Akshay Kumar
| Akshay Kumar | |
|---|---|
 Akshay Kumar on the set of Heyy Babyy (2007) |
|
| Born | Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia September 9, 1967 Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Occupation | Film actor |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Spouse | Twinkle Khanna (2001–present) |
Akshay Kumar (Hindi: अक्षय कुमार; born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on 9 September 1967) is an Indian film actor. He has appeared in over 90 Hindi films.
During the 1990s, Kumar primarily acted in action films such as Khiladi (1992), Mohra (1994) and Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), and got particularly known for his appearances in feature films commonly called the "Khiladi Series". He performed in romantic films like Yeh Dillagi (1994) and Dhadkan (2000) as well as dramatic films such as Ek Rishtaa (2001). His comic performances in films such as Hera Pheri (2000), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Garam Masala (2005) and Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) met with acclaim. His success further rose in 2007, when he starred in four consecutive commercial hits. In 2008, the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Law on Kumar in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema. In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.[1]
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Early life
Akshay Kumar was born in Amritsar, Punjab to a Punjabi family.[2] His father was a government employee. From a very young age, he was recognised as a performer, particularly as a dancer. Kumar was raised in Delhi's Chandni Chowk neighbourhood before moving to Mumbai.[3] In Mumbai, he lived in Koliwada, which was another Punjabi dominated area.[3] He studied at Don Bosco School and then Khalsa College, where he participated in sports with Janpal Singh.[3]
He studied martial arts in Bangkok and worked as a chef. He then came back to Mumbai, where he started teaching martial arts. One of his students happened to be a photographer and recommended him to do modelling. The student gave him a modelling assignment for a small company. For his two hours posing in front of the camera, Kumar got Rs. 5,000, compared to his previous monthly salary of Rs. 4,000. That was one of the main reasons why he chose to be a model. After a couple of months of modelling, Kumar was offered a lead role by producer Pramod Chakravarthy for the movie Deedar.[3]
Career
1990s
Kumar made his Bollywood acting debut with the 1991 film Saugandh, which was followed by the 1992 thriller film Khiladi. In 1994, his action films Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Mohra which were among the highest grossing films of the year.[4] Later that year, Yash Chopra signed him for the romantic film Yeh Dillagi which was also a success.[4] He received appreciation for his performance in this film, where he played a romantic role which was different compared to his action roles. He would consequently receive his first nominations for Best Actor award at the Filmfare and Star Screen ceremonies. During the same year, Kumar also had success with films like Suhaag and the low budget action film Elaan. All these achievements, promoted Kumar as one of the most successful actors of that year.[5]
In 1995, along with his share of unsuccessful movies, he starred in the third film in his Khiladi series Sabse Bada Khiladi, which was a hit.[6] He proved to have success with the Khiladi series, as in the next year he starred in the fourth successful film with Khiladi in the title, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi opposite Rekha and Raveena Tandon. The film became one of the highest grossing films of the year.[7]
In 1997, Kumar was seen in a supporting role in Yash Chopra's hit film Dil To Pagal Hai, for which he received a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award nomination. In the same year, he attempted a comedy role with the fifth film in the Khiladi series, Mr and Mrs Khiladi. Unlike his previous films with Khiladi in the title, the film failed commercially.[8] In the same way as this film, his next Khiladi releases in the following years went on to fail at the box office. In 1999, Kumar received critical acclaim for his roles in the films Sangharsh and Jaanwar. Whilst the former did not make a profit at the box office, the latter turned out to be a success.[9]
2000s
In 2000 he starred in the comedy Hera Pheri (2000) which was a commercial success.[10] He also starred in the romantic film Dhadkan later that same year which performed moderately at the box office.[10] In 2001, Kumar played a negative role in the film Ajnabee. The film won him much acclaim as well as his first Filmfare Award for Best Villain.[2] Kumar played a role as role as a blind man in Aankhen.
