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 23rd 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!
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