Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on 9 September 1967 in Amritsar, Punjab, India. His father, Hari Om Bhatia, served as an army officer, while his mother, Aruna Bhatia, was a homemaker. His family later moved to Delhi and eventually settled in Mumbai. Growing up in a middle-class household, Akshay imbibed strong values of discipline, hard work, and simplicity.
From a young age, Akshay was fascinated by martial arts and fitness. He studied at Don Bosco High School, Mumbai, where he developed an interest in sports, particularly karate. Later, he enrolled at Guru Nanak Khalsa College, but academics did not appeal to him. Instead, his passion for martial arts grew stronger, and he trained extensively.
Driven by his ambition, he traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, where he worked odd jobs as a waiter and cook while simultaneously learning martial arts and Muay Thai. This phase of struggle shaped his personality and gave him the resilience to survive in Mumbai’s competitive film industry later.
Struggles and Entry into Bollywood
Upon returning to India, Akshay started teaching martial arts in Mumbai. One of his students, who worked as a photographer, suggested modeling. His first portfolio earned him modeling assignments, and soon, he began earning more as a model than he ever had as a martial arts trainer.
His good looks, strong physique, and charm caught the attention of filmmakers. After small roles in films like Aaj (1987), he finally got his big break as a lead actor in Saugandh (1991). While the film did not make a big impact, Akshay’s determination and hard work soon earned him recognition.
The 1990s: The Rise of the Khiladi
The turning point came with Khiladi (1992), a suspense thriller that became a surprise hit. The film not only gave him his nickname “Khiladi Kumar” but also established him as Bollywood’s new action hero.
Throughout the 1990s, Akshay became synonymous with action-packed thrillers, performing daring stunts on his own and captivating audiences with his martial arts skills.
Key Films of the 1990s:
- Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) – A mix of comedy and action with Saif Ali Khan.
- Mohra (1994) – A blockbuster that further boosted his career.
- Yeh Dillagi (1994) – Showcased his romantic side.
- Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995) and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) – Strengthened his action star image.
- Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) – A romantic musical where he shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit.
- International Khiladi (1999) – Reinforced his “Khiladi” franchise legacy.
By the late 1990s, Akshay had firmly established himself as one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood.
The 2000s: Reinvention and Versatility
The early 2000s marked a shift in Akshay’s career. While he continued with action roles, he began experimenting with comedy and emotional dramas, proving his versatility.
- Hera Pheri (2000) – A cult comedy classic that showcased Akshay’s impeccable comic timing.
- Dhadkan (2000) – A romantic drama that won him praise for his emotional performance.
- Ajnabee (2001) – Earned him the Filmfare Best Villain Award.
- Andaaz (2003) and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) – Commercial hits in romance and comedy.
- Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) – A family drama with a strong emotional core.
- Garam Masala (2005) – Another comedy blockbuster.
- Bhagam Bhag (2006), Heyy Babyy (2007), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) – Cemented his position as Bollywood’s comedy king.
- Singh Is Kinng (2008) – A massive success that boosted his image as a global entertainer.
By the late 2000s, Akshay had reinvented himself from just an action star to an all-round entertainer who could excel in action, comedy, and romance.
The 2010s: Socially Relevant Cinema and Stardom
In the 2010s, Akshay took another bold step—focusing on content-driven, socially relevant films while still balancing commercial entertainers.
- Housefull series (2010 onwards) – A slapstick comedy franchise that became hugely popular.
- Special 26 (2013) – A critically acclaimed heist thriller.
- Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014) – A patriotic action thriller.
- Baby (2015) – A spy thriller that was both gripping and impactful.
- Airlift (2016) – Based on the true story of India’s evacuation from Kuwait, the film earned critical acclaim.
- Rustom (2016) – Inspired by the Nanavati case, won him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
- Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) – Highlighted the issue of sanitation and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
- Pad Man (2018) – Focused on menstrual hygiene and women’s health.
- Kesari (2019) – A war epic based on the Battle of Saragarhi.
- Mission Mangal (2019) – Celebrated India’s Mars Orbiter Mission.
During this decade, Akshay became the face of meaningful mainstream cinema, combining entertainment with messages of social change.
2020s: Continued Stardom
Even in the 2020s, Akshay remains among the highest-paid and busiest actors in Bollywood, with multiple releases every year. Some recent films include:
- Sooryavanshi (2021) – A blockbuster from Rohit Shetty’s cop universe.
- Bell Bottom (2021) – A spy thriller released post-COVID-19 pandemic.
- Prithviraj / Samrat Prithviraj (2022) – A historical drama.
- Raksha Bandhan (2022) – A family-centric film.
- Selfiee (2023) – A light-hearted entertainer.
- OMG 2 (2023) – A sequel with strong social commentary on sex education.
Despite mixed box office results in recent years, Akshay’s commitment to experimenting with genres and releasing multiple films annually keeps him relevant and admired.
Playing Style and Persona
Akshay Kumar is celebrated for his discipline, fitness, and professionalism. Known as the “fittest actor in Bollywood,” he performs his own stunts, follows a strict lifestyle, wakes up at 5 AM, and avoids late-night parties. His martial arts background, comic timing, and patriotic image have made him one of India’s most versatile actors.
Personal Life
In 2001, Akshay married Twinkle Khanna, daughter of superstar Rajesh Khanna and actress Dimple Kapadia. The couple has two children, Aarav and Nitara. Despite being a superstar, Akshay is deeply devoted to his family and often credits Twinkle for keeping him grounded.
Awards and Achievements
- National Film Award for Best Actor (Rustom, 2016)
- Multiple Filmfare Awards across categories (action, comedy, villain)
- Honored with the Padma Shri (2009)
- Ranked among the highest-paid actors globally by Forbes multiple times
- Known as Bollywood’s most bankable star, with over 100 films and several record-breaking box office hits
Philanthropy and Social Work
Beyond films, Akshay is active in charity and philanthropy. He has donated to causes such as:
- Flood and disaster relief funds
- Support for families of martyred soldiers
- Women’s safety initiatives
- COVID-19 relief efforts
He is also associated with campaigns on health, education, and sanitation, earning respect as a socially responsible celebrity.
Controversies
Like many stars, Akshay has faced controversies:
- His Canadian citizenship sparked debates about patriotism, though he clarified his love for India remains unquestioned.
- Allegations about endorsing unhealthy products like tobacco brands in earlier years.
- Criticism for doing too many films annually, sometimes sacrificing quality for quantity.
Despite these, Akshay has maintained a largely positive public image.
Legacy and Impact
Akshay Kumar’s journey from a martial arts trainer in Bangkok to one of the biggest superstars in Indian cinema is nothing short of inspiring. He represents:
- Discipline and determination – a true self-made star.
- Versatility – from action hero to comedy king to socially conscious actor.
- National pride – through his patriotic and message-driven films.
With his relentless work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to meaningful cinema, Akshay Kumar has earned the title of “Khiladi Kumar” and “Bollywood’s Perfectionist Entertainer.” His influence extends beyond films, inspiring millions with his fitness, discipline, and social contributions.
