I have always believed in equality for women --Akshay Kumar

International superstar Akshay Kumar has kicked off the New Year with a stylish and playful photo shoot for renowned celebrity photographer, Dabboo Ratnani’s 2015 calendar. The annual calendar, which has become a notable showbiz event in India since its debut in 1999, capturedAkshay Kumar looking dapper and suave in a black waistcoat and formal trousers.

Akshay Kumar, who is currently promoting his latest movie, Baby, never fails to keep his fans entertained, as he is seen in a monochrome frame posing on a mini tricycle!

The ‘Baby’ leading man tweeted a first look of the image and also shared it on his Instagram page with the tongue-in-cheek strapline: ‘Keep the child in you alive’

‘Baby’, a highly anticipated action thriller, sees Akshay reunited with director Neeraj Pandey, who teamed up on the critically-acclaimed film ‘Special 26’. The film releases worldwide on 23^rd January 2015.

Here's an exclusive interview of the Superstar as given to Usha Pudukkotai:

Usha:    Could you please tell us about your role in the upcoming movie 'Baby'?

Akshay: It’s true that I am playing another Special Forces role, but the characters are very different. Holiday was a real mix of genres, crossing between thriller and rom –com but Baby doesn’t really have that light hearted side. My role in Baby, Ajay, is a grim brutal character, as if Virat from ‘Holiday’ had lost his sense of humour.  I did love that about Virat, he had two different sides to him, he was a really complex man. Yes, he had a social life and chased the girls, but he couldn’t ever switch off. I think that even my character in ‘Holiday’ had a line which he probably wouldn’t cross; Ajay is the sort of person who would do whatever was necessary to keep his country safe.

There are a lot of messages that will be conveyed through Baby. We can see in the trailer that the film also tackles the issue of terrorism but I want people to watch the film and realize the other messages that we want to convey.

Usha:   What is your fitness 'mantra? Could you comment about the 6-pack and 8-pack trend in the industry?

Akshay: I wake up very early, I swim, rock-climb, cycle, climb stairs, condition, swing, walk on my hands, attempt a bit of Yoga, I love functional training with gymnastic equipment and I play a lot of sports with my kids. I am what I eat, when I become strict I’m very lean and become fast in my action and dancing. When I’m naughty I become tired and sluggish, and it reminds me that a disciplined life is far more enjoyable than a sloppy greedy one; it may be nice for a week or two a year, but I like being fit, I feel awful mentally and physically when I take my body and my health for granted.

Usha:  Safety of women is a huge concern in India. It is very commendable that you have launched the new Martial Arts Institute for women in India. What are some other ways to protect the vulnerable, in your opinion?

Akshay: I have always believed in equality for women, women having the same opportunities, strength and capabilities as men, and the power to achieve everything and anything they want to. Talking about what motivated me starting up this initiative - the self-defence of women in India has been a major concern lately and not only has it gained immense media attention in India for all the wrong reasons, but also internationally. The thought that a man can think he can overpower a woman whenever he wants to and take advantage of her when she is defenceless is wrong! For things like this I want to use the greatest gift and asset I have with me for the greater good – Martial Arts. With the support of young leader Aditya Thackrey we commenced the procedure of starting free of cost self-defence classes for as many women as we can to counter offence this menace.

Usha: 'Charity is worship' is what you believe. Please tell our readers about your philanthropy work.

Akshay: I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth and like many of my colleagues and other professionals, we've had to work our damnedest to succeed and stay successful too. I’ve been incredibly lucky but there are far more people who aren’t as fortunate as I have been. Many of these people struggle to get hold of even the basic essentials that many of us take for granted. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to share a part of what I have achieved and earned with someone less fortunate that I. Everyone deserves a chance to prosper and sometimes you just need a little extra help to push you along your way.  

Usha:  You are famous for performing death-defying stunts. Is that your signature style - the dare-devil Khiladi of Bollywood?

