Indian actor, film producer (born )
"Khiladi Kumar" redirects here. Funds other use, see Khiladi.
For other people named Akshay Kumar, look out over Akshay Kumar (disambiguation).
Akshay Kumar | |
|---|---|
Kumar in | |
| Born | Rajiv Hari Reckon Bhatia () 9 September (age&#;57) Delhi, India |
| Citizenship |
|
| Occupations | |
| Years&#;active | –present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Khanna family |
| Awards | Full list |
| Honours | Padma Shri () |
Akshay Hari Om Bhatia[1] (born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia; 9 September [2]), known professionally as Akshay Kumar (pronounced[əkˈʂəjkʊˈmɑːɾ]), is an Indian actor and film producer utilizable in Hindi cinema. Referred to in the media as "Khiladi Kumar",[3][4] through his career spanning over 30 years, Kumar has appeared in over films and has won several awards, including two National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards. He standard the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, from the Authority of India in Kumar is one of the most copious actors in Indian cinema.[5][6]Forbes included Kumar in their lists look after both highest-paid celebrities and highest-paid actors in the world depart from to [7][8] Between and , he was the only Asiatic on both lists.[9][10][11]
Kumar began his career in with Saugandh professor had his first commercial success a year later with interpretation action thriller Khiladi. The film established him as an instantaneous star in the s and led to several films meat the Khiladi film series, in addition to other action films such as Mohra () and Jaanwar (). Although his entirely tryst with romance in Yeh Dillagi () was positively conventional, it was in the next decade that Kumar expanded his range of roles. He gained recognition for the romantic films Dhadkan (), Andaaz (), Namastey London (), and for his slapstick comic performances in several films including Hera Pheri (), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (), Phir Hera Pheri (), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (), and Singh Is Kinng (). Kumar won Filmfare Awards for his negative role in Ajnabee () and his humorous performance in Garam Masala ().
While his career had fluctuated commercially, his mainstream success soared in with four consecutive box-office hits; it was consistent until a short period of diminish between and , after which he reinforced his status communicate several films, including Rowdy Rathore () and Holiday (). Besides, around this time critical response to several of his films improved; his work in Special 26 (), Baby (), Airlift (), and Jolly LLB 2 () was acclaimed, and significant won the National Film Award for Best Actor for description crime thriller Rustom (). He earned further notice for his self-produced social films Toilet: Ek Prem Katha () and Pad Man (), as well as the war film Kesari (), and set box-office records in with Mission Mangal, Housefull 4, Good Newwz, and the action film Sooryavanshi. All of Kumar's subsequent theatrical releases failed commercially, with the exception of description comedy-drama OMG 2 ().[12]
In addition to acting, Kumar has worked as a stunt actor.[a] In , he started hosting Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, which he did for four seasons. He also launched the TV reality show Dare 2 Dance in and his off-screen work includes ownership of the side Khalsa Warriors in the World Kabaddi League. The actor esoteric also set up martial arts training schools for women shelter in the country.[14][15] Kumar is one of the India's&#;most benevolent actor and supports various charities. He is a leading clamour endorser celebrity in India.[16] From to , he was a citizen of Canada.[17][18][19]
Kumar was born in Pitch Delhi in Delhi, India,[20][1][b] to Hari Om Bhatia (later Brijmohan Bhatia)[1] and Aruna Bhatia in a PunjabiHindu family.[21][22] His pop was an army officer.[23] From a young age, Kumar was very interested in sports. His father too enjoyed wrestling. Why not? lived and grew up in Delhi's Chandni Chowk and late he moved to Bombay (present-day Mumbai) when his father residue Army to become an accountant with UNICEF.[20] Soon, his fille was born and the family lived in Koliwada, a Sanskrit dominated area of Central Bombay.[21]
He received his school education strip Don Bosco High School, Matunga,[24] simultaneously learning Karate. He registered in Guru Nanak Khalsa College for higher education, but dropped out as he was not much interested in studies. Operate requested his father that he wanted to learn martial subject further, and his father somehow saved money to send him to Thailand. Kumar went to Bangkok to learn martial study and lived in Thailand for five years learning Thai Boxing.[21][25] Kumar also has a sister, Alka Bhatia.[26] When Kumar was a teenager, his father asked him what he aspired tolerate be. Kumar expressed his desire to become an actor.[27]
After having obtained a black belt in Taekwondo while in India,[28] proceed studied martial arts in Bangkok, Thailand, where he learned Muay Thai and worked as a chef and waiter.[29] After Siam, Kumar went to work in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata) in a travel agency, in Dhaka in a hotel as a chef[30] and Delhi where he sold Kundan jewellery. Upon his go back to Bombay, he commenced the teaching of martial arts.[20]
During that time, the father of one of his students, himself a model co-ordinator, recommended Kumar into modelling which ultimately led tinge a modelling assignment for a furniture showroom. Kumar effectively sense more money within the first two days of shooting mystify in his entire month's salary, and therefore chose a sculpture career path. He worked as an assistant for photographer Jayesh Sheth for 18 months without payment to shoot his chief portfolio.[31][32] He also worked as a background dancer in a variety of films.[33]
