Akshay Kumar
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| Akshay Kumar at an event | |
| Born | 09 September 1967 (age 58) Amritsar, Punjab, India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Mumbai |
| Alma mater | Don Bosco High School, Mumbai |
| Occupation | Actor, Film Producer |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Known for | Khiladi film series, Hera Pheri, Rustom Toilet: Ek Prem Katha |
| Notable works | Khiladi (1992), Hera Pheri (2000), Rowdy Rathore (2012), Airlift (2016), Rustom (2016), Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017), Kesari (2019) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2009), 2 National Film Awards, 2 Filmfare Awards |
| Spouse(s) | Twinkle Khanna (m. 2001) |
| Parents | Hari Om Bhatia (father), Aruna Bhatia (mother) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | AkshayKumar.co |
Akshay Kumar () is one of the most versatile and successful actors in Indian cinema. Popularly known as “Khiladi Kumar”, he has appeared in more than 150 films over a career spanning three decades, earning him the reputation of being among the most prolific stars in Bollywood. Recipient of two National Film Awards, two Filmfare Awards, and the prestigious Padma Shri (2009), Kumar has consistently balanced action, comedy, romance, and socially-driven cinema.
Featured multiple times by Forbes as one of the world’s highest-paid actors and celebrities, Akshay Kumar remains a global icon of Indian cinema. Beyond acting, he is a producer, television host, philanthropist, and martial arts enthusiast who has contributed significantly to social causes, especially women’s safety initiatives.
Early Life & Education
Akshay Kumar was born on 9 September 1967 as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, into a Punjabi Hindu family originally from Amritsar. His mother, Aruna Bhatia, was a homemaker, and his father, Hari Om Bhatia (later Brijmohan Bhatia), was an accountant for UNICEF after serving in the Indian Army. Alka Bhatia is his younger sister.
Growing up in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, Kumar became very interested in sports, especially martial arts and wrestling, which his father fostered. Later, the family moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), where they resided in the Punjabi-majority neighborhood of Koliwada.
Akshay Kumar completed his schooling at Don Bosco High School, Matunga, where he also trained in Karate. He briefly enrolled at Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Mumbai, but left his studies midway to pursue martial arts training.He spent five years learning Muay Thai and earning a living as a chef and waiter in Bangkok, Thailand, after his father sent him there at his request. He had previously earned a black belt in Taekwondo in India.
Following Thailand, Kumar worked in a variety of South Asian locations, including Delhi as a jewelry salesman, Dhaka as a chef, and Calcutta (now Kolkata) as a travel agency. He started teaching martial arts when he got back to Mumbai. During this period, Kumar's first assignment was for a furniture showroom after the father of one of his students suggested he try modeling.
Akshay Kumar spent 18 months working as photographer Jayesh Sheth's assistant in order to expand his portfolio. At the same time, he performed as a background dancer in a number of movies. A brief cameo as a karate instructor in the 1987 movie Aaj marked his first on-screen appearance.
Later, after being influenced by Kumar Gaurav's portrayal of Akshay in the 1980s, Kumar decided to use the screen name Akshay Kumar. His big break came as a surprise when he brought his portfolio to a film studio after missing a flight for an ad shoot. His Bollywood career officially began that same evening when producer Pramod Chakravorty offered him the lead role in Deedar (1992).
Career
Akshay Kumar made his debut with Saugandh (1991), but it was Khiladi (1992) that gave him his breakthrough as an action star. He became well-known in the 1990s thanks to movies like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Mohra, and Yeh Dillagi (1994), which led to his first nomination for a Filmfare award. With hits like Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) and Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), he created the renowned "Khiladi series." Critics praised his supporting performance in Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). His role in Sangharsh and the box office triumph of Jaanwar (1999) marked his powerful comeback and solidified his reputation as Bollywood's action hero, despite his setbacks with flops.
