Akshay Kumar is an Indian actor and producer. Apart from being an actor, he is also a philanthropist, stuntman, and martial artist. Once a chef in Bangkok, he has been one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood. Let us find out some more interesting details about Akshay Kumar’s life, his family, biography, and his journey to stardom.
Biography/Wiki
Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Hariom Bhatia on Saturday, 9 September 1967 (age 55 years; as of 2022) in Delhi, India. He was educated at Don Bosco High School, Mirik, Darjeeling; around the same time, he started learning Karate. Since childhood, Akshay was interested in sports and martial arts. He was raised in Old Delhi and then relocated to Koliwada in Mumbai. Later, he took admission in Guru Nanak Khalsa College (King’s Circle) Mumbai but dropped out of college as he was poor in studies.
Akshay Kumar in his childhood
He moved to Bangkok and learned martial arts there. He is a Black Belt in Taekwondo and has also learned Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). While in Bangkok, Akshay worked as a chef and a waiter. On returning to Mumbai, Akshay worked as a peon for a travel organisation in Kolkata and became an instructor of martial arts. Akshay was suggested to take up modelling by one of his students because of his good looks and dashing personality. He began his career in the glamour world with modelling assignments. Once successful in modelling, Akshay changed his name from Rajeev Om Bhatia to Akshay Kumar, which was the stage name of an actor opposite to his favorite actress in a movie. He even worked as a background dancer in various films and ultimately stepped into Bollywood making his debut appearance on-screen in 1991 with the movie Saugandh. In 1992. he played the lead in the movie Deedar. Since then, there has been no looking back for him.
Akshay Kumar in his modelling days
#ThrowBack to when speed was about how fast you could punch not how fast you could type!! 👊🏽 #ThursdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/FWPcWmNYw1
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 9, 2017
Physical Appearance
Akshay is well-known for his robust personality having 42 inches chest, 34 inches waist, and 16 inches biceps. His height is 6’ 1” and he weighs around 80kgs. He is a fitness enthusiast and follows swimming, kickboxing, and other exercises to remain in shape.
Family, Girlfriends & Wife
Akshay hails from a Punjabi Hindu Family. His father, Brijmohan Bhatia, was a Government employee who served as an Army officer, later, resigned to become an Accountant at UNICEF. Akshay’s father was the companion of late Dara Singh. His mother, Aruna Bhatia, was a homemaker; she died on 8 September 2021 in Mumbai. The actor took to Twitter to announce the demise of his mother; he wrote,
I feel an unbearable pain at the very core of my existence.”
He has a younger sister, Alka Bhatia.
Akshay Kumar with his mother
Akshay Kumar’s sister Alka Bhatia (left)
Akshay Kumar was well-known for his playboy nature during his early days and before his marriage. He had a series of love affairs with most of the leading actresses of Bollywood. He was reported to have been in a relationship with Pooja Batra, Ayesha Jhulka, and Rekha. There were even rumours of him being engaged to Raveena Tandon after being in a relationship with her for 3 years. However, the couple broke up. Akshay and Shilpa Shetty were also alleged to be in a relationship for a year but the latter broke up with Kumar because of the fact that he was cheating over her with her best-friend Twinkle Khanna. Even after his marriage, Akshay was rumoured to be in a relationship with Priyanka. However, Twinkle’s decision of no longer allowing Akshay to work with Priyanka put an end to the speculations.
Akshay and Raveena
Akshay and Shilpa
Akshay and Priyanka
Akshay fell in love with Twinkle Khanna, daughter of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia and, soon, they both tied a knot on 17 January 2001. The couple has a son, Aarav and a daughter, Nitara. Akshay is quite keen about his children’s privacy and often he avoids any media interactions with them; giving them a normal lifestyle.
Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna marriage
Akshay with his wife Twinkle Khanna
Akshay Kumar’s daughter Nitara Kumar
Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, and their son
Nationality
On 15 August 2023, Akshay Kumar, who previously had Canadian citizenship, shared a picture on his social media accounts, announcing that he had acquired Indian citizenship.
Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/DLH0DtbGxk
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) August 15, 2023
Career
After doing a few modelling assignments, Akshay tried his luck in Bollywood through the 1991 movie ‘Saugandh’ and later appeared in ‘Dancer,’ ‘Mr Bond,’ ‘James Bond,’ ‘Deedar;’ he got his big break with the 1992 movie ‘Khiladi.’ It was reported that Akshay’s fate took a drastic change when he missed a flight wherein he was to be present for a modelling assignment. Depressed over missing his flight, he approached various studios with his portfolio in search of a job; it was that Pramod Chakraborty noticed him and signed him up for ‘Deedar’ (1992).
