Lara Dutta Admits Akshay Kumar Protected, Supported Her And Priyanka Chopra During Their Early Bollywood Days; Recalls, “He NEVER Took Advantage Of Us”

Lara Dutta recently looked back at her early days in Bollywood, recalling how she and Priyanka Chopra stepped into the industry together with little guidance. The actress opened up about starting her journey with Andaaz and shared how Akshay Kumar played a crucial role in supporting and guiding them during that phase. Scroll down to read more.

Lara Dutta Credits Akshay Kumar For Supporting Her

Lara Dutta entered Bollywood around the same time as Priyanka Chopra, with both actresses navigating the industry while still learning its workings. Soon after winning an international beauty pageant in 2000, they made their Hindi film debut with Andaaz alongside Akshay Kumar. The film helped establish them as promising newcomers in the industry.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@larabhupathi)

Looking back at that phase, Lara Dutta spoke about how Akshay supported them during their early days, when they lacked direction and clarity. She shared that she feels ‘extremely lucky’ to have begun her Bollywood journey with Andaaz. In a recent interaction on the atncanada YouTube channel, Lara recalled Akshay’s presence on set and described him as a dependable source of support. She said, “Just to have that environment around you where you felt protected and not exploited in any which way and people who kind of looked out for you. Akshay has always been extremely protective.”

She further referred to him as her ‘friend, philosopher, and guide,’ emphasising that he played a much bigger role than just being a co-star. Reflecting on their initial struggles, Lara noted how both she and Priyanka were newcomers with big dreams but limited guidance, and how Akshay recognised that. The Housefull actress added, “Both Priyanka and I were coming in right at the same time. He saw two young girls coming in with stars in their eyes and zero guidance and direction. And he never took advantage of that.”

Lara went on to praise the Khiladi actor’s understanding of the industry, saying, “Today, I think he is such an incredibly street-smart person. He knows the business like the back of his hand; he knows what works. So, in that sense, I had a really strong springboard to take off from.”

About Andaaz

Andaaz (2003) is a successful Hindi-language musical romantic drama directed by Raj Kanwar and produced by Suneel Darshan. The film marked the acting debuts of Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, who starred alongside Akshay Kumar, and gained popularity for its music, scenic locations, and engaging love-triangle storyline.

The narrative centres on Raj (Akshay Kumar), who is deeply in love with his childhood friend Kajal (Lara Dutta), only to be heartbroken when she marries someone else. His life takes a turn when another woman, played by Priyanka Chopra, comes into the picture.

The film is also widely recognised for launching the Bollywood careers of both Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: Lara Dutta Returns To India With Daughter Saira Amid Iran-Israel Conflict; Jokes, ”Felt Like I Was A Part Of Airlift 2″

Sonali Singh

Sonali Singh watches films like it’s a job (and honestly, it kind of is). Currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication and Journalism, she lives somewhere between deadlines and movie scenes. If it’s Bollywood, she’s already invested—films, drama, and all the gossip included. When she’s not writing, she’s either dancing her heart out like no one’s watching or trying to mimic people, proving that not all talents are meant to be discovered.