| Year | Film(s) | Outcome / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Saugandh, Dancer | Debut, mixed response |
| 1992 | Khiladi, Mr. Bond, Deedar | Breakthrough with Khiladi, established action image |
| 1993 | Dil Ki Baazi, Sainik, Kayda Kanoon | Mostly flops |
| 1994 | Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Mohra, Yeh Dillagi, Suhaag | Multiple hits, first Filmfare Best Actor nomination |
| 1995 | Sabse Bada Khiladi | Commercial success, Khiladi brand strengthened |
| 1996 | Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi | Huge hit, co-starred Rekha & Raveena |
| 1997 | Dil To Pagal Hai | Supporting role, Filmfare nomination |
| 1997 | Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi | Commercial failure |
| 1997 | Aflatoon | Mixed reviews, praised dual role |
| 1999 | International Khiladi | Failed at box office |
| 1999 | Sangharsh | Critically acclaimed |
| 1999 | Jaanwar | Commercial success, marked comeback |
2000–2006
Akshay Kumar established himself as a versatile star by making a smooth transition from action movies to comedies and romantic dramas between 2000 and 2006. His pivotal performance in Hera Pheri (2000) was followed by critically acclaimed parts in Dhadkan and Ek Rishtaa, as well as his antagonistic performance in Ajnabee, which earned him his first Filmfare Award. In addition to enjoying commercial successes like Andaaz (2003), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Aitraaz (2004), and Bewafaa (2005), he made an impression on critics in Aankhen (2002). He won a Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for his hilarious timing in the 2005 film Garam Masala. With Waqt, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), and Bhagam Bhag, he maintained his success and cemented his status as a top actor in comedies and family dramas during this time.
| Year | Film(s) | Outcome / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Hera Pheri, Dhadkan, Khiladi 420 | Hera Pheri turning point; praised for Dhadkan; risky stunts in Khiladi 420 |
| 2001 | Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love, Ajnabee | Acclaimed; won Filmfare Best Villain for Ajnabee |
| 2002 | Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya, Aankhen, Awara Paagal Deewana, Jaani Dushman | Aankhen critically acclaimed; others mixed |
| 2003 | Talaash, Andaaz | Andaaz commercial hit; breakthrough for Priyanka & Lara |
| 2004 | Khakee, Police Force, Aan, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, Meri Biwi Ka Jawaab Nahin | Khakee praised, Filmfare Supporting Actor nomination; Mujhse Shaadi Karogi & Aitraaz successful |
| 2005 | Bewafaa, Waqt: The Race Against Time, Garam Masala, Deewane Huye Paagal, Dosti | Won Filmfare Best Comedian for Garam Masala; Waqt and Bewafaa successful |
| 2006 | Family, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, Phir Hera Pheri, Jaan-E-Mann, Bhagam Bhag | Phir Hera Pheri huge success; Bhagam Bhag hit; Jaan-E-Mann underperformed |
2007–2011
Akshay Kumar had both enormous commercial success and significant setbacks between 2007 and 2011. With back-to-back hits like Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Welcome, he had his best year ever in 2007. Despite Tashan's poor performance and Jumbo's failure, Singh Is Kinng became a huge blockbuster in 2008. Additionally, he made his television debut as the host of Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi. Despite Kambakkht Ishq's financial success and De Dana Dan's mediocre performance, 2009 brought disappointments with Chandni Chowk to China, 8 x 10 Tasveer, and Blue. Housefull was a huge hit in 2010, but Action Replayy, Tees Maar Khan, and Khatta Meetha let us down. By 2011, films like Patiala House, Thank You, and Desi Boyz gave mixed results, though his co-produced film Breakaway became a Canadian hit. He also voiced Optimus Prime in the Hindi dub of Transformers: Dark of the Moon for his son.
