Starting his career in the 1990s and with more than 120 films under his belt, his career span reflects a myriad of roles and genres extending to action, drama, thriller, comedy and romance. Akshay Kumar personifies the true essence of craftsmanship in his on-screen performances which have been critically acclaimed. The actor plays a dynamic role in the progression of Indian cinema. He is also an active philanthropist, supporting initiatives such as the Asian Heart Institute, the United Nations campaign to curb global human trafficking, HIV/AIDS awareness in rural India with actress Ashley Judd and his role as ambassador for the Special Olympics.
Akshay Kumar embodies the quintessence of class, verve and finesse coupled with style and performance. He personifies trust, dynamism and extreme entrepreneurialism, accentuated by his self-made persona.
On Film
How did you get into the Bollywood film industry? Did you always want to be an actor?
It was completely by chance that I came into the film industry. Never had it been part of my life plan – I suppose I never thought that it would ever be a reality for me. But one fine day after returning from Bangkok, where I trained in Martial Arts, one of my students put me forward for modelling. After a couple of months of walking the ramp, I was spotted on the streets by a make-up Dada (artist) who showed me to a film director thinking I had potential, by God’s Grace he snapped me up for my debut film, Saugandh. The response I got was so unanticipated and my film career catapulted from there. It has all been a total blessing. That is why I believe when you do good things, good things will come of it!!
To get to where you are today, what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
There have been quite a few along the way, but that’s what makes the journey so epic. The first challenge, often the hardest, is getting the roles, especially as a young actor. That’s often overcome by working hard to be in the right place at the right time, you have to make your luck! I’ve also learnt how to deal with some of the films that didn’t shine as well as I’d hoped. For some, a bad film can really get you down and when I was younger, it hit me harder. After a while I learnt that no-one can or should ever expect to have a 100% success rate. That’s life! Thankfully I have a tremendous wife who is the true rock in my life. Twinkle is a huge support system for me, she was born into this industry and she understands all its trials and tribulations.
How do you select your projects? What are the main factors that play a part in your decision making process?
Generally, I choose a project simply based on what moves me, and which I believe will inspire, challenge and entertain the audience. As an actor you only have to focus on your character and playing it convincingly. You do what your director wants and you do it to the best of your ability, but as a producer it’s the whole film that you have to look after and it’s a big responsibility. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct & make what makes you as a person as well as an actor happy & content. I’m not the kind of actor that only goes looking for huge blockbuster hits, I like to do things that make me laugh or cry, regardless of whether anyone else does.
A film that you’ve enjoyed working on the most?
I’m asked this question many times, but unfortunately it’s impossible to answer! There is absolutely no way I could choose one film as a favourite over the other. Each filming experience has been one to remember & I feel it would be criminal to give one film when they all mean something to me, they are all a piece of me!
Are you working on anything new at the moment? Tell us more.
I am currently promoting my new film ‘Baby’ which releases in theatres worldwide on Jan 23rd. I’m in full training & fight mode for my monsoon release of 2015 ‘Brothers’ with Siddharth Malhotra, a film that will rock you in the ring as well as in your home. Then I start shooting for my own production ‘Singh is Bling’ followed by the release of ‘Gabbar’ & the start of ‘Air Lift’ I literally have one hell of a year lined up, but I can’t tell you how ready I am for every single project, 24 years down the line & I still love my job.
What kind of roles do you enjoy most – action or comedy..? What other roles would you like to do?
My all-time favourite is action comedy like a Rowdy Rathore, it has something for everyone, laughter to make your grandma giggle, action to keep the boys entertained and the ladies in awe. I’d like to do more nasty roles. Most actors say that they want to play a villain because it is such a departure from their normal self. It is a transformation into a different world, a hero can’t be a hero every day, one needs to play the bad guy in order to become pure once again.
You are known for performing your own stunts. Tell us more about that decision and how do you prepare for the stunts?
I wouldn’t do this job if I couldn’t perform my own stunts, it’s the best bit about my job, I get to live every boy’s adrenaline dream, I jump off buildings, I get blown from explosive fires, I smash cars, shoot bad guys, flip off walls, fly through the air, jump out of planes, fight till my knuckles bleed. Who wouldn’t want to do that for a living? Don’t worry, I take all kinds of precautions, I control every ounce of safety on set, but I wouldn’t make anyone else stand in my shoes, I’m here to give my fans what they want, they pay to see their hero perform, so perform I shall…
Who are the three people you admire the most in the industry?
My father in law Rajesh Khanna has to be up there. He has been hugely influential in Bollywood and he’s helped define the industry. I had a great deal of respect for him even before I met Twinkle (his daughter & my wife) but over the years I’ve known him, I’ve seen first-hand how much of an amazing figure he is. Another classic Bollywood actor that I admire has to be Amitabh Bachchan. I think he’s been storming the charts for more than 40 years now!! I was so upset when he retired briefly in the 90s, but it was great news for the industry when he returned. Acting is in his blood and I’m sure he missed it! For any actor, Amitabh will be one of their favourites not only because of the amount he’s contributed, but his ability to inspire an entire generation of actors.
