Thursday, January 15, 2026

Saumya Tandon’s Heartfelt Tribute To Akshay Khanna: “He’s An Amazing Actor And A Wonderful Human Being”

Saumya Tandon thanks fans for praise as Dhurandhar crosses Rs 100 crore, lauding its respectful portrayal of women and strong performances across the cast.

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar continues its phenomenal box-office march, firmly establishing itself as one of the year’s most successful Hindi films. Having crossed the Rs 100-crore mark within its opening week, the Aditya Dhar–directed espionage thriller shows no signs of slowing down. The film has been celebrated not only for its gripping narrative and high-adrenaline action sequences but also for its ensemble cast, whose performances have added depth and nuance to the tense, layered storyline.

Among the standout performers is Saumya Tandon, who plays Ulfat, the wife of feared gang leader Rehman Dakait, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. Though her role is brief, her character’s emotional gravitas and subtle strength have resonated powerfully with audiences. Viewers have praised her ability to leave a lasting impression with limited screen time—something not many actors can pull off with such finesse.

On Thursday, Saumya posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing gratitude to fans who embraced her performance. She wrote, “It’s absolutely overwhelming to receive so much love and appreciation for my part in #Dhurandhar. It wasn’t a long screen time, but so many of you told me the character made an impact, and that truly means the world to me.”

In the same post, she credited the film’s director and her co-actors for helping shape a role that connected deeply with viewers. “All credit to the incredible @AdityaDharFilms. Thank you for making me a part of Dhurandhar, you created magic. This wasn’t possible without the amazing #AkshayKhanna, a dream partner. Thanks for this one @CastingChhabra #JyotiDeshpande @jiostudios @LokeshDharB62, thanks for having me,” she added. Her message reflected the collaborative spirit behind the film—one that blends strong writing, layered performances, and a cohesive creative vision.

Earlier this week, Saumya also spoke about the film’s refreshing portrayal of women, especially within a narrative that largely revolves around crime, intelligence operations, and male-dominated power structures. She highlighted that the film refuses to fall back on harmful stereotypes or objectification—something that often surfaces in stories set in criminal or extremist environments.

Reflecting on the film’s world-building, she wrote, “In the universe Dhurandhar is set in… the women are treated with dignity. They aren’t beaten, objectified, or shown as one of many wives… it’s important to remember we’re dealing with a very different world.” Her remarks resonated with viewers who have long advocated for respectful and multi-dimensional portrayals of women, even in gritty action or espionage narratives.

Saumya also clarified that her comments were not meant as criticism of other films or franchises. “And I’m not taking a jab at anyone at all… this film simply didn’t have that grain or need,” she wrote, addressing the online chatter comparing Dhurandhar to other popular spy series. Her statement underscored that the film’s tone and characterisation grew naturally from the story it set out to tell.

Dhurandhar follows the journey of Hamza Ali Mazari, played by Ranveer Singh, an undercover Indian operative tasked with penetrating Pakistan’s dangerous underworld. To fulfil his mission, he infiltrates the gang of Rehman Dakait, one of the most feared crime lords in the region. His marriage to the daughter of a powerful Pakistani politician becomes a strategic part of his covert operation, adding layers of emotional tension and moral complexity to his mission.

What makes the film stand out is its commitment to humanising its characters while delivering high-stakes action. Even secondary characters—such as Saumya Tandon’s Ulfat—are crafted with care, contributing significantly to the emotional rhythm of the film. Ulfat’s presence brings depth to Rehman Dakait’s otherwise ruthless persona, while also serving as a reminder of the human cost buried beneath violent criminal networks.

The cast includes an impressive lineup: Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, each delivering compelling performances that complement the film’s layered storyline. Their collective screen presence elevates Dhurandhar from a conventional spy thriller to a character-driven narrative grounded in emotional truth and geopolitical tension.

Released on December 5, Dhurandhar has not only dominated the box office but has also sparked excitement for its sequel. The makers have already confirmed Dhurandhar 2, which is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, 2026. With its expanding universe, intense drama, and dynamic characters, the second chapter is expected to build on the momentum of the widely acclaimed first installment.

As Dhurandhar continues its triumphant run, both critics and audiences agree that the film marks another milestone in contemporary Hindi cinema—offering compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and a refreshing approach to the spy thriller genre.

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