Akshay Kumar, born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, Punjab, is a renowned Indian actor and film producer known for his versatility in Hindi cinema. He has appeared in over 150 films, earning accolades such as the Padma Shri in 2009, two National Film Awards, and two Filmfare Awards.
Early Life and Career
Raised in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, Kumar moved to Mumbai for his education at Don Bosco School and later attended Guru Nanak Khalsa College. He left college to study martial arts in Bangkok, where he also worked as a chef and waiter. Upon returning to India, he taught martial arts and ventured into modeling before making his film debut in “Saugandh” (1991).
Film Career
Kumar gained fame with the action thriller “Khiladi” (1992), leading to a series of successful films in the 1990s. He showcased his comedic talent in hits like “Hera Pheri” (2000) and “Garam Masala” (2005), and took on dramatic roles in films such as “Dhadkan” (2000) and “Airlift” (2016). His performance in “Rustom” (2016) earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Personal Life
In 2001, Kumar married Twinkle Khanna, daughter of actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. The couple has two children, Aarav and Nitara.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Kumar continues to be active in the film industry with several recent and upcoming projects:
- Sarfira (2024): A Hindi remake of the Tamil film “Soorarai Pottru,” where Kumar plays a man aiming to make air travel affordable.
- Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024): A science fiction action film co-starring Tiger Shroff, focusing on two soldiers thwarting a vengeful scientist’s plans.
- Sky Force (2024): An aerial action film inspired by India’s 1965 airstrike on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase.
- Housefull 5 (2025): The latest installment in the comedy franchise, introducing a murder mystery element.
- Jolly LLB 3 (2025): A legal drama where Kumar reprises his role as a lawyer, set to release on September 19, 2025.
Akshay Kumar remains one of Bollywood’s most prominent and bankable stars, known for his discipline, versatility, and commitment to diverse roles.