Highlight of your career?
The satisfaction I get from pleasing my fans with my films. They have supported me in the good and bad times and with the good and bad films. They have been my highlight and in a way they are my true shining light over these years. If it wasn’t for them I’d not be here answering your questions.
What do you love most about Indian Cinema?
Its diversity, vibrancy and ability to touch not only 1.2 billion people in India (nearly a quarter of the world’s population!) but a global audience. The industry celebrates its uniqueness and revels in it, without taking itself too seriously. The vibrancy and colour in Indian Cinema is by far the best in the world and it’s amazing to be a part of. I believe that the diversity of films really keeps the industry fresh which I think is why so many people stay in it their entire career! One day I can be having a action scene in an alley fighting an evil gang, another day I can be working on a music video with 50 dancers. There aren’t many jobs where you can act, dance and sing all in one day! There’s no industry like it and I wouldn’t do anything else!
What advice would you give to young aspiring actors?
Passion, perseverance, competition, the drive to excel and lots and lots of patience. The most important thing remains here that you keep getting continuous work; that is the only way to grow, and to keep yourself going. If you have no work and you are the most talented man in the world what’s the point? It’s all going to waste. Then of course when you get work, it depends on how professionally, with how much passion and with how much honesty do you do it. It is a mixed bag of everything; you can’t put a finger on one thing.
On Lifestyle
What are some of your other passions apart from acting?
I love to spend time with my family and my kids, the perfect way to unwind for me. My son is like my handbag, he comes with me everywhere, and he’s my body and soul. I’m also a sports and health fanatic, so I spend a lot of my time in the gym. I’m a lucky man that I have a wife that plans the best holidays & brings us all together in between everyone’s hectic schedules.
If you weren’t an actor, what would you be today?
If I wasn’t acting, I would be a Martial Arts teacher, or I would have joined the Army to further my skills as a man of India. I feel that I need to teach my son that he may have been born into luxury, but that every man and boy has to fight for their country at some point, we can’t just bank on others to do it for us.
Akshay – the philanthropist. How important is philanthropy to you?
I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth and like many of my colleagues and other professionals, we’ve had to work our damnedest to succeed and stay successful too. I’ve been incredibly lucky but there are far more people who aren’t as fortunate as I have been. Many of these people struggle to get hold of even the basic essentials that many of us take for granted. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to share a part of what I have achieved and earned with someone less fortunate that I. Everyone deserves a chance to prosper and sometimes you just need a little extra help to push you along your way.
What is your daily routine like?
I have quite a strict regime and I work out a lot… Going to the gym everyday early in the morning is essential for me; it keeps my mind clear and focused and my body in good shape. One trick that I would happily share with you when it comes to diet and being healthy, is cleanse your body and boost your metabolism. Start in the morning with hot limewater and have a light dinner at night. Your body is resting so it doesn’t need a big meal. Ideally try and have your dinner no later than 7pm. Soups, salads and vegetables are perfect for dinner. Carbs (rice & bread) are for the earlier meals so you can spend the day burning them off…. Every other hour of the day is spent on set filming, but my evenings are for family and family only!
Where do you go when you want to escape it all?
I love Goa. It’s very chilled out. Everyone knows me there and everyone says hi, without being intrusive. It’s the only place in the country where I can roam around and enjoy myself. My family and I travel the world, but there’s no place like our little Portuguese cottage in Goa, we spend every Christmas there and have the best family memories.
When it comes to fashion – describe your personal style to us.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m edgy, but I certainly like to keep it fresh. If there’s something new and a little bit different that stands out, it’s for me! I feel that your clothes need to express who you are and I try to do that when picking out a wardrobe. As long as I like what I wear, then I think that confidence comes across. It doesn’t always work, but when it does and you see a bunch of college kids copying your style it makes you want to keep giving them something new to try.
The last fashion item you bought and loved?
I took my family to Singapore for Diwali and bought myself a very nice watch. You’ll see it on my wrist sometime soon!
What is the toughest part about being Akshay – the celebrity?
I must confess that sometimes it is difficult not seeing my family while shooting, especially abroad, but as a rule, I always take my Sundays off to ensure I spend some quality time with my wife, my son Aarav and daughter Nitara.
Since this is our Men’s Portfolio – we have to ask – what makes a man a man, according to you?
It’s a combination of masculinity and sensitivity. In life it is important to be able to defend yourself and protect those closest to you, but at the same time you must also be sensitive and respectful to all human beings and living creatures in this world. There’s no point trying to fight your way out of every situation, you need to think. That makes a real man!
Best advice you’ve ever received?
To be a good actor you need to be a good human being!
The biggest advice/tip you’d like to give to a&e readers?
Take every opportunity you get very seriously and work very, very hard. Opportunities can come at the most unexpected time. Therefore sincerity towards your work is paramount. And remember this life won’t last forever… I’m grateful to all of my fans for their continuous love and support, I am truly honoured and I hope I can continue to give you guys the best of me.