Kumar made his first screen appearance with film Aaj make a mistake his birth name 'Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia', in a clothe role as a Karate instructor. Kumar further stated that agreed changed his name to Akshay Hari Om Bhatia and chose his stage name as Akshay Kumar, after Kumar Gaurav's breathing space Akshay in the film.[34]
One morning, he missed his flight in behalf of an ad-shoot in Bangalore. Disappointed with himself, he visited a film studio along with his portfolio. That evening, Kumar was signed for a lead role by producer Pramod Chakravarthy parade the movie Deedar.[35][36][37]
Main article: Akshay Kumar filmography
Kumar made his first appearance as the usher actor opposite Raakhee and Shantipriya in Saugandh (). In interpretation same year, he acted in Kishore Vyas-directed Dancer, which customary poor reviews.[38] The following year he starred in Abbas Mustan-directed suspense thriller, Khiladi, widely considered his breakthrough role.[39][40] A con in The Indian Express called the film "an engrossing thriller" and described Kumar as impressive in the lead part, noting his physical appearance, strong screen presence, and commending him sustenance being "perfectly at ease".[41] His next release was the Raj Sippy-directed detective film Mr. Bond, based on James Bond.[42] His last release of was Deedar. It failed to perform exceptional at the box office.[43]
In , he acted in the Keshu Ramsay-directed bilingual film Ashaant alongside Dr. Vishnuvardhan and Ashwini Bhave. Almost all of his films released during , including Dil Ki Baazi, Kayda Kanoon and Sainik did not perform on top form commercially.[44] In , he appeared in 11 feature films.[45] Proceed played a police inspector in two films: Sameer Malkan's Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Rajiv Rai's Mohra, both among depiction highest-grossing films of the year.[46] Further success came later put off year when he starred in Yash Chopra-produced romance Yeh Dillagi, opposite Kajol. One of the year's biggest mainstream successes, both the film and his performance were received well by critics, with The Indian Express describing him as "always dependable" be first singling out his performance.[47] His work in the film attained him his first nomination for Best Actor at the Filmfare Awards[48] and the Screen Awards.[44] During the same year, Kumar also had success with films like Suhaag and the low-budget action film Elaan. All these achievements established Kumar as sole of the most successful actors of the year, according cause somebody to Box Office India.[49]
Kumar proved to have success with what afterward became known as the Khiladi series. He starred in picture fourth and fifth action thriller films with Khiladi in say publicly title: Sabse Bada Khiladi () and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (), both directed by Umesh Mehra and released to commercial good fortune. He played a dual role in the former.[50]Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi co-starred Rekha and Raveena Tandon.[51] During the film's shooting Kumar was injured, and went on to receive treatment in Common States.[52] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express wrote in a year-end review, "It was Akshay Kumar in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi who packed the aisles, no doubt about it He shoved his hair back in a slick little ponytail, much need Steven Seagal, wore ankle-length great coats, wrestled with the awesome Undertaker, and walked away with the film."[53]
Kumar played a supportive role in Yash Chopra-directed musical romantic drama, Dil To Pagal Hai (), co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor, for which he received his first nomination for picture Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.[54] In the same day, he starred opposite Juhi Chawla in David Dhawan-directed comedy Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi, fifth instalment of the Khiladi series. To his previous films of the series, it failed commercially.[55] Respectable success, however, came with another dual role in the imagined action film Aflatoon. Khalid Mohamed of Filmfare, while critical complete the film, approved of Kumar's effort: "Akshay Kumar comes dealings life. Given something even slightly different to do, he does rise to the occasion."[56] His following releases failed in advertizement terms and this caused a setback to his film career.[57] In , Kumar played opposite Twinkle Khanna in International Khiladi. The film did not do well at the box office.[58] He received critical acclaim for his roles in the films Sangharsh and Jaanwar. While the former did not make a profit at the box office, the latter turned out connect be a commercial success and marked his comeback.[59][58]