Though Akshay’s previous movies didn’t perform well at the box office, he got attention for his dance and stunts; soon, he started getting offers for action movies. ‘Yeh Dellagi’ which released in 1994 made him a top league actor of that time. With a series of his action performances and successful Khiladi movies such as ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ (1994), ‘Sabse Bada Khiladi’ (1995), ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi,’ Akshay got his name “Bollywood Khiladi” and “Action Hero”. With his 2000’s blockbuster hit ‘Hera Pheri’ alongside Paresh Rawal and Sunil Shetty, Akshay marked his entry into comic roles as well. He also starred in the sequel of Heri Pheri, with the comedy hero tag.
Awards/Honours
- In 2002, Akshay won the Best Villian in Filmfare Awards, IIFA Best Villian Award in IIFA Awards for his film ‘Ajnabee.’
- In 2003, Akshay was awarded as Celebrity Style Male in Bollywood Fashion Awards.
- In 2005, he was rewarded IIFA Best Comedian Award in IIFA Awards for his film ‘Mujse Shadi Karogi.’
- In 2006, Akshay was bestowed Best Comedian in Filmfare Awards and Best Comic Performance in Bollywood People’s Choice Awards for his film ‘Garam Masala.’
- In 2009, he was acclaimed Best Actor in Screen Awards for the film ‘Singh is Kinng.’
- In 2009, he was bestowed “Padma Shri” by the Government of India.
- In 2010, Akshay was rewarded Best Actor-Popular Award-Male, Best Actor-Searchlight Award-Male for his films ‘Blue’ and ‘8X10 Tasveer.’
Akshay Kumar receiving Padma Shri Award
- In 2011, he achieved Star of the Year- Male, Best Actor in a Comedy or Romance in Stardust Awards for his film ‘Housefull.’
- In 2012, he won Best Actor in a Comedy or Romance in Stardust Awards for his film ‘Desi Boyz.’
- In 2013, he was rewarded Star of the Year – Male in Stardust Awards for his films ‘Housefull 2’, ‘Rowdy Rathore’ and ‘OMG: Oh My God!’
- In 2013, he was acclaimed Best Actor in Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards for his film ‘Rowdy Rathore.’
- In 2014, Akshay was rewarded Box Office 1000 Crore Club Hero in Star Box Office India Awards.
- In 2015, he won Special Award in Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards for completing 25 years in the Industry.
- In 2016, he achieved Star of the Year-Male in Stardust Awards for his film ‘Baby.’
- In 2017, Akshay received Best Actor in National Film Awards for his film ‘Rustom.’
Akshay Kumar in National Awards
- He was named the Most Beautiful Vegetarian Celebrity of the year in 2021 by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India along with actress Bhumi Pednekar.
- In July 2022, the Income Tax Department honoured him with a certificate for being the highest taxpayer in India.
An honorary certificate issued by the Income Tax Department in India to Akshay Kumar for being the highest taxpayer in the country in 2022
Controversy
Akshay Kumar was caught in a controversy with his wife, Twinkle Khanna for obscene behaviour at the Lakme Fashion, Mumbai; when his wife unbuttoned his Jeans for the promotion of a brand.
Akshay Kumar in Lakme Fashion Show
Favourites
- Akshay likes to eat Thai Green Chicken Curry, Home Made Punjabi Food, and Chinese cuisine.
- He likes Non-Vegetarian food.
- His favourite dessert is Indian Sweets.
- He loves watching the Oscar-winning Italian movie – Life is beautiful.
- He prefers Cool Waters perfume.
- His choice of colour is Black.
- His favourite destination is Mauritius.
- He likes Listening to Music, Rock Climbing, Swimming.
Net Worth, Salary & Houses
He charges approximately Rs. 25 crores per film. In 2019, he was placed at 4th on the Forbes list of the 10 highest-paid actors (he collected $65 million, which equals to Rs. 466 crores; between 1 June 2018 and 1 June 2019). His Net Worth is relatively Rs. 980 crore. He has a sea-facing duplex in Mumbai. In January 2022, he owned a flat worth Rs. 7.8 crore on the 19th floor of a high rise in Mumbai’s Khar West area. The actor reportedly has houses in Goa and Mauritius as well. In August 2022, he sold a property to Daboo Malik who is the father of musicians Armaan Malik and Amaal Malik. Reportedly, Akshay bought the property, a flat in the Transcon Triumph-Tower 1, A-2104 in Andheri West, Mumbai, in November 2017 for Rs 4.12 crore. Whenever Akshay takes up the role of a producer, she foregoes his salary in exchange for a discussed share of the film’s eventual profits; Viacom’s COO Ajit Andhare mentioned this when it was reported that the budget of the film ‘OMG 2’ was exaggerated.
