Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait: Lyari Don's Real Life More Brutal Than Reel Story, Death More Painful

Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of Rehman Dakait in 'Dhurandhar' has garnered attention. Dakait, a notorious gang leader from Lyari, lived a life of extreme violence and crime from a young age. His reign of terror, characterized by brutal gang wars and alleged political connections, ended in a police encounter in 2009, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain controversial.

While 'Dhurandhar' might not be celebrated for heroic punches or catchy dialogues, Akshaye Khanna's quiet entrance as Rehman Dakait is a notable moment. The film depicts him as a formidable antagonist, but the real Rehman Dakait's life was even more violent and disturbing than the fictionalized version. This uneasy fascination reflects the public's interest in true crime stories, even when they depict harsh realities.

**Rehman Dakait: The Making of a Criminal in Lyari**

Born in 1976, Rehman Dakait grew up in Lyari, a historically impoverished neighborhood in Karachi known for gang rivalries and organized crime. According to a BBC report, he was the son of Dad Mohammad and his second wife, Khadija, and his family was already deeply involved in criminal activities. Dad Mohammad and his brothers were involved in drug operations and engaged in violent turf wars with gangs led by Iqbal (also known as Baboo Dakait) and Haji Lalu. For Rehman, violence was a constant presence from his earliest years.

**A Childhood Marked by Violence**

Rehman's path into crime began early. At 13, he stabbed a man for stopping him from setting off firecrackers. Two years later, he escalated his crimes by killing two rival drug dealers after an argument. In 1995, his story took a shocking turn when, after escaping police custody, Rehman murdered his own mother, Khadija, inside their home. He confessed to the police that he killed her because she had become a police informant.

**From Jailbreak to Gang Lord**

Also in 1995, Rehman was arrested for possessing illegal weapons and drugs. He spent approximately two and a half years in jail before making a dramatic escape while being transported from Karachi jail to court. He fled to Balochistan and began rebuilding his criminal network. By the early 2000s, Rehman Dakait had become one of Lyari's most powerful gang leaders. By 2006, he had amassed considerable wealth, properties, and political influence. He married three times and fathered 13 children. Reports indicated that he owned property in Karachi, Balochistan, and even Iran. He no longer operated in the shadows, as he sought visibility to maintain his power.

**Lyari's Gang Wars and a Decade of Fear**

Rehman's rise to power plunged Lyari into extreme violence. His initial alliance with Haji Lalu in drug and gambling operations dissolved, leading to brutal gang wars. Estimates suggest that over 3,500 people died during this period of conflict. By the early 2000s, Rehman had eliminated most of his rivals and declared himself the undisputed ruler of Lyari.

In 2021, The Express Tribune reported that Rehman was involved in extortion, kidnapping, drug smuggling, and illegal arms sales. For nearly a decade, gang warfare paralyzed life in Lyari as Rehman and his gang fought against rival Arshad Pappu and his followers. Rehman then rebranded himself as Sardar Abdul Rahman Baloch and formed the Peoples Aman Committee, entering politics in an area historically linked to both the MQM and the People's Party.

**The Lyari Task Force**

In 2006, authorities established the Lyari Task Force, led by Chaudhry Aslam, to dismantle the gangs' control over the area. In 'Dhurandhar,' Sanjay Dutt portrays a character inspired by Aslam, a tough and uncompromising police officer.

That same year, the Task Force reportedly arrested Rehman Dakait, although the arrest was never officially recorded. Shortly after, Chaudhry Aslam allegedly received a phone call from Asif Ali Zardari, who later became the President of Pakistan. According to the BBC, Zardari instructed him not to kill Rehman, but to present the cases against him in court. Rehman was allegedly held in secret custody at police officers' residences, from which he escaped again, further solidifying his image as someone beyond the reach of the law.

**Rehman Dakait's Death**

Rehman's reign came to an end in 2009. Using phone data, the Lyari Task Force located him near Quetta. Reports indicated that he was carrying a fake ID. When asked to speak with a senior officer, Rehman approached a vehicle and found Chaudhry Aslam inside. He was immediately detained. Accounts claim that Rehman offered money to resolve the situation, but Aslam refused. Rehman Dakait and three of his associates were subsequently killed in a police encounter. Police stated that he was wanted in connection with more than 80 cases, including murder and kidnapping.

**Aftermath**

While 'Dhurandhar' concludes with Rehman's death, a sequel is planned to explore the events that followed. In reality, Rehman Dakait's funeral was reportedly the largest Lyari had ever witnessed. His widow filed a petition in the Sindh High Court, alleging that the encounter was staged. The court requested a police report, but the case never reached a definitive conclusion. Chaudhry Aslam was later killed in a Taliban suicide attack in 2014, adding another violent chapter to the story.

**'Dhurandhar's Success**

Directed by Aditya Dhar, 'Dhurandhar' reimagines Rehman Dakait's life as a spy thriller, featuring Akshaye Khanna's performance. The film has been commercially successful, earning over Rs 100 crore in two days during its second weekend. It grossed Rs 53 crore on December 13 and approximately Rs 59 crore on Sunday, bringing the weekend total to around Rs 112 crore, according to Sacnilk. With total earnings now at Rs 351 crore, the film continues to perform well. Released on December 5, the cast includes Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. The filmmakers have announced that 'Dhurandhar 2' will be released on March 19, 2026.