A few months ago, social media was buzzing when a video clip from Akshay Kumar’s film Sarfira went viral. Released on July 12, 2024 and later premiered on Hotstar, the film sparked controversy when a VFX artist and content creator shared a scene on Instagram. The clip shared online, it claimed that Akshay Kumar was using a teleprompter to deliver his dialogue, leading to a heated debate online with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Few days later director Ahmed Khan later said that Akshay Kumar does use a teleprompter, which fueled further discussions. However, now the veteran actress Nilu Kohli who has worked with him in Housefull and Patiala House, has now stepped in to clear the air.
Nilu Kohli Denies Teleprompter Claims on Akshay Kumar
In a recent interview with Hindi Rush, Nilu Kohli strongly dismissed the claims. When asked if she had ever seen Akshay using a teleprompter on set, she firmly responded, “Nahi, maine 3-4 filmein unke saath ki hai (No, I have done three to four films with him)”. When asked again if he ever relied on it she added, “Kabhi nahi, kabhi bhi nahi (Never, not even once)”. Her statement makes it clear that during her time working with him, he never used a teleprompter.
Ahmed Khan’s Perspective on the Teleprompter Debate
Back in February, filmmaker Ahmed Khan who is directing Akshay in the upcoming film Welcome To The Jungle, admitted that the superstar does use a teleprompter. Speaking to Bollywood Bubble the filmmaker Ahmed said, “Many actors do this. Everyone has their own method. What Akshay does is also a talent.” Ahmed justified Akshay’s approach, explaining that the actor balances heavy physical performances with dialogue delivery. “Akki does a lot of physical acting, and that’s something not every actor can do,” he said. He also revealed that Akshay improvises many of his famous punchlines like ‘Behen dar gayi’ and ‘Chal-Chal Baap ko mat sikha’.
“He says, ‘I am giving so much; I am not in school that I will memorize the dialogues.’ That is why he reads and speaks but also adds his own creative inputs in the film,” Ahmed added.
For those unaware, watch the viral video below:
While Ahmed Khan and Nilu Kohli have different perspectives on this topic, it’s clear that their opinions come from different phases of Akshay’s career. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar has chosen not to address the debate whether he uses a teleprompter or not, the discussion continues among fans and critics alike.
ALSO READ: SHOCKING! Akshay Kumar Caught Using Teleprompter In ‘Sarfira’ Scene – Fans REACT