Following Hera Pheri, Kumar starred in a number of comedy films, including Awara Paagal Deewana (2002) and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004).[11] and Garam Masala (2005). The films succeeded at the box office[12][13] and his performance in the latter earned him his second Filmfare Award, for Best Comedian.[2] Apart from his action, comedy and romantic roles, Kumar displayed a flair for dramatic roles in films such as Ek Rishtaa (2001), Aankhen (2002), Bewafaa (2005) and Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005).[2]
In 2006 he starred in a sequel to Hera Pheri titled Phir Hera Pheri. As was the former, the sequel became a huge success at the box office.[14] Later that year he starred alongside Salman Khan in the romantic musical Jaan-E-Mann. The film was a well anticipated release, and despite receiving positive reviews from critics, did not do as well as expected at the box office.[14] Though the film under-performed, his role as a shy, lovable nerd was praised.[15] He ended the year with the comedy Bhagam Bhag, which was a success.[14] In that same year, he led the Heat 2006 world tour along with fellow stars Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen and Celina Jaitley.[16]
2007 proved to be Kumar's most successful year during his career in the industry, and as described by box office analysts, "probably the best ever recorded by an actor, with four outright hits and no flops."[17] His first release, Namastey London, was critically and commercially successful, and his performance 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 with a terrific portrayal in this film."[18] His next two releases, Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, were box office successes as well.[19][20] Kumar's last release of the year, Welcome, did extremely well at the box office, receiving a blockbuster status and simultaneously becoming his fifth successive hit.[21] All of Kumar's films which released that year did well in the overseas market as well.[22]
Kumar's first film of 2008, Tashan, marked his comeback to the Yash Raj Films banner after 11 years. Although much anticipated by the public,[23] the film was a critical and commercial failure. His second film, Singh Is Kinng was a huge success at the box office and broke the first-week worldwide record of Om Shanti Om, the previous highest figure.[24] His next film was the animated film Jumbo. The year also saw Kumar making his small screen debut as the host of the successful show Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi. He later returned to host the show's second season in 2009.
In 2009, Kumar featured opposite Deepika Padukone in the Warner Bros.-Rohan Sippy production Chandni Chowk to China. Directed by Nikhil Advani, the film was a critical and commercial failure at the box office.[25] Kumar's next release was 8 x 10 Tasveer. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the film was a critical and commercial failure. His next release was Kambakkht Ishq. Kumar's film Blue was released on 16 October 2009. Blue collected about Rs. 42 crores at the box-office.[26] His release in 2009 was Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan.
He then appeared in the 2010 comedy, House Full, directed by Sajid Khan which garnered the second-highest opening weekend collection of all time.[27] Kumar's next release was Khatta Meetha, directed by Priyadarshan.
Personal life
Kumar earlier dated several of his colleagues, such as Shilpa Shetty and Raveena Tandon. After being engaged twice to actress Twinkle Khanna, the daughter of veteran actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, he finally married her on 14 January 2001. Their son named Aarav was born on 15 September 2002.[2]
A First Information Report was registered by the Vakola Police on April 2009 against Akshay Kumar and his wife Twinkle Khanna under Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code for an act during the Lakme Fashion Week in which Khanna unbuttoned the jeans of Kumar.[28]
Awards and nominations
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Saugandh | Shiva | |
| 1992 | Dancer | Raja | |
| Mr Bond | Mr. Bond | ||
| Khiladi | Raj Malhotra | ||
| Deedar | Anand Malhotra | ||
| 1993 | Ashaant | Vijay | |
| Dil Ki Baazi | Vijay | ||
| Kayda Kanoon | Daud | ||
| Waqt Hamara Hai | Vikas Sabkuchwala | ||
| Sainik | Suraj Dutt | ||
| 1994 | Elaan | Vishal Chaudhry | |
| Yeh Dillagi | Vijay Saigal | Nominated, Filmfare Best Actor Award | |
| Jai Kishen | Jai Verma/Kishen | ||
| Mohra | Amar Saxena | ||
| Main Khiladi Tu Anari | Karan Joglekar | ||
| Ikke Pe Ikka | Rajiv | ||