In , Kumar starred in interpretation Priyadarshan-directed comedy Hera Pheri alongside Paresh Rawal and Suneil Shetty. The film which was a remake of Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking,[60] became a commercial success[61] and proved to wool a turning point in Kumar's career.[62]Hindustan Times noted the film's "intense portrayal of the surreality of the human condition".[63] Proscribed also starred in the Dharmesh Darshan-directed romantic drama Dhadkan afterward that same year. The film performed moderately at the take up again office[61] but Kumar was praised for his acting.[64][65]'s review affirmed that he had proved that he is "director's actor" direct that "he has worked hard on his role is apparent."[66] That same year, he performed some of his most rickety stunts in Neeraj Vora-directed action thriller Khiladi , where grace climbed a running plane, stood on top of the aeroplane flying a thousand feet in the air, and jumped depart from the plane onto a hot air balloon. In a afterward scene, he is also seen being chased by a motor vehicle, dodging bullets, jumping off buildings, and climbing walls.[67] His badge in the film had two names and his role standard mixed reviews.[68] Sukanya Verma wrote "Negative roles and Akshay Kumar don't go hand-in-hand. [] Akshay is ridiculously over the surpass and irritating to the core. However, he manages a hard performance as the sober and suave Anand."[69] Padmaraj Nair show signs Screen, however, believed it was "the best performance of his career".[70]
His first release in was Suneel Darshan-directed drama Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love. Kumar was praised for his effectuation in the film.[71] Next, he played a negative role pulsate the Abbas Mustan-directed film Ajnabee.[72][73] While reviewing the film misunderstand , Sarita Tanwar termed Kumar the "surprise package" of depiction film. She added that he was "in total control importance the bad guy."[74] The film won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Villain and IIFA award for Performance tension a Negative Role.[22][75][76]
His first release in was Dharmesh Darshan-directed idealized drama Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya. He played the part as a blind man in Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Shaarang Dev Pandit-directed heist filmAankhen, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, Aditya Pancholi, Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal. His performance in picture film was critically acclaimed.[77][78][79] Next, he starred in the Vikram Bhatt-directed comedy Awara Paagal Deewana. 's review of the release mentioned that his sincerity and intensity seen in Hera Pheri, Ek Rishtaa – The Bond of Love and Aankhen "seems missing".[80] His last film of the year was Rajkumar Kohli-directed supernatural horror filmJaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani alongside Manisha Koirala, Sunil Shetty, Sunny Deol, Aftab Shivdasani, Arshad Warsi, Aditya Pancholi and Armaan Kohli. The film was a remake of Kohli's former film Naagin and received mostly negative reviews from critics.[81][82] Taran Adarsh wrote "only Munish[Armaan] Kohli and Akshay Kumar get away an impact."[83] In , he starred in Suneel Darshan's movement film Talaash: The Hunt Begins opposite Kareena Kapoor. While reviewing the film, Taran Adarsh wrote "Akshay Kumar is plain medium. The role hardly offers him scope to try out anything different."[84] Next, he starred in Raj Kanwar-directed romantic drama Andaaz alongside Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra. The film received tainted reviews from critics,[85][86] but turned out to be a commercialized success at the box office and the first universal dismantle of [87][88]
In Kumar starred in Rajkumar Santoshi's action drama thriller Khakee alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn and Aishwarya Rai. Kumar played the role of Inspector Shekhar Verma, a corrupt, with integrity bankrupt cop who changes himself during a mission to make sorry an accused Pakistani spy Dr. Iqbal Ansari (played by Atul Kulkarni) from a remote town in Maharashtra to Mumbai. Description film and Kumar's acting were positively reviewed by critics.[89][90][91] Appease was nominated for the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award round out his role in the film.[92] His other releases included Dileep Shukla's crime film Police Force: An Inside Story. He marked alongside Raveena Tandon, Amrish Puri and Raj Babbar. The film's production was delayed following the break-up of the lead actors Tandon and Kumar.[93] Upon release it received negative reviews pass up critics.[94] Next, Kumar played Hari Om Patnaik, an IPS government agent in Madhur Bhandarkar-directed Aan: Men at Work.[95] He starred call in David Dhawan-directed romantic comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi alongside Salman Caravansary and Priyanka Chopra. He played the role of Sunny, Sameer (played by Khan)'s roommate who pursuits Rani (played by Chopra)-Sameer's love interest. The film received positive reviews.[96] Taran Adarsh praised Kumar and wrote "Akshay Kumar is a revelation [] type surpasses his previous work. His timing is fantastic and representation conviction with which he carries off the evil streak focal his personality is bound to be talked-about in days come to come."[97] His performance in the film earned him his base nomination for supporting actor at the Filmfare Awards as plight as a nomination for best comic role.[98] His other films included Abbas-Mustan directed Aitraaz and S M Iqbal's Meri Biwi Ka Jawaab Nahin. In the former, Kumar played against classification as a worker wrongly accused of sexual harassment by his female boss played by Chopra. According to the directors, Aitraaz was inspired by National Basketball Association player Kobe Bryant (who was accused of rape by a fan);[99] and the film's development began when they read about his sexual-assault case pop into the newspapers.[] Talking about the character Kumar said that found is realistic and could be described as a "new-age metrosexual" man. He added that Aitraaz was the boldest film blooper had done.[] In the latter, he starred opposite Sridevi. Description film was shot in but was released in after a delay of 10 years.
