When Akshay Kumar Was 'Horrified' At Manish Malhotra's Suggestion Of Trimming Chest Hair For Dhadkan Song: 'I Told Him...'

Bollywood actors have long had a unique relationship with body hair, often leading to memorable, and sometimes awkward, situations. Director Anurag Kashyap once shared that he was sidelined after suggesting Salman Khan grow chest hair for ‘Tere Naam’. Meanwhile, fashion designer Manish Malhotra recalled a moment when Akshay Kumar was ‘horrified’ at the idea of trimming his chest hair for a role.

During an appearance on the We Are Yuvaa YouTube channel, Manish revealed that while women in the industry were particular about their wardrobe choices, male actors were generally more indifferent. Recalling a shoot for the song ‘Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se’ from ‘Dhadkan’, Manish shared, “I remember we were in Switzerland, we were shooting a song for Dhadkan, and I told Akshay Kumar to trim his chest hair because he was wearing a white shirt. And he was horrified. It was for ‘Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se’. And the director, Dharmesh Darshan, was very supportive of me, and he said, ‘Yes, it’s the correct thing’.”

‘Dhadkan’ (2000) is a romantic drama film that delves into the complexities of love, relationships, and societal expectations. Directed by Dharmesh Darshan, the film stars Shilpa Shetty, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty in pivotal roles, creating a love triangle that is both emotionally charged and thought-provoking.

The story revolves around Anjali (Shilpa Shetty), a young woman torn between her past love, Dev (Suniel Shetty), a passionate but intense man, and her present husband, Ram (Akshay Kumar), a compassionate and understanding man who marries her despite knowing she loves someone else. The film explores Anjali’s journey as she navigates her feelings and responsibilities, ultimately discovering the true meaning of love and commitment.

‘Dhadkan’ is known for its melodious soundtrack, composed by Nadeem-Shravan, which became immensely popular and is still cherished today. The film beautifully captures the emotional turmoil of its characters, highlighting themes of unrequited love, sacrifice, and the impact of societal norms on personal happiness. With its strong performances, especially by Suniel Shetty, who won critical acclaim for his portrayal of the intense and obsessive Dev, ‘Dhadkan’ remains a significant film in the romance genre of Bollywood, resonating with audiences for its poignant storytelling and memorable music.