Dhurandhar row: Did Akshaye Khanna get a photo taken with Benazir Bhutto?

WEB DESK: A photograph of Indian actor Akshaye Khanna with Pakistan’s late former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari has gone viral on social media amid growing controversy surrounding the Indian film Dhurandhar.

The image resurfaced as criticism mounts over the film, which has been accused of portraying Pakistan in a negative light. The trailer has also drawn strong reactions after allegedly featuring images of Pakistani political leaders, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) flags and footage from political rallies without authorisation. The issue has sparked debate across social media platforms as well as in political and legal circles.

According to reports, PPP activist Muhammad Aamir has filed a petition in court against the film’s director, producers and actors, alleging illegal use of political imagery and defamation. The petition argues that the inclusion of Benazir Bhutto’s image, party symbols and rally footage required prior legal permission, which was not obtained.

As the controversy intensified, the viral photograph of Akshaye Khanna with Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari further fuelled discussion online, particularly given Khanna’s association with the film. Social media users said the image added a new dimension to the debate at a time when political sensitivities between Pakistan and India are already heightened.

Adding to the online buzz, an old and rare video from 1989 has also resurfaced, showing former Pakistani cricket captain and ex-prime minister Imran Khan dancing with Bollywood legend Rekha and actor Vinod Khanna at a charity event. Some users have drawn comparisons between Akshaye Khanna’s dance style in Dhurandhar and that of his father, Vinod Khanna, referencing the decades-old footage.

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Political commentators and critics have argued that Dhurandhar presents Pakistan’s political landscape and social conditions in a distorted manner, potentially damaging the reputations of political figures and institutions. The PPP and other political voices have demanded accountability, insisting that any political content used in films must be backed by proper legal authorisation.

Earlier this week, the Pakistani government had also announced the release of a local film, Mera Lyari, next month in response to the Indian film Dhurandhar, which it says portrays Pakistan, particularly Lyari, in a negative light. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon criticised Dhurandhar as anti-Pakistan propaganda, stressing that Lyari is not defined by violence but by culture, resilience and talent. He said Mera Lyari will present the area’s true identity, highlighting peace, pride and prosperity while challenging long-standing stereotypes and showcasing the untold stories of its people.