| Amaanat | Amar | ||
| Suhaag | Raj | ||
| Nazar Ke Samne | Jai Kumar | ||
| Zakhmi Dil | Jaidev Anand | ||
| Zaalim | Ravi | ||
| Hum Hain Bemisaal | Vijay Sinha | ||
| 1995 | Paandav | Vijay | |
| Maidan-E-Jung | Karan | ||
| Sabse Bada Khiladi | Vijay Kumar/Lallu | ||
| 1996 | Tu Chor Main Sipahi | Amar Varma | |
| Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi | Akshay Malhotra | ||
| Sapoot | Prem | ||
| 1997 | Lahoo Ke Do Rang | Sikandar Davai | |
| Insaaf: The Final Justice | Vikram | ||
| Daava | Arjun | ||
| Tarazu | Inspector Ram Yadav | ||
| Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi | Raja | ||
| Dil To Pagal Hai | Ajay | Nominated, Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award | |
| Aflatoon | Rocky/Raja | ||
| 1998 | Keemat: They Are Back | Dev | |
| Angaaray | Amar | ||
| Barood | Jai Sharma | ||
| 1999 | Aarzoo | Vijay Khanna | |
| International Khiladi | Rahul "Devraj" | ||
| Zulmi | Raj | ||
| Sangharsh | Professor Aman Varma | ||
| Jaanwar | Badshah/Babu Lohaar | ||
| 2000 | Hera Pheri | Raju | |
| Dhadkan | Ram | ||
| Khiladi 420 | Dev Kumar/Anand Kumar | ||
| 2001 | Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love | Ajay Kapoor | |
| Ajnabee | Vikram Bajaj | Winner, Filmfare Best Villain Award | |
| 2002 | Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya | Raj Malhotra | |
| Aankhen | Vishwas Prajapati | ||
| Awara Paagal Deewana | Guru Gulab Khatri | ||
| Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani | Atul tutul carpool | ||
| 2003 | Talaash: The Hunt Begins... | Arjun | |
| Andaaz | Raj Malhotra | ||
| 2004 | Ghar Grihasti | Special appearance | |
| Khakee | Sr. Inspector Shekhar Verma | Nominated, Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award | |
| Police Force: An Inside Story | Vijay Singh | ||
| Aan: Men at Work | DCP Hari Om Patnaik | ||
| Meri Biwi Ka Jawaab Nahin | Inspector Ajay | ||
| Mujhse Shaadi Karogi | Arun "Sunny" | Nominated, Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award Nominated, Filmfare Best Comedian Award |
|
| Hatya: The Murder | Ravi | ||
| Aitraaz | Raj Malhotra | ||
| Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo | Major Rajeev | ||
| 2005 | Insan | Amjad | |
| Bewafaa | Raja | ||
| Waqt: The Race Against Time | Aditiya Thakur | ||
| Garam Masala | Makrand "Mac" | Winner, Filmfare Best Comedian Award | |
| Deewane Huye Paagal | Rocky Hiranandani | ||
| Dosti: Friends Forever | Raj Malhotra | ||
| 2006 | Family - Ties of Blood | Shekhar Bhatia | |
| Mere Jeevan Saathi | Vicky | ||
| Humko Deewana Kar Gaye | Aditiya Malhotra | ||
| Phir Hera Pheri | Raju | ||
| Jaan-E-Mann | Agastya Rao "Champu" | ||
| Bhagam Bhag | Bunty | ||
| 2007 | Namastey London | Arjun Singh | Nominated, Filmfare Best Actor Award |
| Heyy Babyy | Arush Mehra | ||
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa | Dr. Aditiya Shrivastav | ||
| Om Shanti Om | Himself | Special appearance | |
| Welcome | Rajiv Saini | ||
| 2008 | Tashan | Bachchan Pande | |
| Singh Is Kinng | Happy Singh | Nominated, Filmfare Best Actor Award Nominated, Asian Film Award for Best Actor |
|
| Jumbo | Jumbo (voice) | Voice over for first animated film | |
| Delhi-6 | Veeru | Special Appearance, seen saying "Parathe Wali Gali" | |
| 2009 | Chandni Chowk to China | Sidhu Sharma | |
| 8 X 10 Tasveer | Jai Puri/Jeet | ||
| Kambakkht Ishq | Viraj Shergill | ||
| Blue | Aarav Malhotra | ||
| De Dana Dan | Nitin Bankar | ||
| 2010 | Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai | Himself | Cameo appearance |
| House Full | Aarush | ||
| Khatta Meetha | Sachin Tichkule | ||
| Helloo India | Post-production | ||
| Action Replayy | Releasing on November 5, 2010 | ||
| Tees Maar Khan | Tabrez Mirza Khan | Releasing on December 24, 2010 | |
| 2011 | Patiala House | Gattu Singh Kahlon | Releasing on February 11, 2011 |
| Thank You | Releasing on April 8, 2011 [29] | ||
| Komagata Maru | Gurdit Singh | Announced[30] |
See also
- List of Indian Actors
References
