Old classmate reveals rare school memories of ‘Rehman Dakait’ fame Akshaye Khanna

Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar’s latest film Dhurandhar has set social media abuzz. From his restrained walk and intense dialogues to his effortless screen presence, the actor’s performance has struck a chord with audiences. Since the film’s release, fans have flooded Instagram with reels set to the background track Fa9la, celebrating a character that feels both menacing and magnetic.

Nearly three decades into his acting career, Akshaye Khanna has once again surprised viewers with a nuanced and deeply controlled performance, this time as Rehman Baloch. As praise poured in from across platforms, a nostalgic Instagram post by West Bengal politician Saira Shah Halim added an intimate layer to the growing admiration for the actor.

Revisiting her school days at Lawrence School Lovedale in Ooty, where Akshaye studied a few years ahead of her, Saira described him as the campus “heartbreak kid.” She recalled the excitement that rippled through the school when news spread that Vinod Khanna’s son would be joining Class 11, and how Akshaye soon became a quiet object of fascination.

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The ‘Quiet Storm’ Who Stood Apart

Saira painted a picture of a reserved teenager, neither loud nor flamboyant, yet immensely popular. Describing him as “a man of mystery,” she noted how he avoided social gatherings, preferred solitary walks, and remained low-key despite his popularity. Even then, his calm presence left a lasting impression.

Recognition Long Overdue

As fans reacted warmly to the post and an old photograph she shared, many reflected on Akshaye’s earlier performances, calling his current acclaim long overdue.

Akshaye Khanna’s rise with Dhurandhar is not a comeback but a reminder of an actor who has always relied on subtlety over spectacle. With Rehman Dakait, the quiet storm has finally claimed centre stage, earning the recognition many believe he always deserved.