New Delhi, June 16, 2026: In a lighthearted moment that has taken social media by storm, Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan recently shared a throwback anecdote from the sets of their 2010 film, Tees Maar Khan. During a promotional event for their upcoming project, Bhoot Bangla, Farah revealed that lead actor Akshay Kumar used to commute to the film’s remote shooting location via helicopter—effectively using the aircraft like a daily taxi service.
The revelation, which left the audience and fellow cast members in splits, sparked a playful verbal sparring match between the director and the star, reminding fans of the easy chemistry that has defined their long-standing professional relationship.
The “Helicopter Taxi” Revelation
The conversation occurred during a sit-down interview featuring Farah Khan, Akshay Kumar, director Priyadarshan, and actor Rajpal Yadav. As the group reminisced about their filming days, specifically the grueling schedule in the scenic but isolated Malshej Ghat, Farah shared a startling detail about Akshay’s work ethic.
“We were shooting for Tees Maar Khan in Malshej. The call time was 8:00 AM every day. Everyone else stayed at the location because it was a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Mumbai,” Farah recalled. “But Akshay would go home every evening after pack-up and return by 7:45 the next morning.”
When fellow actor Rajpal Yadav looked visibly stunned and asked how that was even logistically possible, Akshay nonchalantly replied, “I traveled by helicopter.” Farah immediately chimed in, adding, “For the first time in my life, I saw an actor treat a helicopter like a taxi. But to his credit, he was always on time.”
“Main Paise Kha Gaya?”: The Playful Accusation
The conversation quickly pivoted from logistics to finances when Farah jokingly accused the actor of draining the production budget. “Mere saare paise kha gaya (He spent all my money on himself),” she quipped, blaming his high-flying commute for the film’s expenditure.
Akshay, never one to miss a beat, immediately defended his actions with a counter-question: “But how was it anybody’s problem? I was the producer myself.”
Farah, quick with a retort, reminded him, “And so was I.”
The back-and-forth reached a peak when a shocked Akshay asked, “Main paise kha gaya? You made the most money on that film!” The room erupted in laughter as Farah dismissed the claim with a witty suggestion: “Call Ronnie [Screwvala] and ask him about our money.”
A Look Back at Tees Maar Khan
While the anecdote was delivered with humor, it provided a nostalgic window into the making of Tees Maar Khan. Released in 2010, the film was highly anticipated as it marked Farah Khan’s third directorial venture following the massive success of Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om.
Despite being a moderate success at the box office, grossing around ₹84 crore, the film faced harsh criticism upon release. Farah has been candid in recent years about how that negative reception impacted her mental health, noting that it forced her into a period of self-doubt. “It puts you on the backfoot for a very long time,” she admitted during the chat. However, over the last 16 years, the film has found a new lease on life as a cult classic, with modern audiences frequently celebrating its quirky humor and viral musical hits like “Sheila Ki Jawani” on social media.
The Road Ahead: Bhoot Bangla
The chemistry between Farah and Akshay clearly remains intact as they gear up for their latest collaboration, Bhoot Bangla. Their ability to joke about past professional tensions—and even the financial logistics of a decade-old shoot—suggests a comfort level that fans are eager to see translated onto the screen once again.
As the duo continues their promotional rounds, this “helicopter” story serves as a reminder of the sheer scale and eccentricity often involved in Bollywood productions, and how, even years later, the stars themselves find the absurdity of it all just as entertaining as we do.
Key Highlights of the Exchange
- The Commute: Akshay Kumar flew from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat via helicopter daily to avoid a 2.5-hour road journey.
- The Punctuality: Despite the complex travel arrangements, Farah noted he was always the most punctual person on set.
- The Jest: Farah jokingly blamed Akshay for the film’s budget issues; Akshay pointed out their mutual roles as producers.
- The Legacy: Tees Maar Khan has evolved from a critically panned 2010 release into a beloved internet-age cult classic.
What do you think of this star-studded travel hack? Is a helicopter commute the ultimate sign of professional dedication, or just a classic Bollywood luxury?