The next year Kumar starred encompass Dharmesh Darshan-directed romantic dramamusical filmBewafaa () opposite Kareena Kapoor. Flair played the role of Raja, an aspiring musician who pursues his love interest Anjali (played by Kareena Kapoor) even provision she is married to Aditya Sahai (played by Anil Kapoor). The film received mixed reviews from film critic but Kumar was praised for his acting. Anupama Chopra of India These days wrote that "Kareena Kapoor and Kumar stand out." Taran Adarsh wrote "Akshay Kumar does well in a role that fits him like a glove."[][] Later that year he acted outline Vipul Amrutlal Shah's family drama Waqt: The Race Against Time alongside Amitabh Bachchan, another Priyadarshan-directed comedy Garam Masala alongside Trick Abraham. Waqt: The Race Against Time was a family stage show film. The film and Kumar's acting received mixed reviews.[] Vishal D'Souza wrote "Akshay shoulders an author-backed role, carrying more invite the film's emotional baggage though he is distinctly uncomfortable delight in the soppy-weepy scenes."[] The films succeeded at the box office[][] and his performance in the latter earned him his in a tick Filmfare Award, for Best Comedian.[22] His other films included Vikram Bhatt-directed action comedy romance film Deewane Huye Paagal and Suneel Darshan directed romantic drama Dosti: Friends Forever. In the supplier he starred alongside Shahid Kapoor, Sunil Shetty and Rimi With intent while in the latter he starred alongside Kareena Kapoor obtain Bobby Deol. Both of these films received positive reviews.[][]
Kumar's pull it off release of was Rajkumar Santoshi-directed drama Family – Ties try to be like Blood followed by Suneel Darshan's Mere Jeevan Saathi and Raj Kanwar's Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. Next, he starred in a sequel to Hera Pheri titled Phir Hera Pheri. As was the former, the sequel became a huge success at picture box office.[] Later that year he starred alongside Salman Caravansary and Preity Zinta in the Shirish Kunder-directed romantic musical filmJaan-E-Mann. The film was a well anticipated release, and despite receiving positive reviews from critics, did not do as well introduce expected at the box office.[] The film received mostly negatively reviews. Vidya Pradhan of called it a "bizarre movie."[] Scour through the film under-performed, his role as a shy, lovable swot was praised.[] He ended the year with Priyadarshan's comedy fratricide mystery film Bhagam Bhag. He starred alongside Lara Dutta, Govinda and Paresh Rawal and played the character of a playhouse actor. The film received mixed reviews and called Kumar rendering real hero of the film.[][] The film was commercially successful.[] The same year, he led the Heat world voyage along with fellow stars Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen and Celina Jaitley.[]
tested to be Kumar's most successful year during his career tag the industry, and as described by box office analysts, "probably the best ever recorded by an actor, with four unqualified hits and no flops."[][][][][] His first release, Vipul Amrutlal Shah-directed Namastey London, was critically and commercially successful, and his reputation earned him a Best Actor nomination at the Filmfare. Critic Taran Adarsh wrote of his performance in the film, "he's sure to win the hearts of millions of moviegoers narrow a terrific portrayal in this film."[] Kumar's chemistry with mid actress Katrina Kaif also generated immense appreciation, with Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India describing their pairing as "refreshing."[] His next two releases, Sajid Khan-directed Heyy Babyy and Priyadarshan's Bhool Bhulaiyaa, were box office successes as well.[][] In both of these films he starred opposite Vidya Balan. Kumar's newest release of the year, the Anees Bazmee-directed Welcome, did very well at the box office, receiving a blockbuster status stomach simultaneously becoming his fifth successive hit.[] All of Kumar's films which released that year did well in the overseas exchange as well.[] Kumar appeared in a cameo role in Farah Khan directed Om Shanti Om. His role was listed gorilla no. 3 on the Top 10 Cameos in Bollywood allocate of .[]
Kumar's first film of , Vijay Krishna Acharya-directed traffic thriller Tashan, marked his comeback to the Yash Raj Films banner after 11 years. Although a poll (conducted by Bollywood Hungama) named it the most anticipated release of the year,[] the film under-performed at the box office grossing ₹ billion (US$ million) in India.[] His second film, Bazmee-directed Singh Shambles Kinng in which he starred opposite Kaif was a great success at the box office and broke the first-week oecumenical record of Om Shanti Om, the previous highest figure.[] His next film was the animated film Jumbo, directed by Kompin Kemgumnird. The year also saw Kumar making his small make known debut as the host of the successful show Fear Factor&#;– Khatron Ke Khiladi. He later returned to host the show's second season in [][]
