Actor Akshay Kumar has signed on to portray late superstar Rajesh Khanna in the upcoming biopic on legendary music composer R D Burman. The project stars Farhan Akhtar in the lead role of R D Burman and is directed by Neeraj Pandey. The casting adds a unique personal connection to the film, as the late icon was Akshay Kumar's real-life father-in-law.
Akshay Kumar To Play Rajesh Khanna In Farhan Akhtar And Neeraj Pandey’s R D Burman Biopic
The film will explore the special professional dynamic between R D Burman and Rajesh Khanna, whose collaborations created some of Indian cinema's most memorable music. According to sources, Akshay Kumar was the obvious choice to play the part due to his familial relationship with Twinkle Khanna and Dimple Kapadia.
A source told Bollywood Hungama, "The dynamic of Rajesh Khanna and R D Burman was special, and the makers are looking to recreate this on the screen. And the obvious choice to play the part is Akshay Kumar, given the family equation he shares with Twinkle Khanna and Dimple Kapadia."
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The source further revealed, "Akshay is a big Rajesh Khanna fan, and was extremely fond of the yester-year superstar, who also happens to be his father in law. He has allotted 10 days to shoot for the film, which goes on floors in October 2026." Although it is an extended cameo, his appearance is expected to carry significant importance within the story's narrative.
The biopic marks a major reunion between Akshay Kumar and director Neeraj Pandey. The duo previously collaborated on critically acclaimed box-office successes such as Special 26 and Baby. Their latest project comes more than a decade after their last work together.
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Produced by Excel Entertainment, the biopic aims to recreate an influential era in Hindi cinema by featuring several prominent figures alongside R D Burman. The makers are currently in the process of casting other key actors to play prominent personalities from the past before production begins in October 2026.