‘Akshay Kumar’s wife came to know of a relationship with Priyanka Chopra, he said either he will work or PeeCee’: Suneel Darshan

The Bollywood film industry has always been a hotbed of rumors, controversies, and behind-the-scenes drama. Few stories have captured public attention as much as the alleged affair between superstar Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra in the early 2000s. Despite their successful on-screen chemistry in films like *Andaaz* (2003), *Aitraaz* (2004), and *Waqt: The Race Against Time* (2005), whispers of an off-screen relationship led to a major fallout—not just between the actors, but also with director Suneel Darshan. In a recent interview, Darshan revealed shocking details about how Akshay was forced to make an ultimatum: *”Either I work, or Priyanka does.”*

This article delves into the controversy, exploring:
– The rise of Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra as Bollywood stars
– The rumors that shook their professional and personal lives
– Suneel Darshan’s perspective on the infamous *Barsaat* casting dilemma
– The aftermath and how it affected their careers

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The Rise of Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra

Akshay Kumar: The Action Hero Turned Versatile Star
Akshay Kumar, often referred to as the “Khiladi” of Bollywood, had already established himself as a bankable action star by the early 2000s. After delivering hits like *Mohra* (1994) and *Ek Rishtaa* (2001), he was transitioning into more diverse roles—romantic leads (*Dhadkan*, 2000) and comedies (*Hera Pheri*, 2000). However, his career faced a slump in the late 1990s, and it was directors like Suneel Darshan who helped revive his image with *Jaanwar* (1999).

Priyanka Chopra: From Miss World to Bollywood’s Leading Lady
Priyanka Chopra, who won Miss World in 2000, quickly ascended in Bollywood with successful films like *The Hero: Love Story of a Spy* (2003) and *Mujhse Shaadi Karogi* (2004). Her pairing with Akshay Kumar in *Andaaz* became iconic, and their chemistry in *Aitraaz*—a bold film about infidelity—only fueled speculations about their real-life relationship.

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The Rumors That Shook Bollywood

On-Screen Chemistry Turns Into Off-Screen Speculation
Akshay and Priyanka worked together in three consecutive films (*Andaaz*, *Aitraaz*, *Waqt*), and their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. Rumors began swirling when they were cast in Suneel Darshan’s *Barsaat*, where they shot a romantic song together. Reports suggested that Twinkle Khanna, Akshay’s wife (then a well-known actress herself), grew suspicious of their closeness.

In an interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Suneel Darshan recalled:
>*”One beautiful song was shot between Akshay and Priyanka before things fell apart… When it was time to resume shooting, Akshay called me to his set—something he rarely did—and told me there were ‘uncontrollable issues’ affecting his personal life.”*

The Ultimatum: “Either Me or Priyanka”
According to Darshan, Akshay presented him with a difficult choice:
>*”He requested me to decide how to move forward—either continue working with him or with Priyanka. I chose Priyanka.”*

This decision marked the end of Akshay and Darshan’s long-standing collaboration, which had included seven films. Darshan admitted that he was shocked by Akshay’s sudden withdrawal after 18 months of pre-production.

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Twinkle Khanna’s Reaction and the Fallout

Did Twinkle Leave Akshay Over the Rumors?
Suneel Darshan suggested in an earlier interview with *Friday Talkies* that Twinkle Khanna had temporarily left Akshay’s home after the rumors surfaced:
>*”Kuch blunder aise ho chuke thay (Some blunders happened). The rumors about Priyanka and Akshay reached Twinkle, and she left his home.”*

Despite being an actress herself, Twinkle reportedly found it difficult to ignore the media frenzy. Akshay, who was at a career crossroads at the time, had promised Darshan he would compensate by working on another film, but the director was disillusioned by the entire episode.

The Aftermath: Career Shifts for Everyone Involved
– **Akshay Kumar** – After distancing himself from Darshan, he bounced back with films like *Namastey London* (2007) and *Singh Is Kinng* (2008).
– **Priyanka Chopra** – Continued working with Darshan in *Barsaat* (recast with Bobby Deol) but later shifted focus to Hollywood, citing “being cornered by Bollywood forces” as a reason for her move.
– **Suneel Darshan** – Said he hasn’t spoken to Akshay in two decades, calling it “the end of an era.”

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Conclusion: A Lesson in Professionalism and Personal Boundaries

The Akshay-Priyanka controversy remains one of Bollywood’s most talked-about stories, illustrating how personal relationships can influence professional decisions. It also highlights the pressures faced by actors in an industry where rumors can derail careers.

While Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra never publicly addressed the allegations, Suneel Darshan’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the complexities of Bollywood politics. Whether it was a case of misunderstandings or deeper issues, this saga serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour, actors navigate personal struggles just like anyone else.

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Final Thoughts
Would Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra have continued their successful pairing if not for the controversy? We may never know—but their films remain timeless classics, proving that sometimes, art transcends the drama behind the scenes.

**What do you think?** Was Suneel Darshan right in choosing Priyanka over Akshay? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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References:
– Interviews with Suneel Darshan (*Friday Talkies*, Vickey Lalwani)
– Box office reports of Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra films
– Bollywood industry analyses from *Filmfare*, *Mid-Day*, and *The Indian Express*