The Real Rehman Dakait, Akshaye Khanna’s Dhurandhar Character, Killed His Mother At 15
The character of Rehman Dakait, portrayed with chilling restraint by Akshaye Khanna in the film Dhurandhar, has left audiences disturbed and intrigued in equal measure. While the on-screen portrayal has been widely praised for its intensity and psychological depth, fewer people are aware that the character is inspired by a real-life criminal whose story is far more disturbing than fiction.
The real Rehman Dakait’s life was marked by extreme violence from a very young age, with one incident in particular standing out as the defining moment of his descent into crime — the killing of his own mother at the age of just 15.
A Childhood Shaped By Violence
Born into an environment riddled with crime, instability, and poverty, Rehman Dakait grew up exposed to brutality from an early age. According to investigative accounts, domestic conflict, substance abuse, and criminal influences were a constant presence in his formative years.
By his early teens, Rehman was already known to local law enforcement as a troubled minor involved in petty crime, theft, and violent altercations. What authorities did not anticipate was the extreme act that would follow.
The Crime That Shocked Investigators
At just 15 years old, Rehman allegedly killed his mother during a violent domestic confrontation. Reports suggest the incident was the result of a heated argument that escalated rapidly, ending in an act so brutal that it stunned even seasoned investigators.
The killing became a turning point — both legally and psychologically. Those who later studied his criminal profile noted that this act effectively severed his remaining emotional restraints, accelerating his transformation into a hardened criminal.
Because of his age, the case attracted widespread attention, raising uncomfortable questions about juvenile crime, family breakdown, and the limits of rehabilitation.
From Juvenile Offender To Feared Gangster
Following the incident, Rehman’s life spiralled deeper into organised crime. Over the years, he became associated with gang networks involved in extortion, contract killings, and turf wars. His reputation for ruthlessness grew rapidly, with associates and rivals alike describing him as unpredictable and merciless.
Law enforcement agencies tracked his movements closely, linking him to multiple violent crimes. He eventually became one of the most wanted figures in his region, evading capture for extended periods through a network of safe houses and loyal accomplices.
How Dhurandhar Interprets His Story
In Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal does not sensationalise the violence but instead focuses on the cold psychology of a man shaped by trauma and moral collapse. The film hints at Rehman Dakait’s early-life crimes without explicitly depicting every detail, allowing viewers to grasp the darkness without turning it into spectacle.
Critics have praised Khanna for delivering a performance that is unsettling precisely because of its restraint — portraying evil not as loud or theatrical, but as calculated and deeply internalised.
Ethical Questions Around True-Crime Adaptations
The revelation that the character is inspired by a real individual who committed such an extreme crime has reignited debate around the ethics of adapting true-crime figures for cinema. While filmmakers argue that such stories explore the consequences of violence, critics caution against inadvertently humanising or mythologising criminals.
Supporters of Dhurandhar point out that the film clearly frames Rehman Dakait as a product of destructive choices and circumstances, offering no justification for his actions.
A Stark Reminder, Not A Glorification
The real Rehman Dakait’s story is not one of redemption or misunderstood genius. It is a grim reminder of how early exposure to violence, lack of intervention, and societal failure can result in irreversible consequences.
By anchoring Akshaye Khanna’s character in reality, Dhurandhar forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths — that some criminals are not born monsters, but become so through a chain of unchecked trauma and brutality.
Why The Story Still Resonates
Years later, the name Rehman Dakait continues to evoke fear and fascination, not because of cinematic flair, but because of the disturbing reality behind it. His life serves as a cautionary tale about juvenile crime, the limits of reform, and the devastating impact of violence within families.
As Dhurandhar continues its successful box-office run, the real-life inspiration behind one of its most compelling characters reminds viewers that some stories are far darker than anything imagined on screen.