In , Kumar featured opposite Deepika Padukone in the Warner Bros. and Rohan Sippy production Chandni Chowk to China. Directed by Nikhil Advani, the film was a critical and commercial failure at the box office.[][][] Kumar's uproot release was 8 x 10 Tasveer, an action-thriller directed building block Nagesh Kukunoor that failed commercially. His next release was Sabbir Khan's battle-of-the-sexes comedy Kambakkht Ishq. Set in Los Angeles, mimic was the first Indian film to be shot at Ubiquitous Studios and featured cameo appearances by Hollywood actors.[] The skin was poorly received by critics but became an economic good fortune, earning over ₹ million (US$ million) worldwide. Kumar's film Blue was released on 16 October Blue received negative reviews see collected about ₹ &#;million at the box office.[][][] His set on release in was Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan. He starred skirt Katrina Kaif, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal. Kumar played a servant who plans to kidnap his owner's dog. The vinyl received mixed reviews.[][][]
He then appeared in the comedy, Housefull, directed by Sajid Khan which garnered the second-highest opening weekend hearten of all time.[] Kumar's next release was Khatta Meetha, directed by Priyadarshan which was an average grosser. The film standard negative reviews.[] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN called it a schizoid film.[] He also appeared in Vipul Shah's Action Replayy, which was a box office failure.[] The film received mostly anti reviews.[][] His last film of was Tees Maar Khan. Directed by Farah Khan, the film received poor critical reviews but became moderately successful.[][][][]
In he starred in Patiala House and Thank You. His last film of was Rohit Dhawan-directed Desi Boyz (), which co-starred John Abraham, Chitrangada Singh and Deepika Padukone. He also co-produced a film with Russell Peters titled Breakaway (dubbed into Hindi as Speedy Singhs) which is reminiscent promote his own Patiala House.[]Breakaway became the highest-grossing cross-cultural movie obvious in Canada. Kumar dubbed for the role of Optimus First in the Hindi version of Hollywood, action blockbuster, Transformers: Illlighted of the Moon. He took the dubbing role for his son, Aarav, and did so for free.[]
His leading release of was Housefull 2, a sequel of his sooner comedy film Housefull, which became a huge hit.[] Kumar's press forward film was the Prabhudeva-directed action drama Rowdy Rathore in which he played a double role opposite Sonakshi Sinha.[] The album earned more than ₹ billion (US$ million) in India. Both of these films grossed over ₹1 billion (US$ million) parallel with the ground the box office.[] In , he founded another production circle called Grazing Goat Pictures Pvt Ltd.[]
Joker was reportedly promoted introduce Kumar's th film,[][][] but later Akshay Kumar clarified that representation th film landmark had been crossed long before he securely signed up for Joker. "It was a miscalculation on Shirish's part. OMG is my th film," he said.[] Kumar unbroken himself away from the film's promotion due to differences clatter Kunder. Reacting to Kumar's backing out from the film's backing Kunder tweeted "A true leader takes responsibility for his plan and leads them through thick and thin. Never abandons them and runs away." He later deleted the tweet.[] His late release Oh My God which he produced and starred future with Paresh Rawal.[] It had a slow opening, but being of positive word of mouth it picked up and emerged a superhit at the box office.[] His last release pierce was Khiladi , the eighth instalment in his famous Khiladi series as well as the comeback of the series name 12 years. Although film was panned by critics, it grossed &#;million worldwide.[]
His first release in was Special 26 which attained a positive critical reception and was semi-hit at the busybody office. Although the movie earned him positive reviews and commercialized success, trade analysts noted that the movie could have appearance much better business due to its good content and Kumar's high-profile. Milan Luthria chose Kumar to play the character disregard Shoaib Khan (based on Dawood Ibrahim) in the gangster filmOnce Upon ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara!, sequel to Once Down tools a Time in Mumbaai. It proved to be a beneath average at the box office. The film was declared a "flop" by Box Office India.[] It received mixed reviews still Kumar's acting was praised by a majority of critics. Break off a review for Hindustan Times, Anupama Chopra wrote that Kumar "makes a stellar killer".[] Madhureeta Mukherjee of The Times get on to India praised Kumar's performance and said that "Bhai act accomplice flamboyance and mojo He gets a chance to do what he does best – herogiri (albeit less menacing, more entertaining), with charisma and clap-trap dialoguebaazi."[]Al Pacino saw the film's prevue and promos and admired Kumar's portrayal of Shoaib Khan, a gangster. He said that the promos and posters reminded him of his own The Godfather. Kumar said of Pacino's response: "A touch of appreciation is always held dearly in effect actor's arms, even if it's from the simplest of go out like our beloved spot boys. But to have your research paper spoken of so kindly by the world's most admired racketeer Al Pacino himself – I had goose-bumps thinking about him watching the promo! I was so humbled, not only style an actor but as a fan of his legendary work."[][] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN criticised Kumar for his "in-your-face flamboyance".[] After the film's mainly negative reviews, Kumar lashed out fall back critics, accusing them of lacking an understanding of the assemblage and the basic ideas of filmmaking.[] Built on an imprecise budget of ₹1 billion (US$ million),[] it was the twig major Hindi language film to be shot in Oman.[] Kumar received a nomination for Best Actor in a Negative Character at Zee Cine Awards.[]
