Portrait · Bollywood Hungama / CC BY 3.0

Akshay Kumar

Actor and producer

Born 1967

Akshay Kumar’s route into Hindi cinema began with martial arts, restaurant work and modelling. In a personal childhood interview, he placed his birth in Delhi and recalled growing up in Mumbai’s Sion Koliwada after his father left the Army for an accounting job. He attended Don Bosco and briefly Khalsa College before going to Bangkok to study martial arts. He also recalled work in Dhaka and Kolkata and selling artificial jewellery in Delhi before teaching martial arts in Mumbai. Returning to Mumbai, he assisted photographer Jayesh Sheth; modelling and encouragement from Govinda helped turn his attention towards films. Saugandh and Dancer preceded the thriller Khiladi. His early screen work ranged from Kannada–Hindi bilingual Vishnu Vijaya / Ashaant to Sainik, Mohra, Yeh Dillagi and Main Khiladi Tu Anari. The Khiladi films established an action identity, while Jaanwar, Sangharsh and Dhadkan broadened his dramatic work. Hera Pheri made the recurring Raju character central to his comedy career. He has described the shift between action, romance and comedy as a matter of taking chances rather than protecting a single image. Ajnabee supplied a villainous role and Garam Masala expanded his comedy work. Namastey London, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Singh Is Kinng and the Housefull films demonstrate the range of his mainstream leading roles. Rowdy Rathore used contrasting double roles; Special 26 and Baby placed him in ensemble crime and espionage stories. Airlift, Rustom, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Pad Man added evacuation, legal and social dramas. The Government of India selected him for the Padma Shri, and the National Film Awards named him Best Actor for Rustom. His work also extends to producing: Breakaway, OMG – Oh My God!, Bha Ji in Problem and the television series Jamai Raja carry checked production credits. His producing work also includes the Marathi film 72 Miles Ek Pravas, The Shaukeens, Rustom, Kesari and Bhooth Bangla. He hosted Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and appeared as a MasterChef India judge. Music-video appearances include Filhall and its sequel. Recent film credits include Sky Force, Kesari Chapter 2, Jolly LLB 3 and Bhooth Bangla. In a September interview, he discussed playing antagonists in Haiwaan and the announced Golmaal 5. A release review identifies his Haiwaan character as Parshuram. His birthday post returned to the film’s moral ambiguity; a confirmed release schedule for Golmaal 5 remains unavailable.

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