Raksha Bandhan turns 4: Sadia Khateeb on working with Akshay Kumar
Synopsis
Four years after its release, Raksha Bandhan is being remembered not for its box-office numbers but for the bonds it forged on set. Sadia Khateeb's candid reflection on learning from Akshay Kumar and the warmth of the ensemble is a reminder that some films leave a deeper mark on their cast than on the charts.
Key Takeaways
Sadia Khateeb marked the 4th anniversary of 'Raksha Bandhan' on 11 August 2025 .
She described working with Akshay Kumar as ‘truly an enriching experience’ both as an actor and as a person.
The film was directed by Aanand L.
Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma and Kanika Dhillon . 'Raksha Bandhan' is a remake of the 2005 Bengali film 'Dadar Adesh' , centred on dowry and sibling bonds.
The film released on 11 August 2022 to mixed-to-positive reviews but underperformed at the box office.
Actress Sadia Khateeb turned nostalgic on 11 August 2025 as her film 'Raksha Bandhan' marked four years since its theatrical release, describing the experience of sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar as one of the most enriching chapters of her career so far.
Sadia's Reflection on the Film
In a heartfelt note marking the anniversary, Sadia said the memories from the set still feel vivid despite the passage of time. “Raksha Bandhan will always hold a very special place in my heart. It has been four years since the film was released, but the memories of working on it still feel so fresh. Getting the opportunity to share the screen with Akshay Kumar sir and such a wonderful ensemble was truly an enriching experience,” she said.
She added: “I learnt so much during the making of the film, both as an actor and as a person. The warmth on set, the beautiful relationships we built, and the memories we created are something I will always cherish.”
About the Film
Directed by Aanand L. Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma alongside Kanika Dhillon, 'Raksha Bandhan' is a remake of the 2005 Bengali film 'Dadar Adesh'. The story follows a devoted brother who pledges to see all four of his sisters married before he himself weds his sweetheart, weaving together themes of dowry, societal expectations, and the depth of sibling bonds.
Cast and Release
The film features Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Sadia Khateeb, Sahil Mehta, Sahejmeen Kaur, Smrithi Srikanth, and Deepika Khanna in key roles. It released on 11 August 2022, timed to coincide with both the Raksha Bandhan festival and Independence Day.
Box Office and Reception
Despite drawing mixed-to-positive critical notices, the film underperformed commercially. Notably, it opened against Laal Singh Chaddha, another high-profile release that weekend, compounding the box-office challenge for both films. The anniversary has prompted several cast members to revisit their memories from the production publicly.
For Sadia Khateeb, whose Bollywood journey has been marked by selective choices, the four-year milestone appears to be a moment of quiet pride rather than box-office reckoning.
Point of View
But the subtext is worth noting: Raksha Bandhan was one of Akshay Kumar's more visible commercial disappointments of 2022, yet its cast continues to speak of it with genuine affection. That disconnect between box-office outcome and on-set experience points to something the industry rarely discusses openly — that a film's value to its cast is not always measured in opening-weekend numbers. For a relatively newer actor like Sadia, the association with a film helmed by Aanand L. Rai and headlined by Akshay Kumar carries career capital that outlasts the box-office verdict.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Raksha Bandhan in the news today?
Raksha Bandhan, the 2022 Bollywood drama starring Akshay Kumar, completed four years since its release on 11 August 2025. Actress Sadia Khateeb marked the occasion by sharing her memories of working on the film.
What did Sadia Khateeb say about working with Akshay Kumar?
Sadia Khateeb said the experience was 'truly an enriching experience' and that she learnt a great deal both as an actor and as a person. She described the warmth on set and the relationships built during the shoot as memories she will always cherish.
Who directed Raksha Bandhan and what is it about?
Raksha Bandhan was directed by Aanand L. Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma and Kanika Dhillon. The film follows a brother who vows to marry off his four sisters before his own wedding, exploring themes of dowry, societal pressure, and sibling love.
When did Raksha Bandhan release and how did it perform?
The film released on 11 August 2022, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival and Independence Day. It received mixed-to-positive reviews but failed to meet box-office expectations.
What is Raksha Bandhan a remake of?
Raksha Bandhan is a remake of the 2005 Bengali film 'Dadar Adesh'.
