Kannada Superstar Shiva Rajkumar Steals the Show: Recreating Akshaye Khanna Viral ‘FA9LA’ Moves

New Delhi, April 18, 2026: The internet is abuzz once again, and this time, it’s not just the original sensation that has fans talking. Kannada cinema’s beloved “Century Star,” Shiva Rajkumar, has sent social media into a frenzy by effortlessly recreating the now-iconic dance moves of Akshaye Khanna from the massive blockbuster, Dhurandhar.

The video, which captures a candid and joyful moment of the veteran actor at a private birthday celebration, has gone viral, proving that even after decades in the limelight, Shiva Rajkumar still knows exactly how to set the dance floor on fire.

The Viral Moment: A Star in His Element

The footage, shared on Instagram by user Kumar Gowda KS, features a relaxed and cheerful Shiva Rajkumar at a birthday party. Dressed casually in a striped shirt and jeans, the legendary actor is seen surrounded by friends and family. As the infectious beats of the song ‘FA9LA’—from Aditya Dhar’s spy-thriller Dhurandhar—start playing, the mood in the room shifts instantly.

Without missing a beat, Shiva Rajkumar steps into the center of the floor. With a wide, infectious smile, he flawlessly executes the signature, swagger-filled dance steps made famous by Akshaye Khanna’s character, Rehman Dakait, in the film. The highlight of the moment comes when the actor performs the stylish adaab (greeting) step with perfect precision, drawing cheers and whistles from the delighted crowd.

The warmth of the moment peaks when Shiva Rajkumar pulls his wife, Geetha Shiva Rajkumar, onto the dance floor. His gesture of bringing her into the celebration was a hit with onlookers, adding a touch of sweetness to the high-energy performance.

Why ‘FA9LA’ Became a Cultural Phenomenon

To understand why this recreation has generated so much excitement, one must appreciate the craze surrounding the original song and film. Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna, released in late 2025 and has since become one of India’s highest-grossing franchises.

Akshaye Khanna’s entry in the film, set to the song ‘FA9LA’ (by Bahrain-based rapper Flipperachi), became an overnight viral trend. Unlike choreographed routines, the dance was largely improvised by Khanna himself, who reportedly wanted to add a spontaneous flair to his character’s introduction. The combination of his suave persona, the catchy rhythm, and the effortless, “cool-guy” dance moves struck a chord with audiences across the country.

The internet quickly became obsessed with the sequence, leading to a wave of reels, parodies, and recreations—ranging from cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to casual fans, all trying to capture that specific “Akshaye Khanna swag.”

Shiva Rajkumar’s Fandom

This isn’t just a random viral clip; it’s a nod from one legendary performer to another. Shiva Rajkumar has been vocal about his admiration for the Dhurandhar franchise. Upon the release of the second installment, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the actor took to social media to praise the film’s conviction, the music, and the “brilliant” performance by the cast.

“Durandhar: The Revenge is absolutely fantastic! Loved every bit of it,” he shared on X, expressing his respect for director Aditya Dhar’s vision. Seeing a veteran of Shiva Rajkumar’s stature—a man who has carried the Kannada film industry on his shoulders for years—celebrate a fellow artist’s work with such fun and abandon is a testament to the unifying power of cinema.

The Takeaway

In an era where social media often highlights the polished and the curated, seeing a veteran superstar like Shiva Rajkumar let his hair down, dance with friends, and celebrate his wife in such a grounded way is refreshing. It reminds audiences that behind the larger-than-life characters on screen, these actors are fans of the craft, just like the rest of us.

As the ‘FA9LA’ trend continues to evolve, Shiva Rajkumar’s version has arguably become one of the most heartwarming renditions yet. For fans, it’s a beautiful crossover moment that merges the legacy of the Kannada industry with the current wave of pan-Indian cinematic trends.