An interview With Akshay Kumar

Rajeev Bhatia, more popularly known as Akshay Kumar, is happily married to former actress Twinkle Khanna, the daughter of Hindi film's first superstar, Rajesh Khanna. The couple has a cute, intelligent and well mannered child, Araav. The actor is the true epitome of what is truly a self made superstar, having no contacts in the industry. Akshay started of with small banner projects and slowly but surely rose to the top slot of Bollywood, by his dedication, punctuality and hard work. We bring to you his views on some unheard of aspects of his life, so sit back, enjoy and get inspired to emulate him!
Just like most of us, you must have grown up watching Sylvester Stallone movies, especially as you are an action icon who redefined action in Hindi films. So, how was the experience of working with him in KAMBAKKHT ISHQ?

Sly is such a genuine man, we got along so well, normally I'm very reserved when meeting people for the first time, but with him around there was no time for bashfulness. He spoke like he'd known me for years, told me about his fear of heights shooting for CLIFFHANGER and have I ever been made to do something I'd dreaded? So I told him a few of my Indian adventures, I said to him he was lucky, coz safety didn't exist in my country till only a few years back. The man's face dropped and he called me a mad man, I told him that wasn't the first time I've heard those words... But I have to tell everyone out there, he exceeded way beyond my expectations and more...

You and Sajid Nadiadwala go back a long way as a successful team. What is the secret of this long association?

Great understanding and the fact that we are great school friends

Having watched almost all your movies in cinemas, starting with SAUGANDH, I have to admit that your rise to the top has been phenomenal. What do you attribute your success to?

My father told me a long time ago, before I went to Thailand (and had to leave home for the first time). ''The Brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all...'' He was so right, if I had been cautious through all that came my way I would not be where I am, this is a scary path believe me, but it takes guts, there's hardly any real glamour in my life, only hard work and a heavy pair of shoulders...

You are a true self made superstar as you achieved it without even a single contact or Godfather, what is your message to other such aspirants?

Work hard and believe in yourself and God and things will just fall into place.

While some of the other stars have always banked on successful actresses, you have made actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif top stars by way of many big hits with them, your comments!

No one can make anyone a star. Everyone comes into this industry with their KISMAT and hard work. They both are talented and have got the status that they deserve.

Many of your fans want to see you back in your action avatar in a big way, so is there any hope of seeing the 'Khiladi' of MAIN KHILADI TU ANARI, SABSE BADA KHILADI and KHILADIYON KA KHILADI again?

Nothing at the moment...hopefully soon

KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is one of the hottest and most awaited releases of 2009, but what according to you is the USP of the film?

KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is the first film to have an on screen synergy between Hollywood and Bollywood. Before KAMBAKKHT ISHQ it was always behind the screens. The huge international star cast also breaks the norm for this exceptional Bollywood movie. But it still of course has its fair share of passion, love hate scenarios, marriages to divorce to more marriages, stunts, street fights and rescues, its one heck of an enjoyable film.