Interesting Facts and Figures: Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar: Akshay Kumar is perhaps the most reliable or ‘saleable’ actor in Hindi filmdom today along with Shah Rukh Khan with practically all his films over the last few years being hugely successfully at the box office.

What’s more he has developed from an action hero in B–movies to a reasonably fine actor, in particular, displaying impeccable sense of comic timing in films like Garam Masala (2005), Bhagam Bhaag (2006) and Heyy Babyy (2007). And like Shah Rukh, he has made it to the top rung of Bollywood without any ‘filmi’ connections whatsoever.

Birthday: 9th September, 1967 in Amritsar.

Debut Film: Saugandh (1991).

Major Impact: Khiladi (1992).

Successful Films: Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Mohra (1994), Yeh Dillagi (1994), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), Saboot (1996), Daava (1997), Insaaf: The Final Justice (1997), Zulmi (1999), International Khiladi (1999) and Khiladi 420 (2000). Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Jaanwar (1999), Hera Pheri (2000), Dhadkan (2000), Ajnabee (2001). Andaaz (2003) and Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005), Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006), Namsatey London (2007), Tashan (2008) Singh is Kinng (2008),

Comedy films-Hera Pheri (2000), Phir Hera Pheri (2006) Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhaag and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Heyy Babyy and Welcome (2007)

Awards- First Filmfare award for Best villain in the film Ajnabee (2001)

2nd Filmfare for Best comedian in Garam masala (2005)

Upcoming Films-Blue, Eight By ten and Kambakht Ishq

Facts we dint know-Dated most of his co-stars including Pooja Batra, Raveena Tandon and Rekha (before his marriage to Twinkle Khanna).

Was a martial arts teacher. One of his students suggested he model and he was soon offered films after his success as a model.

Dated Shilpa Shetty twice before his marriage to Twinkle Khanna.

Has a son with wife Twinkle Khanna named Araav born 15th September 2002. Became an uncle when sister-in-law Rinke Saran gave birth to a baby girl on 19 October 2004.

Won Best Villain award for 'Ajnabee (2001)' as it was his first ever award since his career started in 1991.

He is the son-in-law of Bollywood mega-star, Rajesh Khanna and actress, Dimple Kapadia, as well as the brother-in-law of actress Rinke Khanna.

Was working as a chef in a restaurant in Bangkok before entering films.

Studied martial arts in Bangkok before becoming an actor.

Formed a popular team with Sunil Shetty and Paresh Rawal.

--SAMPURN