Saumya Tandon opens up on slapping Akshaye Khanna 7 times in Dhurandhar, actor said, ‘Go for it’
GH News December 15, 2025 09:06 PM
When filmmaker Aditya Dhar unveiled the powerhouse cast of Dhurandhar expectations shot through the roof. A gritty spy action thriller featuring Ranveer Singh Sanjay Dutt Arjun Rampal R Madhavan and Akshaye Khanna promised scale intensity and drama. While every actor left an impression it was Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Rehman Dakait that quietly stole the spotlight. And standing firmly beside him was television star Saumya Tandon who surprised audiences with a restrained yet deeply emotional performance. Known for her popular turn as Anita Bhabhi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain Saumya stepped into the role of Ulfat Rehman Dakait’s wife with remarkable ease. Her chemistry with Akshaye despite limited screen time became one of the film’s emotional anchors. Did Saumya and Akshaye rehearse their chemistry? Speaking to Mid-Day Saumya revealed that there was barely any time to rehearse or even interact off-camera. “We didn’t really get time to build anything consciously but the chemistry just happened” she shared. “Through just our eyes there was an unspoken understanding. Akshaye is so present as an actor that you automatically sync with him.” She added that working with a seasoned performer like Akshaye meant she didn’t have to force emotions. “He gives you so much in the moment. You just react.” What really happened during the slap scene? One of Dhurandhar’s most hard-hitting moments is the scene where Ulfat slaps Rehman after learning about their son’s death. Saumya admitted she was initially hesitant. “I was trying to fake it” she said. But director Aditya Dhar had other plans. “He told me ‘Don’t cheat it. Just do it honestly.’ I asked Akshaye if he was okay and he casually said ‘Go for it.’” She did and felt terrible about it later. Actor Naveen Kaushik who played Donga later revealed that the scene was shot multiple times with Akshaye taking the slap repeatedly to get the emotional weight right. What followed however made the moment unforgettable: Akshaye’s character doesn’t react with anger but absorbs the pain silently embracing his wife. Why did this scene resonate so deeply? The moment worked because it showed Rehman Dakait not as a feared figure but as a broken man at home. Saumya’s character though soft-spoken becomes his emotional spine. The choice to let the silence speak louder than words elevated the scene. What’s next for the cast? Saumya Tandon continues to balance television and selective film projects while Akshaye Khanna remains one of Bollywood’s most respected performers. With Dhurandhar 2 slated for release on March 19 2026 fans are eager to see how this intense story and its quietly powerful characters unfold further.
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