Akshay: I very much enjoy doing my own stunts and, to be honest, I could never make another man do something I wasn’t brave enough to do myself. I believe people deserve to see real action when they pay to see a film. As yet, I have been blessed in that I have not sustained any serious injuries. Overall though, my stunts are a huge part of my career and I thank my martial arts for giving me the strength, power and discipline to prepare me both mentally and physically for this.

Usha:  Till date, what has been the highlight of your illustrious career in Bollywood? Your major accomplishments, your victories...

Akshay: I know it’s not part of my career exactly but over the past twenty years it has to be my kids! They are more than the apple of my eye, they are the reason I see beyond this crazy world of Bollywood ;o). I think our best time together so far is when we all went to Maldives for a quiet family holiday. I got to spend every waking hour with my baby girl and took my son on sea adventures with the new sea-bob I got him for his birthday ;o) Magical family time!

Usha: What led your foray into promoting Regional Indian Cinema? How is the experience so far?

Akshay: There is a huge amount of talent in Indian regional cinema and until recently, it has mainly not been tapped. With my production company Grazing Goat Pictures, which I co-founded with my friend Ashvini Yardi, we have begun to tap into this vast industry and have created some fantastic and interesting film projects. We are very proud of the regional films 72 Miles and Bhaji in Problem.

Usha:  Any other message for our readers here in Toronto?

Akshay: I am nothing without you all and I’m grateful to all of you for your continuous love and support. I love Canada and I’m hoping to visit again when I get a chance! Love and prayers to you all!

Tips to investing in RRSPs

Let's start with an obvious but important question. What is an RRSP? You may know that RRSP stands for Registered Retirement Savings Plan. But it's easy to be confused about what that really means.

If you think you buy an RRSP, you wouldn't be the first person to make that mistake. Actually, you buy investments-- mutual funds, stocks, bonds, guaranteed investment certificates, annuities, etc. -- and register them with the federal government. When you retire, you'll be able to use the money that comes from the investments.

Is it a good idea to invest in an RRSP?

The simple answer is yes. Many people are putting their money in RRSPs because they've been told they can reduce the amount of income tax they pay. They think, "Okay, I'm getting this tax savings every year. It reduces my taxable income, so my overall taxes aren't going to be as high." For a lot of people, that's a good enough reason to contribute to an RRSP. Paying less income tax has always been a good idea.

If you're self-employed, you have another reason to invest in an RRSP. It may be the only way to save for retirement, since you probably aren't working at a company that sets up pension plans for its employees.

Whatever your reasons, the most important thing you can do as far as investing in RRSPs is concerned is to start contributing regularly as early as possible. When you start early, you give your money more time to grow.

Let's say you're 45 years old and put $100 dollars into RRSP investments every month and don't make any withdrawals. We'll assume a return of 6% per year. At age 65, the total value of your investment would be $45,344. Now, if you're 25 years old and invest the same monthly amount with the same return and don't make any withdrawals, the total value of your RRSP at 65 would be $190,768. You can see how the extra two decades of investing makes a big difference.

Perhaps you're thinking that you don't have $100 to put away every month. Try investing in small doses by setting up a plan where your contributions flow directly from your bank account to your RRSP on the day you're paid. A few dollars now will go a long way later. You'll be surprised at how quickly your RRSP will grow -if you contribute regularly!

Think about borrowing money to invest in your RRSP. At today's low interest rates this can be a very effective strategy. You will reduce your taxable income and may increase your tax refund. Many people then take that refund and use it to help pay off their loans. 

Remember: the best thing you can do for your retirement fund is to put away the maximum amount allowed by the government. If you're short, you can take out a "catch-up" loan. Or, you can carry forward your unused contribution to a future year.

You can also help your money grow by including foreign investments in your RRSP. Canada is a big country, but it makes up only a small part of the global investment market. There are lots of great opportunities to invest outside our borders and the federal government has no limit on investing your RRSP in foreign securities.

To keep track of all your assets, you may want to consider keeping them in one investment company. There are distinct advantages to this strategy. 

Nobody's financial situation will be exactly the same as yours. That's why your financial strategy should reflect your needs, desires, and goals. Professional money managers can help because they understand the complexities of the market. Don't be afraid to ask for help from the pros!