Collections
Akshay Kumar owns Porsche Cayenne and Honda CRV in cars; Yamaha VMax and Harley Davidson in bikes.
Signature
Facts
- His full name is Akshay Hariom Bhatia.
- While in Bangkok, Akshay worked at a restaurant named Metro Guest House with an initial salary of ₹1,500.
- He began his training in martial arts when he was in the 8th standard.
- Akshay is never seen partying late nights neither does he smoke or drink alcohol.
- During the initial phase of his career, Akshay shot a portfolio at a bungalow in Juhu, Mumbai, which he owns now.
- Akshay was hospitalized during the shoot of the film “Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi” when he lifted Brian Lee who weighed around 350 pounds, causing severe back pain.
- He criticized his own film Phir Hera Pheri which was the sequel of Hera Pheri as big nonsense, though the film was a blockbuster hit.
- Akshay does not like to be categorised as an ‘action’ or a ‘comedy’ hero.
- During his struggling days, Akshay went for an audition in Rajesh Khanna’s film “Jai Shiv Shankar” and waited at the sets for around 4 hours, but neither was he auditioned nor was he able to meet Rajesh Khanna.
- Akshay’s demand for huge compensation replaced him with Ajay Devgn in the film “Phool Aur Kaante.”
- Other than films, Akshay also hosted in numerous TV shows like Seven Deadly Arts with Akshay Kumar, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (Season 1,2,4), MasterChef India (Season 1), and Dare 2 Dance.
- Akshay was honoured “The Honorary Doctorate of Law” from the University of Windsor for his outstanding acting career and also he was listed among “The Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine” in the year 2018.
- Akshay Kumar is addressed as “New-Age Manoj Kumar aka Bharat Kumar” for his phenomenal performances in the films – Namastey London, Holiday, Baby, Gabbar Is Back, and Airlift.
- He featured in the role of police officer in 15 movies.
- Akshay Kumar rode a bike worth ₹1 million in the movie, OMG: Oh My God.
- He sang a Punjabi devotional song “Nirgun Raakh Liya” and all the profit that the album made, was donated to the victims of the train bombings of Mumbai.
- Akshay is fascinated by shoes and has more pairs than his wife Twinkle does.
- He is reported to be sentimental when it comes to his ‘firsts’ and still owns his first house, car, and motorcycle.
- Surprisingly, Akshay shares his birthday on the day of Shilpa Shetty’s husband, Raj Kundra.
- He learned Arabic for his role as a Kuwait-based businessman in Airlift.
- Akshay was the part of a few social awareness movies like Padman and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
- Akshay was held responsible for removing John Abraham’s in Garam Masala and Govinda’s role in Bhagam Bhag.
- Akshay was seen performing double roles in movies like Jai Kishan, Aflatoon, Khiladi 420, Chandni Chowk To China, and Rowdy Rathore.
- Actress Lara Dutta, while in Koffee with Karan, confessed about Akshay’s problem in dialogue delivery and also stated that the tactics used by his crew members like holding a piece of paper in front of him or sometimes on the costumes of the heroine, and many others.
- Prior to becoming a superstar in Bollywood, Akshay appeared as a martial arts instructor in Mahesh Bhatt’s film ‘Aaj’ in 1987.
- He has a tattoo with his wife’s name, Tina, on his left shoulder and a tattoo with his son’s name, Aarav, on his back.
- Though Akshay’s movie Gabbar is Back was a huge blockbuster, his daughter did not like his look with a long beard in the movie.
- His hobbies include Collecting Posters of Old Bollywood Movies, Cooking, Martial Arts, Playing Volleyball and Cricket.
- In an Instagram live session with wildlife adventurer Bear Grylls, he revealed that he drinks cow urine every day.
- On 7 February 2022, he met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun who declared him ‘Brand Ambassador’ of the state.
Akshay Kumar with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami after Kumar was declared Brand Ambassador of the state
- On 1 December 2023, Payal Ghosh, an actor, claimed that Akshay Kumar once liked her; however, her love was reserved for a cricketer named Irfan Pathan, whom she was dating at that period; she made the claim through a post on X.
Mere pichhhe #gautamgambhir #AkshayKumar sab pade hue the lekin main pyar sırf İrfan Pathan se karti thi, mujhe uske ilaba koi aur dikhta hi nahi tha aur main İrfan ko sab ke ware bolti bhi thi, sab ka miscal dikhati bhi thi… Maine BAs Irfan se pyar kiya aur kisise bhi nahi…
— Payal Ghoshॐ (@iampayalghosh) December 1, 2023
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education