Everyone loves an underdog finally getting their moment in the spotlight and right now, it’s actors Akshaye Khanna (50) and Bobby Deol (56) stealing it. Gen Z can’t get enough of Akshaye, while Bobby has been crowned “Lord Bobby” online, with fans going all out for their favourites.

Akshaye’s recent performance in Dhurandhar has earned universal praise, especially after his dance to the film’s catchy Arabic number went viral. Earlier this year, Chhaava had also won him widespread admiration, proving his charm just keeps growing.

Similarly, Bobby, who had been away from the mainstream for a few years, is back in a big way. Animal (2023) reignited his career, with his entry song Jamal Kudu becoming an instant rage. And this year, The Ba***ds Of Bollywood further cemented his renewed fan base.

Trade analysts see this as a positive for the industry. Komal Nahta notes, “It’s all about getting that right role. Bobby had a small role in Animal but it created a tremendous impact. On social media, Gen Z has dubbed him as Lord Bobby for long.”

He adds that the social media love for both stars isn’t fleeting. “We need more good actors. Akshaye should keep signing more films and not retreat after Chhaava and now Dhurandhar,” Nahta says.

Ramesh Taurani, co-producer of Race 3 — Bobby’s comeback film in 2018 after a career slump — is thrilled with the actor’s return to the limelight. He says, “Bobby was a star even before his debut film… I can’t describe the craze people had for him even before he launched. He’s not only good-looking but now a solid actor too.”

Director Priyadarshan, who has worked with Akshaye in multiple films, admits he wasn’t aware of the resurgence of Jeetu from Videocon, Akshaye’s now-cult character from the 2003 film Hungama.

He says, “It’s not just about Gen Z, people have always loved him. Earlier, PR and the media made an actor, but today, audiences form their own opinions. The fact that people are talking about him now shows he was always a genuinely favourite artiste.”

Laxman Utekar, who directed Akshaye in Chhaava, says, “The kind of performer he is, his physique… when we did his look test, it was magical. He deserves even more success.”

Meanwhile, director Farah Khan shared on social media that she often sends Akshaye all the viral reels of his funny scenes in Tees Maar Khan (2010).

The song that Akshaye dances to in Dhurandar is Fa9la by Flipperachi, a Bahraini rap track currently ruling social media. The track has gone so viral that even BJP shared a reel on Tuesday highlighting PM Modi’s journey from childhood, set to this very song! The lines translate to: “Brother, dance hard, I’m ready for a good time...”