| Year | Film(s) / Projects | Outcome / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Welcome | All four became hits; best career year; earned Filmfare Best Actor nomination |
| 2008 | Tashan, Singh Is Kinng, Jumbo | Singh Is Kinng blockbuster; Tashan and Jumbo failed; hosted Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi |
| 2009 | Chandni Chowk to China, 8 x 10 Tasveer, Kambakkht Ishq, Blue, De Dana Dan | Mixed year; most films failed; Kambakkht Ishq commercially strong; De Dana Dan moderate |
| 2010 | Housefull, Khatta Meetha, Action Replayy, Tees Maar Khan | Housefull hit; others received negative reviews and underperformed |
| 2011 | Patiala House, Thank You, Desi Boyz; Co-produced Breakaway | Mixed results; Breakaway successful in Canada; dubbed Optimus Prime in Transformers: Dark of the Moon |
2012–2021
| Year/Period | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Housefull 2 and Rowdy Rathore – both crossed ₹1 billion. Founded Grazing Goat Pictures. Produced OMG – Oh My God! (superhit). Khiladi 786 revived Khiladi series. |
| 2013 | Special 26 (critical & commercial success). Played gangster Shoaib in Once Upon ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara! (flop but praised). Boss underperformed. |
| 2014 | Holiday (blockbuster, ₹1B+). Acted in Entertainment and The Shaukeens. |
| 2015 | Baby, Gabbar Is Back (successful). Brothers mixed response. Singh Is Bliing performed well. |
| 2016 | Airlift and Rustom huge hits; won National Film Award for Best Actor. Housefull 3 also successful. |
| 2017 | Toilet: Ek Prem Katha – strong social impact, praised by PM Modi. |
| 2018 | Pad Man (social drama), Tamil debut with Rajinikanth in 2.0 (major success). |
| 2019 | Kesari, Mission Mangal, Housefull 4, Good Newwz – all successful; 3 films entered ₹200 Crore Club. |
| 2020 | Laxmii – OTT release during COVID-19; mixed reviews but big digital hit. |
| 2021 | Bell Bottom (weak box office), Sooryavanshi (major post-pandemic hit). Atrangi Re – record-breaking OTT release. |
Between 2022 and 2024
Several high-budget films underperformed during one of Akshay Kumar's most difficult periods in his career. The year was one of his weakest because Bachchhan Paandey, Samrat Prithviraj, Rakshabandhan, and Ram Setu (all 2022) did not make an impression despite a lot of hype. Selfiee's bad run continued in 2023, but OMG 2 gave him a brief reprieve with favorable reviews and financial success. But Mission Raniganj, his mining-disaster drama, was a commercial failure. Despite large budgets and well-known casts, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Sarfira, and Khel Khel Mein all underperformed in 2024, continuing the downward trend. His only real respite was Singham Again (2024), where his Sooryavanshi reprise became a box office success and one of the highest-grossing movies of the year, somewhat ending his slump.
| Year/Period | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Bachchhan Paandey (flop), Samrat Prithviraj (₹200 cr budget – disaster), Raksha Bandhan (poor box office), Ram Setu (underperformed). Overall one of his weakest years. |
| 2023 | Selfiee (flop), OMG 2 (hit, praised for role as messenger of Lord Shiva), Mission Raniganj (mixed reviews, flop). |
| 2024 | Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (₹350 cr budget – disaster), Sarfira (remake of Soorarai Pottru – flop), Khel Khel Mein (positive reviews, but commercial failure), Singham Again (blockbuster, major success). |
2025–present: Comeback
Akshay Kumar's career saw a resurgence in 2025. Despite receiving praise for his emotional performance, his first release, Sky Force, which was based on the 1965 Indo-Pak war, was a commercial failure. After that, he played advocate C. Sankaran Nair in the somewhat successful Kesari Chapter 2, which was set during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. His comedic timing was praised when Housefull 5, which was released in two versions with different endings, marked a turning point. The movie became one of the highest grossing films of the year and a huge box office success.
| Year/Period | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Sky Force – Based on 1965 Indo-Pak war airstrike; performance praised but film flopped.
Kesari Chapter 2 – Played Advocate C. Sankaran Nair (Jallianwala Bagh backdrop); strong acting, moderate success. Housefull 5 – Released in two versions (5A & 5B) with alternate climaxes; Akshay praised for comedy timing. Emerged a commercial blockbuster and among the highest-grossing films of the year. |