# Why Akshay Kumar Was the Only Actor Who Could Play Rajesh Khanna — And It’s Not About Talent

URL: https://technosports.co.in/why-akshay-kumar-was-the-only-actor/  
Published: 2026-08-10  
Updated: 2026-08-10  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Some casting decisions are about acting chops. This one is about family. Reports now confirm that **Akshay Kumar** will step into the iconic shoes of **Rajesh Khanna** in the upcoming **R.D. Burman biopic** — and the reason behind the casting is more personal than you’d expect.

## The Real Reason Behind the Casting

Akshay is married to Twinkle Khanna, [Rajesh Khanna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajesh_Khanna)‘s daughter, and shares a close bond with Twinkle’s mother, Dimple Kapadia. According to a source quoted by Bollywood Hungama, the makers wanted to recreate the “special” real-life dynamic between Kaka and R.D. Burman on screen — and Akshay’s family equation made him the natural fit. Add to that his personal admiration for Rajesh Khanna, and the casting practically wrote itself.

![Akshay Kumar](https://images.technosports.co.in/2026/08/akhsnsn.jpg)

## Akshay Kumar : Overview

| Detail | Information |
| --- | --- |
| Actor | Akshay Kumar |
| Character | Rajesh Khanna |
| Film | R.D. Burman Biopic |
| Nature of Role | Extended cameo / special appearance |
| Shoot Duration | Reportedly 10 days |
| Director | Neeraj Pandey |
| Production Banners | Friday Filmworks & Excel Entertainment |
| Lead Actor (as R.D. Burman) | Farhan Akhtar |
| Expected Shoot Start | September 2026 |

## A Cast Stacked With Real-Life Connections

This will mark Akshay’s third collaboration with Neeraj Pandey after *Baby* and *Special 26*, and it comes right after Pinkvilla’s exclusive report on **Emraan Hashmi** joining the cast as Mehmood. With Farhan Akhtar leading as R.D. Burman himself, the film is turning into a layered tribute to Hindi cinema’s musical golden era. If you’re tracking every casting update on this project, our earlier breakdown of [Bollywood’s biggest biopic castings](https://technosports.co.in/entertainment) is worth a look too.

## What’s Next

The film remains in pre-production, with cameras expected to roll in September. Expect more casting reveals as Neeraj Pandey and Excel Entertainment round out the ensemble around Farhan Akhtar’s central performance.

### FAQs

### **Q1. Is Akshay Kumar playing Rajesh Khanna in the R.D. Burman biopic?**

 Yes, reports confirm Akshay Kumar will play Rajesh Khanna in an extended cameo, reportedly shooting for 10 days.

### **Q2. Who is playing R.D. Burman in the biopic?**

 Farhan Akhtar is set to play the lead role of music composer R.D. Burman.