When Akshaye Khanna became the butt of Anil Kapoor's joke 24th July 2007
20.49 IST
By Aparajita Ghosh
Not many people know that Akshaye Khanna had initially turned down the offer to act in Anil Kapoor’s film Gandhi My Father .
The two actors had already been friends since they worked together in Subhash Ghai’s movie Taal . So when Anil decided to approach Akshaye for his home production ‘Gandhi My Father’, he decided to pull a fast one on Akshaye.
He sent director Feroz Abbas Khan to Akshaye’s place with the film’s script. After Akshaye had gone through the script, Anil called Akshaye and told him that he wanted him to play Gandhi in the film.
Akshaye was shocked to hear what Anil said.
“I immediately walked to the mirror and checked my face, wondering what Anil saw in me to ask me to play Gandhi,” says Akshaye.
Thereafter, Akshaye decided to ignore Anil because he did not want to play the role of Gandhi. Anil called him repeatedly but Akshaye ignored his calls.
It was then Anil sent Akshaye a SMS that he wanted him to play Harilal Gandhi, the eldest son of Mahatma Gandhi.
Obviously interested in the role, Akshaye then set a meeting with Anil. When the two met, they had a hearty laugh together.
‘Gandhi My Father’ is based on the story of turbulent relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his eldest son Harilal.