Akshaye Khanna’s performance as Rehman Baloch in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has struck a deep chord with audiences, reminding many why he has long been regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s most quietly compelling actors.
Viewers have been especially taken by the realism he brings to the role, from his restrained screen presence to his convincing look in traditional Balochi clothing.
As praise for the film continues to pour in, an unexpected and touching story from Akshaye’s past has added warmth and context to the moment.
A post on X by West Bengal politician Saira Shah Halim has gone viral, taking people back to Akshaye Khanna’s school days at Lawrence School Lovedale in Ooty.
Lawrence School Lovedale Ooty's original Heartbreak Kid. Perhaps i haven't shared this before,but Akshaye Khanna was a couple of years senior to us at Lawrence School Lovedale where i was a boarder along with my brother @MajorAliShah Back in the hallowed, halls of Lawrence… pic.twitter.com/Dm5QVAVJbg— Saira Shah Halim সায়রা سائرہ (@sairashahhalim) December 12, 2025
Halim, who was a boarder there while the Dhurandhar actor was a few years senior, shared a memory that feels intimate and deeply personal. Rather than recalling a loud or attention-seeking student, she described someone who stood out precisely because he didn’t try to.
According to Halim, Akshaye was admired across campus for his calm, thoughtful nature. He wasn’t the sort to dominate sports fields or social events. Instead, he kept to himself, often seen strolling alone across the school grounds or sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
That reserve, however, only seemed to heighten his appeal. As she put it, “Akshaye wasn't a traditional 'ladies' man,' but he was the most popular senior on campus,”
She affectionately referred to him as the “original Heartbreak Kid”, a nickname that reflects how many quietly admired him from afar.
Halim also recalled how Vinod Khanna and Akshaye’s stepmother would regularly visit the school, subtle reminders of the film world that surrounded him even then.
His post read, " Lawrence School Lovedale Ooty's original Heartbreak Kid. Perhaps i haven't shared this before,but Akshaye Khanna was a couple of years senior to us at Lawrence School Lovedale where i was a boarder along with my brother @MajorAliShah Back in the hallowed, halls of Lawrence School Lovedale, there was a lot of excitement one day,the buzz was that Vinod Khanna's son is joining in class 11th and we were intrigued about who or what he looked like. For the next two years we saw him every day,while passing us by, or by walking up and down the campus,one bumped into him as one came out of the tuck shop etc etc and boy he was the school crush! period. Akshaye wasn't the boisterous captain of the football team; he was the quiet storm. He was reticent and a brooder and the only drama he caused was in the hearts of his school mates.
Akshaye was a man of mystery. One who never attended school socials, was never a part of big groups,he just needed to quietly exist while sipping tea in the lawns or taking a quiet walk in our campus.Despite never being a "ladies man" in the traditional sense, he was the most popular senior on campus. His dad Vinod Khanna and stepmom visited him often i recall. Much later I wasn't surprised he went on and joined films,some films clicked,some didn't in all of this one thing remained static-he was low key and mysterious throughout,just the way he is now. Glad he is getting his due recognition!"
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