Saumya Tandon Reveals She Slapped Akshaye Khanna for Real in Dhurandhar: “Aditya Dhar Insisted It Had to Be Authentic”

Actor Saumya Tandon has opened up about one of the most intense moments of her film career — slapping co-star Akshaye Khanna for real during the shoot of Dhurandhar. The revelation has sparked widespread curiosity, not just because of the physical intensity of the scene, but also because of director Aditya Dhar’s insistence on authenticity.

In a recent interaction, Saumya spoke candidly about the experience, shedding light on how demanding the scene was emotionally and why realism took precedence over comfort on set.

Saumya Tandon on the Scene That Shocked Viewers

Saumya Tandon shared that the slap scene in Dhurandhar was not choreographed or faked with camera angles — it was real and deliberate.

According to her, director Aditya Dhar was clear from the beginning that the moment had to feel raw, believable, and unfiltered.

She explained that the scene carried significant emotional weight and couldn’t be diluted with cinematic tricks.

“Aditya was very clear — he said the scene would only work if it was authentic. There was no space for pretence,” Saumya revealed.

For Saumya, the decision wasn’t easy, but she trusted the director’s vision.

Why Aditya Dhar Refused to Fake the Slap

Authenticity Over Comfort in Dhurandhar

Aditya Dhar, known for his realistic storytelling, reportedly believes that truthful performances come from honest reactions. In Dhurandhar, the slap was meant to convey rage, heartbreak, and power dynamics — something that could easily fall flat if staged poorly.

Saumya Tandon explained that Aditya Dhar discussed the scene in detail beforehand, ensuring everyone involved understood its emotional context.

There was no pressure or sudden improvisation on set.

Full Consent and Professional Boundaries

Saumya emphasized that Akshaye Khanna was informed well in advance and handled the moment with utmost professionalism.

“He was extremely respectful and calm about it,” she said.

The scene was rehearsed emotionally — not physically — to ensure both actors were mentally prepared.

Saumya Tandon on Slapping Akshaye Khanna: “It Wasn’t Easy”

Emotional Toll of the Scene

While Saumya Tandon agreed to perform the scene as written, she admitted that executing it was emotionally draining.

Slapping a co-actor — especially someone as seasoned and respected as Akshaye Khanna — was not something she took lightly.

She recalled feeling nervous moments before the take, questioning herself repeatedly.

Yet, once the camera rolled, she committed fully to the performance.

“Once you’re in the character, you stop thinking about yourself,” Saumya said. “You think about the story.”

Respect on Set After the Take

Saumya also revealed that Akshaye Khanna immediately checked in with her after the shot.

There were no egos, no awkwardness — only mutual respect.

This, she said, is what makes working with experienced actors a learning experience.

Akshaye Khanna’s Reaction to the Real Slap

Although Akshaye Khanna has remained private about the incident, sources from the set suggest he handled the moment with grace.

Known for his understated professionalism, Akshaye reportedly trusted Aditya Dhar’s vision and Saumya’s sincerity as an actor.

The scene was reportedly shot in minimal takes to avoid unnecessary repetition.

This mutual understanding helped maintain a healthy working environment despite the intensity of the moment.

Dhurandhar: A Film Rooted in Realism

What Makes Dhurandhar Different

Dhurandhar is being positioned as a hard-hitting, character-driven film where performances matter more than spectacle.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film reportedly explores complex human relationships, moral ambiguity, and emotional conflict.

Saumya Tandon’s role, though not fully revealed, is said to be pivotal to the narrative, making the slap scene a turning point in the story.

Aditya Dhar’s Signature Style

Aditya Dhar has previously spoken about his preference for realism over theatrics.

Whether it’s physical action or emotional confrontation, he believes that honesty on screen connects more deeply with audiences.

Saumya’s revelation aligns perfectly with his filmmaking philosophy.

Saumya Tandon’s Evolution as an Actor

Breaking Out of Comfort Zones

For Saumya Tandon, Dhurandhar marks an important phase in her career.

After being widely loved for her television work, she has consciously chosen roles that challenge her image.

Taking on emotionally intense scenes like this one reflects her willingness to grow as a performer.

She believes discomfort often leads to the most honest performances.

Choosing Substance Over Safety

Saumya has been vocal about wanting to do meaningful cinema.

Rather than playing it safe, she prefers roles that demand emotional courage.

The slap scene, she says, was not about shock value — it was about storytelling.

The Debate Around Real Slaps in Cinema

Where Does One Draw the Line?

Saumya Tandon’s revelation has reignited a long-standing debate in the film industry.

Is real physical action necessary for authenticity?

While some actors believe method acting enhances realism, others argue that cinema has enough technical tools to simulate impact safely.

Saumya clarified that consent, communication, and context are crucial.

“No scene is worth it if it compromises safety or respect,” she said.

Industry Reactions

Many within the industry have appreciated her honesty, while also acknowledging that such decisions should never be forced.

The consensus remains that realism must never come at the cost of an actor’s well-being.

What This Moment Says About Saumya Tandon

This revelation has added another layer to how audiences view Saumya Tandon.

She is not just a familiar face but an actor willing to take risks when the story demands it.

Her transparency about the experience has earned her respect, especially for highlighting professionalism rather than sensationalism.

Final Thoughts

Saumya Tandon’s candid confession about slapping Akshaye Khanna for real in Dhurandhar offers a rare glimpse into the emotional and ethical complexities of filmmaking.

It underscores the importance of trust between actors and directors, and how powerful performances are often born from difficult decisions.

As Dhurandhar builds anticipation, one thing is clear — Saumya Tandon’s performance is going to be one to watch.

Her willingness to push boundaries, while maintaining respect and professionalism, reflects a maturity that sets her apart in today’s entertainment landscape.

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