Lara Dutta reflected on her debut film Andaaz, released in 2003, during a recent interview, emphasizing the pivotal role Akshay Kumar played in guiding and protecting her and Priyanka Chopra as they entered the film industry. Dutta described Kumar as a 'friend, philosopher, guide,' who ensured that they felt safe and supported in a challenging environment. She noted that Kumar recognized the vulnerability of two young actresses starting their careers and never took advantage of their naivety. As Andaaz approaches its 20th anniversary in 2024, Dutta shared her gratitude for the opportunities it provided, thanking her co-stars and the film's director, Raj Kanwar. Dutta's recent projects include Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond, and she is rumored to join Nitesh Tiwari's adaptation of Ramayana.