Mukesh Khanna has opened up about missing out on Hera Pheri 2, revealing he was never approached for the sequel despite being part of the cult original.Speaking to The Filmy Charcha, the veteran actor said, “No, I wasn’t approached. And I don’t regret it. If I’m asked, I’ll do it… everyone else was repeated, but I wasn’t.”
‘I didn’t ask why I wasn’t taken’
Khanna hinted at a past issue with the makers during the first film. “During Hera Pheri, I had a bit of a problem with the producer… his attitude. So I didn’t go and ask why I wasn’t taken,” he said.Recalling his role, Khanna spoke about the audience response to his scenes. “When I used to run and Om Puri chased me with a stick, I’d say ‘main commissioner hoon!’… people in theatres would shout, ‘Arre Shaktimaan bhaag raha hai!’”He added that perhaps his character wasn’t required in the sequel. “Maybe they didn’t feel the need… I wasn’t there.”
On Akshay Kumar forgetting dialogues
Addressing claims that Akshay Kumar doesn’t memorise lines, Khanna dismissed the notion based on his own experience.“I have done six films with him… I’ve never seen that,” he said, referring to projects like Saugandh, Amaanat and International Khiladi.While he acknowledged that Akshay’s busy schedule might fuel such perceptions, Khanna maintained, “I don’t think he forgets dialogues. He’s a very dedicated and hardworking actor.”
Khanna also revealed that he had approached Akshay with a film idea a few years ago — a political drama about a paanwala influencing Parliament.“I narrated the story… he heard it but said, ‘Mukesh, I won’t be able to do this,’” Khanna shared, adding that the actor has become more selective now.The role was initially envisioned for Irrfan Khan, but plans changed after his passing.
‘Maybe he’s upset with me’
The actor further admitted that he has publicly criticised some of Akshay’s choices in the past, including Laxmii. “I’ve said he shouldn’t have done it… maybe he’s upset with me, I don’t know,” Khanna said.Despite this, he added that he intends to reconnect with Akshay in the future for a potential collaboration.
