Akshaye Khanna becomes only the second actor to achieve this rare feat

After spending over three decades in the Hindi film industry, 2025 has emerged as a landmark year for Akshaye Khanna. Known for his understated intensity and selective choices, the actor delivered two standout performances as an antagonist this year, both of which went on to become the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2025.

 Alongside widespread critical acclaim, Akshaye also achieved a rare commercial milestone, becoming only the second Indian actor to cross Rs 2000 crore at the global box office in a single calendar year.

Akshaye first drew attention as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal in the lead. Released in January 2025, the film earned Rs 809 crore worldwide and held the title of the year’s highest-grossing Indian film for several months. His performance was widely praised, setting the tone for an exceptional year.

However, December proved even bigger. Akshaye starred as gangster Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar. Despite an ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, Akshaye’s portrayal stood out.

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 Backed by strong word of mouth, the film became the most successful Hindi release domestically and has so far earned Rs 1167 crore worldwide, with collections still rising.

Second Only to the Khans

With Chhaava and Dhurandhar together crossing Rs 2001 crore, Akshaye now joins an elite club previously occupied only by Shah Rukh Khan. While others have come close, Akshaye Khanna stands out as the only non-Khan actor to achieve this feat, making 2025 truly his year.