, dignified Sunil Dutt was convincing enough.

This ended his chance to be in the 2018 mega-hit. The film became one of Bollywood‘s highest-grossing biopics. It solidified Ranbir Kapoor’s star power and won several awards.

Aamir Khan Was Also Offered the Same Pivotal Part

Interestingly, Akshaye Khanna was not the first choice. Reports from the time reveal director Rajkumar Hirani initially wanted Aamir Khan for Sunil Dutt’s role. The duo had a successful history with films like *3 Idiots* and *PK*.

Aamir Khan, however, reportedly declined the offer. Sources suggested he was more interested in playing the lead role of Sanjay Dutt himself. This opened the door for other actors to be considered for the father’s part.

The casting journey shows how major films often explore multiple stars. Final decisions hinge on look, feel, and director vision. For Akshaye Khanna, it remains a notable ‘what if’ in his career trajectory.

This revelation about the Sanju casting adds a fascinating layer to Akshaye Khanna’s current success wave, showing how one missed role does not define a stellar career.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: What role was Akshaye Khanna offered in Sanju?

He was offered the role of Sunil Dutt, Sanjay Dutt’s father. This is the part eventually played by Paresh Rawal in the final film.

Q2: Why did Akshaye Khanna not get the part?

He did not clear the look tests for the role. Multiple tests were conducted, but the filmmakers were not satisfied with his transformation into the older character.

Q3: Who was the first choice for Sunil Dutt’s role?

Director Rajkumar Hirani first offered the role to Aamir Khan. Khan declined the part, leading to other actors being considered.

Q4: How has Akshaye Khanna’s career been in 2025?

His career is currently soaring. He received critical acclaim for *Chhaava* and is now winning praise for his performance in the spy thriller *Dhurandhar*.

Q5: Did Akshaye Khanna and Ranbir Kapoor ever work together?

No, they have not shared the screen in a film. The *Sanju* project was the closest they came to a potential collaboration.