What challenges did Akshay Kumar face in the late 90s?

Akshay Kumar faced back-to-back film failures, stalled projects, and significant industry skepticism during the late 1990s.

How did Suneel Darshan help Akshay Kumar?

Suneel Darshan provided crucial support and encouragement to Akshay Kumar during his career low point, notably by promoting their film 'Jaanwar'.

Which films were stalled during Akshay Kumar's struggling phase?

During Akshay Kumar's difficult period, films like 'Dhadkan' and 'Hera Pheri' were put on hold or shelved.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Filmmaker Recounts Akshay's Tearful Industry Rejection

Filmmaker Recounts Akshay's Tearful Industry Rejection

30 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Akshay Kumar faced industry ridicule and career setbacks in the late 90s.
A producer cruelly dismissed Akshay Kumar before a film's release.
Filmmaker Suneel Darshan's support helped Akshay Kumar make a comeback.

During the late 1990s, a period marked by numerous career failures, Akshay Kumar faced harsh criticism and rejection from within the film industry. Filmmaker Suneel Darshan, who worked with Kumar on 'Jaanwar,' revealed that prominent producers at the time dismissed the actor as "rubbish," leading to stalled projects like 'Dhadkan' and 'Hera Pheri.'

Darshan recounted a particularly distressing incident where Akshay Kumar arrived at his office in tears after a producer spoke rudely to him regarding a film's release. Moved by the actor's vulnerability, Darshan took proactive steps to bolster Akshay's morale, ensuring a prominent hoarding for their film 'Jaanwar.'

This intervention proved pivotal. Although 'Jaanwar' had a modest start in Mumbai, it achieved phenomenal success in other regions, marking a significant comeback for Akshay Kumar and contrasting sharply with his earlier struggles, solidifying his place in the industry.

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