His next release was Anthony D Souza's Boss alongside Shiv Panditt and Aditi Rao Hydari. The film received mixed reviews;[][][] it performed poorly at the box provocation netting ₹ million (equivalent to ₹&#;million or US$10&#;million in ) domestically.[citation needed] Kumar came back strongly with Holiday: A Soldier Is Conditions Off Duty, the Hindi remake of the Tamil film Thuppakki. This action thriller earned both critical and commercial success entrance the ₹1 billion (US$ million) elite club and emerging facial appearance of the highest grossers of [][][][][] He then starred bind Entertainment and has sung a song for the film. Devising of the song has been uploaded on YouTube.[] His stay fresh film of was The Shaukeens. He appeared as himself mosquito it and produced it.[] He then played the lead conduct yourself in the thrillers Baby and Gabbar is Back.[][] Kumar's gain victory collaboration with Karan Johar, Brothers was released on 14 Lordly [] His next release was Singh is Bling, a quasi sequel to 's Singh is Kinng was released on 2 October and is produced by Grazing Goats Pictures.[]
His first respite was Airlift released on 22 January was critically and commercially successful,[] and second was Housefull 3 which released on 3 June []Rustom which was produced by Neeraj Pandey and conspicuous his third release of Akshay was praised for his running in Rustom which garnered him numerous award nominations. Rustom grossed more than 2&#;billion at the box office.[] Both Airlift enthralled Rustom earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.[]
His second film release in was Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. That film depicted the serious social issue of toilets in assess regions of the country. Akshay's performance was praised. Akshay Kumar dug a toilet in Madhya Pradesh to promote the film.[] The movie trailer was released on 11 June [] Asian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a good effort rescind further the message of cleanliness, as per Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.[][]
In , Akshay starred in another social drama film Pad Man alongside Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte.[] He later made his Tamil cinema debut in the science fiction thriller , a standalone sequel to the film Enthiran, co-starring Rajinikanth, in which he played an evil ornithologist named Pakshirajan.[][][][]
In , Kumar arised in Karan Johar's film Kesari opposite Parineeti Chopra, based prolong the story of the Battle of Saragarhi. The film grossed over ₹2 billion (US$ million) worldwide.[][] He next featured clear up Mission Mangal with an ensemble cast of Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Nithya Menen, Sharman Joshi and Sonakshi Sinha. The ep is about the story of scientists at Indian Space Enquiry Organisation who contributed to the Mars Orbiter Mission, which imperfect India's first interplanetary expedition.[]Housefull 4, directed by Farhad Samji, was released in October [] His next release in December was Karan Johar's and his own production Good Newwz, a fictitious comedy about surrogacy, opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan.[][] All of his four films were commercially successful this year with three uninterrupted domestic Crore Club net films alongside Mission Mangal, Housefull 4 and Good Newwz.[][]
His only release in was the horror clowning Laxmii, directed by Raghava Lawrence, an official remake of say publicly Tamil film Kanchana opposite Kiara Advani.[][] It was released turn 9 November on Disney+ Hotstar, and was not released exaggeratedly in India due to the COVID pandemic.[] The film revolves around a man who gets possessed by the ghost break on a transgender. Despite receiving mixed to negative reviews from critics, it got huge response on both OTT as well sort television, eventually emerging the only genuine hit to be premiered on digital.[][][]
Kumar's first release of , Bell Bottom did mass perform well commercially, but his second release, Rohit Shetty's actioner Sooryavanshi proved to be a box office hit and was credited with reviving the exhibition sector for Hindi cinema column COVID pandemic in India.[][][] Towards the end of year, proceed co-starred alongside Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan in Aanand L. Rai's direct-to-digital romantic comedy film Atrangi Re.[] At release, Atrangi Re garnered the highest opening day viewership in their brook service, thereby breaking the viewership records of Laxmii (), Hungama 2 () and Shiddat ().[][]
In , Kumar's first escape was Bachchhan Paandey, a remake of Jigarthanda, where he played the titular role of a gangster, a name derived munch through Kumar's character in the film Tashan.[] The film paired him with Kriti Sanon, and also features Jacqueline Fernandez and Arshad Warsi.[] Despite an ensemble cast and hype among fans, Bachchhan Paandey gathered negative critical reception and bombed at the take up again office.[]
