Akshay Kumar's old friend rejected IIT Kharagpur and IIM Lucknow for his dream. Where is Avinash Wadhawan now?

Avinash Wadhawan's journey to showbiz was far from conventional. The actor, who was once close friends with Akshay Kumar before either became a Bollywood hero, was academically brilliant and had opportunities to study at some of India's most prestigious institutions. He turned down IIT Kharagpur and later chose Jamnalal Bajaj over IIM Lucknow and XLRI. In an interview with Hindi Rush, Wadhawan opened up about his education, modelling days, friendship with Akshay Kumar and the choices that eventually led him to acting.

Avinash Wadhawan had an impressive academic record

Avinash Wadhawan, who completed his schooling in Delhi, recalled his strong academic performance during his conversation with Hindi Rush. The actor revealed that he “got a gold medal in maths” in both his Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. He also secured admission to IIT while he was still in Class 11. However, when IIT Kharagpur offered him chemical engineering, Wadhawan decided not to take up the opportunity.

He explained that he did not want to study chemical engineering and also did not want to leave Delhi for Kharagpur. Instead, he completed his civil engineering degree in Delhi.

He later got into IIM Lucknow, XLRI and Jamnalal Bajaj

Wadhawan's academic ambitions did not end with engineering. After completing his degree, he wanted to pursue an MBA. Around the same time, however, he began getting opportunities in modelling and television. He recalled being selected as Prince Delhi, an experience that made him very happy. After graduating, Wadhawan secured admission to multiple management institutes, including IIM Lucknow, Jamnalal Bajaj and XLRI.

He eventually chose Jamnalal Bajaj in Bombay. Wadhawan recalled that at the time, the institute was considered extremely prestigious and was even regarded by some as being ahead of IIM Lucknow, while IIM Ahmedabad was considered the top institution. His plan was straightforward. He wanted to complete his MBA and eventually return to Delhi, where his family lived.

How modelling changed his path

While Wadhawan had initially planned an MBA, his entry into modelling and television began opening another door. His selection as Prince Delhi gave him an early taste of the entertainment world. That experience eventually became part of a much bigger career shift.

Instead of following the conventional path of engineering followed by an MBA, Wadhawan moved towards modelling and acting. His journey also brought him into the orbit of another young man who would go on to become one of Bollywood's biggest stars.

Avinash Wadhawan's friendship with Akshay Kumar

Wadhawan was close friends with Akshay Kumar before either of them became a hero. Recalling those early days, the actor said he knew Kumar when neither of them had become a Bollywood star. According to Wadhawan, Akshay was then known as Rajiv, while Wadhawan went by the name Rakesh.

The two lived in Lokhandwala and owned motorcycles. Rather than spending separately on petrol, they would sometimes ride each other's bikes. Wadhawan recalled that this simple arrangement helped them “save money on petrol.” Their friendship also extended to their early modelling assignments.

Before photoshoots, the two would help each other with clothes. Wadhawan recalled that whenever Akshay had a photoshoot, he would come over and borrow his jackets. When Wadhawan had a photoshoot, he would similarly visit Akshay's house and borrow his jackets.

Where is Avinash Wadhawan now?

Wadhawan has continued to remain associated with acting across films and television. He has featured in movies like Junoon, Geet and Balmaa. He was last seen on the big screen in Mausam Ikrar Ke Do Pal Pyar Ke, a romantic drama directed by Partho Ghosh. The film was produced by Manju Bharti and featured Mukesh J Bharti, Madalsa Sharma and Avinash Wadhawan in lead roles. Arun Bakshi, Manju Bharti, Deepu Shrivastav and Neelu Kohli appeared in supporting roles.

More recently, Wadhawan appeared on television in the 2025 series Manpasand Ki Shaadi.