- ↑ "Overwhelmed Akshay Kumar dedicates Padmashri to fans". Economic Times. 2009-01-26. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Cetera/Akshay_dedicates_Padmashri_to_fans/articleshow/4032826.cms. Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Verma, Sukanya (5 September 2007). "40 things you didn't know about Akki". Rediff. http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/05akshay.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Mohammed, Khalid (22 March 2007). "Akshay Kumar is a Punjabi by nature". Hindustan Times. http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=f8e1ad8a-1b67-4624-a9e8-70fe165e42db&ParentID=832cab11-e5f8-4504-88ad-f12964e87072&MatchID1=4469&TeamID1=2&TeamID2=4&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1110&PrimaryID=4469&Headline=Akshay+Kumar+is+a+Punjabi+by+nature. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Box Office 1994". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=200&catName=MTk5NA==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ "Top Actor". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ "Box Office 1995". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201&catName=MTk5NQ==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ "Box Office 1996". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=202&catName=MTk5Ng==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ "Box Office 1997". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=203&catName=MTk5Nw==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ "Box Office 1999". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Box Office 2000". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ "Box Office 2004". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA==. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
- ↑ "Box Office 2004". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ "Box Office 2005". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=211&catName=MjAwNQ==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Box Office 2006". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=212&catName=MjAwNg==. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ Adarsh, Taran (20 October 2006). "Jaan-E-Mann Review". indiaFM. http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/12573/index.html. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
- ↑ "Akshay Kumar & Preity Zinta in Bollywood New York Shows for Aron Govil Productions". Business Wire India. 10 March 2006. http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=9273. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ "The Toppers Of 2007". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/npages.php?page=shownews&articleid=42&nCat=news. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
- ↑ Adarsh, Taran (23 March 2007). "Review of Namastey London". indiaFM. http://indiafm.com/movies/review/12835/index.html. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
- ↑ Adarsh, Taran (15 September 2007). "Top 5: 'Dhamaal' average, 'Darling' slumps!". indiaFM. http://www.indiafm.com/trade/top5/380.html. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ Adarsh, Taran (10 November 2007). "Top 5: 'J.W.M.' steady, despite pre-Diwali dull phase". indiaFM. http://www.indiafm.com/trade/top5/396.html. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
- ↑ Adarsh, Taran (1 January 2008). "Midweek: 'Welcome', 'TZP' continue to rock!". indiaFM. http://www.indiafm.com/trade/top5/411.html. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
- ↑ "Overseas Earnings (Figures in Ind Rs)". BoxOfficeIndia.Com. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=overseas_earners. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
- ↑ Bollywood Hungama News Network. "The Most Awaited movies of 2008". IndiaFM. http://www.indiafm.com/features/2008/02/08/3550/index.html. Retrieved 2008-08-16.
- ↑ "Box Office 2008". BoxOffice India. http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA==. Retrieved 28 January 2009.
- ↑ "Ten Releases Five Disasters". BoxOffice India. http://boxofficeindia.com/npages.php?page=shownews&articleid=791&nCat=news. Retrieved 5 March 2009.
- ↑ "Blue: Box office Report". BollywoodTrade.com. http://bollywoodtrade.com/box-office/blue/all-gross/1079/. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
- ↑ Vinod Marani (3 May 2010). "Housefull gets biggest opening since 3 Idiots". Rediff. http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/may/03/housefull-gets-biggest-opening-since-3-idiots.htm. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
- ↑ Nitasha Natu (26 July 2007). "FIR registered against Akshay Kumar". Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/FIR-registered-against-Akshay-Kumar/articleshow/4360124.cms. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
- ↑ "UTV Motion Pictures lines up 13 live-action & 2 animation movies for 2010-2011". bollywoodhungama.com. 8 August 2010. http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/releasedates/index_in.html. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
- ↑ "Mehta to begin filming 'Midnight's Children' next fall". Indianexpress.com. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mehta-to-begin-filming-midnights-children/563180/. Retrieved 16 July 2010.