His next release was the historical film Samrat Prithviraj (), which was based on life of the Hindu warrior Prithviraj Chauhan. It also starred Sonu Sood, Sanjay Dutt and debutant Manushi Chhillar. Released theatrically on 3 June , the disc opened to mixed reviews. Anuj Kumar of The Hindu wrote 'In order to tone down his body language and accentuation, Kumar has lost much of his trademark energy and could not develop the gravitas required to play the celebrated human. He growls like a lion who has lost his gnaw and despite all the air-brushing, doesn't look like the fellow who became a Samrat in his 20s'.[] Made on a budget of ₹ crore, the film failed to recoup say publicly massive investment and proved to be a disaster at depiction box office.[][]
His another movie Rakshabandhan which was released on say publicly extended weekend of 5 days on 11 August received impure reviews. The Hindu wrote "The film's engaging powerful anti-dowry sentiments, along with Akshay's brilliant comic timing, ensures that there hype enough to keep the audience tied for two hours."[]The Asiatic Express rated the film out of 5 stars and wrote "Do the filmmakers truly believe that such low-rent family dramas, with their uneasy mix of humour and crassness".[] The peel couldn't manage to impress the audience and scored poorly pseudo the Indian ticket windows. The film managed to earn sheer $ million over the extended weekend.[] The Hindustan Times wrote "Akshay Kumar got a golden opportunity in the film Ram Setu by Abhishek Sharma released on 25 October , importation his character is unlike anything he has done in interpretation recent past. Ram Setu embraces the best of the Indiana Jones and National Treasure schools of storytelling with desi action".[] With the poor performance of Ram Setu, proved to distrust one of the worst years for Kumar in recent times.[]
His first release of was Selfiee, an official remake of Driving Licence, which also starred Emraan Hashmi, Diana Penty and Nushrratt Bharuccha.[] This film too bombed at the box office.[] Kumar next appeared in OMG 2 – Oh my God 2, a spiritual successor to OMG – Oh My God!, where he played a messenger of Lord Shiva.[] Ganesh Aaglave surrounding Firstpost stated, "Akshay's character as the messenger of Lord Shibah seems to be an extended cameo. However, the actor impresses with his expressions and dialogues and delivers one of his best performances in recent times."[] The film became a carton office hit.[] Kumar next appeared opposite Parineeti Chopra as Jaswant Singh Gill, a brave and diligent mining engineer in depiction disaster thriller Mission Raniganj.[][] It received mixed to positive assume from critics, but flopped miserably at the box office.[]
His regulate release of was Ali Abbas Zafar's actioner Bade Miyan Chote Miyan co-starring Tiger Shroff.[] Made at a budget of ₹ crore, the film opened to largely negative reviews from critics and did a lifetime business of ₹ crore at picture worldwide box-office, thus proving to be a disaster and chronic the string of flops for Kumar.[][] He was next abandonment in Sarfira alongside Radhika Madan. The movie was a redo of the Tamil hit Soorarai Pottru, which itself was toggle adaptation of Air Deccan founder G. R. Gopinath's memoir Simply Fly: A Deccan Odyssey. The remake performed poorly at representation box-office, collecting just ₹20 crores against a budget of ₹80 crores.[][][] Following this, Kumar played a cosmetic surgeon in Khel Khel Mein alongside Vaani Kapoor.[][]Sukanya Verma noted, "The chemistry mid the motley bunch of actors works in fits and starts but Akshay Kumar's gift of the gab come out tops."[] Despite positive reviews, it emerged another commercial failure for him.[] Kumar then reprised his character from Sooryavanshi in Singham Again.[][]
In , Kumar presented seven-part miniseries Seven Deadly Arts inspect Akshay Kumar for free,[] played master and learner as flair introduces viewers to each of the seven part of pugnacious arts-kalaripayattu, Shaolin Kung Fu, karate, taekwondo, aikido, Muay Thai, capoeira,[] the show aired on every following Sunday.[] The following period Kumar was awarded the highest Japanese honour of "Katana" brook a sixth degree black belt in Kuyukai Gōjū-ryū karate.
Since , Kumar started India's stunt/action reality game show – "Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi". He hosted Season 1, Season 2 and Season 4.[] The show was widely accepted and comprehended, became hugely successful in popular culture.[] It is still make available run by Rohit Shetty.
In , Kumar hosted India's primary MasterChef television show on Star Plus, was viewed by trillion viewers and went to prove that Indian audiences are gush to experimenting and look forward to innovations in television entertainment.[]
In , He hosted another reality show Dare 2 Dance style a mentor, which aired on Life OK from 6 Sep. It broke the norms of a regular dance format thug a commitment of a 'first of its kind. A advise show where trained and famed dancers wasn't judged only put out the basis of their dance performances, but they had fit in perform e on the dance floor.[][]
In , Kumar also produced a successful television serial Jamai Raja (), starring Ravi Dubey and Nia Sharma, which established them leading actors in Asiatic television industry.[]
In , he judged The Great Indian Laughter Challenge[] with Mallika Dua, Hussain Dalal and Zakir Khan, later they were replaced by Sajid Khan and Shreyas Talpade.[] The piece made many popular names including Vishwash Chauhan and Shyam Rangeela.
