Akki is a greedy actor

Akshay Kumar in a freewheeling chat with Lipika Varma talks about playing himself, taking holidays with many films in his bag, beginning of comic roles and more

Cameo in “Shaukeens”- I found that film amazing. The concept of three old men who go after a girl. Is there any man who doesn’t look at a beautiful girl passing by? You are hiding yourself from being a man and you have to compliment her. To be honest the original film got an A Certificate I was surprised even when the censors saw the film they did not find the old men lechers. Their desire to see Lisa Haydon in a Bikini make everyone feel as though they are demanding it so innocently, therefore their wish needs to be fulfilled. Though, she is not aware of it. It was a cute desire. I am playing myself in the film.

Playing, "Alcoholic”- I don’t drink nor smoke nor consume drugs in real life. These are larger than life characters and we felt that my character should have some vices. They decided to make him alcoholic. There are actors who have alcohol in coconut water or orange juice in real life and they play teetotaler role in films too.

On beginning with Comedy Films- I didn’t know I had a funny bone in me until I worked with Director Priyadarshan and Director Rajkumar Santoshi they made me realize that I could do comedy. I was scared of doing comedy. My action image had changed the perception but once films like Hera Pheri, Houseful were accepted by the audience I felt I had that streak of doing comedy films too.

Experimenting different roles- I get bored. I cannot keep on doing films like,”Rowdy Rathore all the time. I want to do different kind of films and roles. I want to do different genres of films

Dare to Dance being a flop- I have no idea as to why the show did not do well. But Dare to Dance the opening was okay. It could have done much better. It had all ingredients of dance and action. It was closer to fear factor.

Too many films yet conveniently take Holidays- I want to be a character. In this film I have a cameo and I am playing a character role and not a hero. I am free most of the time. I take 8 days off every three months. Every year I am free for one and half month. I make sure I take a holiday and be with my family. I reach on time for my shoots and am always on time for everything. I have been doing this since 24 years; I don't think why I should stop it. I don't find difficulty in doing films. I work eight hours a day. I take maximum holidays in film industry and manage to do three-four films a year and release it. A film takes approximately 60 days, then for four films it takes 240 days. There are 365 days in a year so there are remaining 125 days to holiday.

On Reviews- As you are writing about a film, so you should know about filmmaking... Lot of people write it down the way they want to. We will get right perspective (on reviews) through a person who knows about film-making. It is important to give right angle to audience. In Hollywood they are allowed to talk about the film on Monday till then they guage the audience reactions.In South, there is no trend about reviews.

On Controversies- I never get angry. I never understand the fact why fight or get into controversy or why pass a comment. Like when I see a film and even if I don't like it I say it was a good film. I think it is not right on my part to say anything on anyone's work.

Working with Anupam Kher- I never faced any problem when shooting with Anupam Kher. There is always a positive environment when he is on the sets. We did many films together. I did my first film with him. We had no contact for a long time in the middle. . But now we are again doing many films together. I really enjoy working with him. We have loads of fun when we work together.


Doing good films- I want to do some good films. I don't want to do a film just because it will make Rs100 crore or Rs.200 crore. I want to do films that my son can enjoy. If he doesn't like my film, he comes to me and tells me that he didn't understand the film at all.

On Filmmakers- Earlier when my films didn’t do well, filmmakers refused to work with me. Now they come to me with scripts. It's not their mistake that they didn't cast me when I was a flop actor. Now they approach me but I quote my price and terms and conditions.

On Charging for films- I do films within budget. I don’t charge for my films as a producer. I make a film with an x amount. After selling all the rights what I get is my fees. If it is a success my fees will increase if not I suffer losses. Cost of production rises when you don’t know the logistics yourself. I am always on time on the sets. The boss has to always be on time. If he is late then everyone takes advantage.


On Motivation- I am always greedy when my next film starts. I have lost about 10 kgs for the role because the whole idea is to look slimmer opposite Siddharth Malhotra. He has gained weight for the role. I play his elder brother and I am supposed to look weak. He looks huge and has bulked up for the role.

Forthcoming Films- I finished shooting for Neeraj Pandey’s Baby. Singh Is Bling is different the character is different. It’s a complete new story. I am doing Gabbar, Brothers and Airlift.

On Martial Arts- I met a Sindhi man in Singapore and he told me that the crime rate is 0.03. Because everybody is trained in self defence, martial art and shooting. They are given a bond to sign that you will stand as a soldier when the country is in crisis. They give military training for seven days every two years. If there is such atmosphere how will crime exist? I want to start martial arts in every school now. I am trying to get it done.

By Lipika varma