Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna started his career in the 90s. He started acting around the time of Shah Rukh Khan Aamir Khan and Salman Khan. The three Khans became superstars while Akshaye Khanna did not get that popularity. In an old interview Akshaye Khanna had told the reason for not becoming a superstar. During a conversation with Anuradha Prasad Akshaye Khanna was asked what happened when he became a critically acclaimed actor but could not become a star. In response to this question Akshaye Khanna said As an actor it is your films that make you a superstar make you a star. Akshaye Khanna further said You want Gadar you want Dilwale Dulhania you want Hum Aapke Hain Kaun only then you become a superstar. You become a very big star. You cannot do anything in this. You can only try from your side. If that film comes in your destiny then it comes. He said From my side I can try to do good work. Work with good people. Understand it like this I am a businessman. I have a business of Rs 500 crore. If I do not become Ratan Tata Dhirubhai Ambani then am I not successful? Akshaye Khanna said Until I become Shahrukh am I not successful? I have not seen success. Have I not become a star? In our countrys population of 120 crores only 15 to 20 people get a chance to work in films as a lead actor. What more do you want than that? Akshaye Khanna was asked if he ever feels disappointed that despite being such a good actor he could not become a star? He said No never. What has God not given me. If you compare me with some other actors you will definitely feel that I live in my own world. I am not very showy I am not that kind of a man. Akshaye Khanna was recently seen in Laxman Utekars film Chhaava. He played the role of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This period drama film is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Chhaava proved to be the highest grossing film of the year 2025. The film created history by earning 806.45 crores worldwide. Chhaava also proved to be the highest-grossing film of Akshaye Khannas career. This movie was released on Netflix on 11 April and is currently trending at number 1 in India. This year no film has been able to break the earning record of Chhaava so far.