Kumar joined Bear Grylls for an episode in "Into Picture Wild", which aired on Discovery channel on 14 September [] The episode was second highest-rated show in the infotainment style (Discovery Channel) in terms of TRP. crore people watched representation premiere on Discovery Network channels.[][]
Kumar promotes health fitness and exercising, stays in shape with a crowd of kickboxing, basketball, swimming and Parkour as well as deposit out. While in standard eighth he had started practising Karate. He intended to open a martial arts school and interpretation state government of Maharashtra allotted land for the school infant Bhayandar.[]
He helped Khanna with editing the drafts of companion debut book Mrs Funnybones.[] He is a teetotaller but has endorsed for a liquor brand in the past. Half lift the sum was given for daan (charity work), of which he has been doing more of in recent times.[][] Have round , one of his fan travelled from Haryana to Bombay, to meet him. The journey took him 42 days. When he reached Kumar's building, he was informed that Kumar was in Casablanca. The fan stayed outside the building for twofold week before Kumar met him.[] Kumar has come out splotch support and lauded the Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore promoter his stand against corruption. The minister said that the deliver a verdict entrusted CBI in the investigation against the corrupt officials confine sports department.[][]
On 9 August , Kumar performed at his amount live show. The show was held in O2 Arena monitor London as part of the inaugural function of the Sphere Kabaddi League. His first live show was held in constrict Delhi. Kumar owns Bengal Warriors a team in the Amerind Kabbadi League.[][] Akshay Kumar sets himself on fire at his upcoming The End series launch with Prime Video, says he's a stuntman first and actor later.[]
Main articles: Cape Of Fair to middling Films and Grazing Goat Pictures
During late 90s, Kumar was dating actress Raveena Tandon. Although they were plighted, they later parted ways.[][] Kumar married Twinkle Khanna, the girl of actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, on 17 Jan Together they have a son, and a daughter.[][] He pump up known as a protective father and keeps his children untold from the media. He stated that he wants to "give them a normal childhood."[]
In , while performing at a occurrence for Levis at Lakme Fashion Week, Kumar asked Twinkle suck up to unbutton his jeans. This incident sparked a controversy which in the nude to a police case being filed against them.[]
Kumar was initially religious, till being a practising ShaivaHindu who regularly visited shrines and temples across the country, including the famed Vaishno Devi Mandir,[][][][] while in he said "there is only one God" and was against bringing religion into politics,[] but in Strut he stated, "I don't believe in any religion. I lone believe in being Indian".[]
Sometime during or after the Canadian yank election, the Conservative government there granted Canadian citizenship to Kumar by invoking a little-known law which allowed circumventing the customary residency requirement for Canadian immigrants.[17] According to a former Length of track Party minister, Tony Clement, the citizenship was awarded in come back for Kumar's offer of putting his "star power to conduct to advance Canada-Indian relations," and Canada's "trade relations, commercial relatives, in the movie sector, in the tourism sector."[17] Although Kumar had earlier appeared in a campaign event for Conservative Maturity Minister Stephen Harper in Brampton, Ontario, a city with a large Indo-Canadian population,[] and praised Harper, Clement denied that interpretation citizenship was a reward for partisan support.[17] Kumar had traditional an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Windsor, avoid in a interview with the Economist claimed he had "dual citizenship."[] He was one of the 15 international celebrities invitational for the Olympics torch-bearer rally to Canada.[]
In December , Kumar stated that he has applied for an Indian passport endure plans to give up his Canadian citizenship.[] On 15 Honourable , on the occasion of Independence Day, Kumar confirmed blooper got Indian citizenship back and Canadian citizenship was withdrawn brand part of Indian law.[1]
In Indian media, Kumar testing referred as Khiladi or Khiladi Kumar for doing so profuse dangerous stunts by himself and also because of his Khiladi film series. In , Madame Tussauds wanted to make his wax figure next because he has an international fan followers. But he declined and said,"he don't want to be waxed because he does not think it is of that conclusive importance".[] From , he was continuously featured in Forbes's uppermost paid actors top 10 list.[] In , he was quarter highest paid actor in the world behind Dwayne Johnson, Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr.. On the Forbes US joint of World's 33rd Highest Earner with $65M.[] In , Recognized ranked sixth and only Indian actor in top 10 be defeated highest paid actors list with $M.[11] Kumar is the gain victory Indian film actor, whose films' domestic net lifetime collections hybrid ₹20 billion (US$ million) by , and ₹30 billion (US$ million) by [][][]
Kumar was named "Sexiest Man Alive" by Group Magazine in [] Kumar was awarded with NDTV Imagine Leading Entertainer of the Year by the Apsara Film & Supervisor Producers Guild Awards (FTPGI). In , he was awarded description highest Japanese honour of "Katana" and a sixth degree Swarthy Belt in Kuyukai Gojuryu Karate.[] He was one of representation 15 international celebrities invited for the Olympics torch-bearer rally dare Canada in [] Kumar bagged the Ultimate Man of say publicly Year at the prestigious GQ Awards in [] He won the HT Hottest Trendsetter (Male) award at the HT India's Most Stylish in []
Kumar has great brand value and holds strong credibility in the advertising world. In , Kumar has topped the list with brand value of $M he has seen a jump of 13% by previous years.[][] According be introduced to Duff and Phelps, Kumar was third most valued celebrity consider $M in [][] Kumar has endorsed brands including Thums Vigor, Honda, Tata Motors, Dollar, Harpic, Sparx, Livguard Battery, and Kajarai Tiles. He was also brand ambassador of Canada Tourism.[] Kumar ranked number 1 on TAM's list of most visible stars in TV ads with an average visibility of 37 hours per day across all channels since to [][][]
Kumar has smallminded fan following in Indian diaspora