Despite a series of recent box office disappointments, Akshay Kumar remains a significant figure in the Hindi film industry. Known for his impressive performances and boundless energy, Kumar, affectionately dubbed ‘Khiladi Kumar,’ has captivated audiences with his diverse roles. He is married to Twinkle Khanna, and the couple shares two children, Aarav and Nitara.
While Akshay Kumar has established himself as a versatile actor, his recent films have not performed well at the box office.
Despite his diligent work ethic, movies like Bachchan Paandey, Samrat Prithviraj, Raksha Bandhan, and others have not met commercial expectations. Nevertheless, Kumar continues to take on multiple projects annually, contrasting with the more conventional approach of focusing on one film at a time.
In a recent interview with Ghazal Alagh, Kumar addressed the criticism he faces for working on several films each year. He retorted, highlighting his gratitude for the opportunities he receives and questioning if critics would house him if he were out of work. He stated:
“Mujhe kehte hain ye chaar film kyu karta hai saal mein… isko ek film karni chahiye… chalo main ek picture kar leta hu baaki din kya karunga? Tere ghar mein aaun? Beta, yaad rakhna, lucky are those people who get work. Yahan roz koi na koi bolta hai berozgaari chal rahi hai ye chal raha hai wo chal raha hai… jisko kaam mil raha hai usko toh karne do.”
Lessons Learned from Professional Setbacks
Reflecting on his recent failures, Kumar shared insights into how these experiences have shaped him. He emphasized the dedication and effort behind each project and acknowledged that while setbacks are painful, they offer valuable lessons and fuel a deeper drive for success. In his words:
“Behind every film there is a lot of blood, sweat, and passion that goes in. It is heart-breaking to see any film fail. But you have to learn to see the silver lining. Every failure teaches you the value of success and increases the hunger for it even further. Luckily, I learnt to deal with it earlier on in my career. Of course, it hurts and impacts you, but that won’t change the fate of the film. It’s not something which is in your control… what is in your control is to work harder, make amends, and give it your all to your next film. That’s how I channel my energy and try to move on to the next, focusing my energy where it matters the most.”
A Glimpse into Akshay Kumar’s Nostalgia
In another recent interaction, Kumar reminisced about his childhood, expressing a desire to repurchase the modest 2BHK apartment where he grew up. He revealed that he still visits the old residence to relive cherished memories.
What do you think about Akshay Kumar’s response to his critics?