When Akshaye Khanna admitted that he couldn’t take his eyes off Aishwarya Rai: ‘It’s embarrassing….’

Akshaye Khanna has once again captured nationwide attention after delivering a powerhouse performance in the blockbuster Dhurandhar, where he essays the formidable character of Rehman Dakait. His intense screen presence, combined with his unexpectedly fluid dance steps in the FA9LA track, has turned him into a trending sensation across social media platforms. This renewed wave of admiration has naturally reignited public interest in the actor’s largely private personal life, prompting several of his past interviews and appearances to resurface online.

Most recently, Reddit users began circulating an old video featuring Akshaye Khanna speaking warmly about Aishwarya Rai. In the clip, which shows him in conversation with filmmaker Karan Johar, the actor openly confesses that he finds it impossible to look away from her. The candid admission quickly caught the attention of netizens. Soon after, another Reddit post brought back an even older visual memory — a video from an event in Miami where Akshaye and Aishwarya are seen dancing together on stage. Viewers were quick to note how clearly enchanted he appeared throughout the performance.

“I can never take my eyes off her whenever I meet her,” he said on the show, adding “It’s embarrassing for men.”


In that footage, the two stars sway gracefully to the iconic song Taal Se Taal Mila, recreating the magic that once defined their on-screen pairing. While sharing the clip, a Reddit user identified it as a stage performance from Miami in 1999, instantly transporting fans back to an era when the duo’s chemistry was widely admired.

The resurfaced video triggered a flood of online reactions. One commenter observed that Akshaye’s earlier statement about not being able to take his eyes off Aishwarya now seemed completely genuine. Another user remarked that he appeared deeply taken by her during the period when they were working together for the first time.


Akshaye Khanna and Aishwarya Rai crossed paths professionally on two occasions. Both actors began their film journeys in 1997 and reunited in 1999 for two projects — Taal and Aa Ab Laut Chalen. Directed by Subhash Ghai, Taal became a massive commercial and musical success, cementing their popularity as a pair. In contrast, Aa Ab Laut Chalen, helmed by Rishi Kapoor in his only outing as a director, failed to resonate with audiences. That film ultimately marked the conclusion of Akshaye and Aishwarya’s on-screen association, leaving behind memories that continue to intrigue fans decades later.