HAPPY BIRTHDAY AKSHAY KUMAR: Today, on September 9, 2023, Akshay Kumar celebrates his 56th birthday. Having spent almost half of his life dedicated to the cinemas till now, he stands as one of the most dependable and bankable stars, often referred to as the ‘ATM of the Industry.’ Born in Amritsar, Punjab, to parents Hari Om Bhatia who was an officer in the Army, and mother Aruna Bhatia, Kumar’s birth name was Rajiv Bhatia. The actor’s journey to stardom began with his pivotal role in the 1992 film Khiladi, directed by Abbas Mustan. Seldom are the stories that are as inspiring as those of our beloved Khiladi Kumar.
WATCH: Mission Raniganj To Hera Pheri 3, 5 Upcoming Films Of Akshay Kumar
As we commemorate his birthday, let us delve into his remarkable transformation from a humble waiter to one of the highest-paid actors in the Indian film industry.
Early Days
He received his early education at Don Bosco High School in Matunga. During this time, he also began learning Karate. For his higher education, he initially enrolled at Guru Nanak Khalsa College, but his lack of interest in academics led to him dropping out. It was during this period that he approached his father with a unique request to further his martial arts training.
Martial Arts Training To Waiter and Chef In Bangkok
His father managed to save enough money to send him to Thailand. In pursuit of his martial arts passion, Kumar travelled to Bangkok, where he lived for five years, dedicated to mastering the art of Thai Boxing or Muay Thai. During this time, he also worked as a waiter to support himself. Later, he was promoted to the post of chef.
Worked At A Hotel In Dhaka
Reportedly, Kumar also went on to work in a hotel in Dhaka. In the late 1980s, while Bollywood was bustling with movies like Mr. India, Jalwa, and Hukumat, the 20-year-old Kumar had his sights set on a different path.
In the Purbani Hotel, located in Motijheel, Dhaka, Kumar worked as a staff and performed tasks such as chopping vegetables and assisting the catering department in various capacities.
Rajiv Bhatia To Akshay Kumar
After returning to Mumbai, he started teaching martial arts to aspiring students. Among his students was a photographer who recognised his potential as a model. This recommendation led to the transformation of Rajiv Bhatia into Akshay Kumar. It was the renowned photographer and later, one of his closest friends, Jayesh Sheth.
Hindi Cinema Debut
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Akshay Kumar lacked the luxury of having star parents or a godfather to launch his career. His initial foray into films was marked by a series of unsuccessful movies at the box office. However, these films did manage to highlight his exceptional dancing abilities and daredevil stunts.
The ‘Birth’ of Khiladi Kumar
Akshay Kumar’s first major breakthrough came with the release of Khiladi in 1992. Although it was a success, it was Yeh Dillagi in 1993 that truly established his position as a top-tier actor in Hindi Cinema. Subsequent films like Mohra (1993) and Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995) catapulted him to fame, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s leading heroes.
With a string of Khiladi movies, Akshay Kumar became synonymous with the action hero tag. However, in 1997, he ventured into new genres with films like Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, Dil To Pagal Hai, and “Aflatoon,” successfully breaking free from his stereotypical image.
Best Villain Award
Akshay continued to diversify his roles, surprising audiences with his portrayal of a villain in Ajnabee (2001), for which he won his first Filmfare Award. Dhadkan (2000) showcased his romantic side opposite Shilpa Shetty, while Hera Pheri (2000) highlighted his comedic talent alongside Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty.
The ‘Hit Machine’ of Box Office
The mid-2000s saw Akshay Kumar’s career reach new heights with comedy hits like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Garam Masala (2005), and Phir Hera Pheri (2006). In 2007, he delivered four consecutive commercial hits, further cementing his position in the industry. Films like Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Welcome showcased his versatility and ability to draw audiences to theatres.
Padma Shri Recipient
Beyond his acting career, Akshay Kumar has earned recognition and accolades. In 2008, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
An Inspirational Journey
Akshay Kumar’s journey from being a waiter in Bangkok to becoming a Bollywood icon is a testament to his dedication, versatility, and resilience. His career has been a roller-coaster ride of successes and setbacks, but through it all, he has remained one of the industry’s most sought-after actors, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. As he continues to evolve and take on new challenges, fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming projects, knowing that Khiladi Kumar always has something exciting in store.
The Journey To Stardom Continues
His last hit was the film, OMG 2, along with Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam, released in August 2023. As of now, Akshay Kumar is busy shooting for the highly-anticipated movie Sky Force in Lucknow. Despite his 56th birthday approaching, the actor reportedly won’t be taking a break to celebrate with his family. Instead, he plans to commemorate the day with the cast and crew on the sets of this action-drama film.
The actor dropped the impactful teaser of his highly anticipated movie, Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue, on September 7, and it’s nothing short of grandeur and spectacular. The impressive teaser has left Akshay Kumar’s fans excited for the film.