Akshay Kumar, one of Bollywood’s fittest and most resilient actors, has long been an inspiration with his dedication and versatility. From playing diverse roles to completing movie schedules with remarkable discipline, Akshay’s journey is nothing sort of exceptional. On his birthday, let us look back at where it all began and when he shared his story of how martial arts led him to the big screen.
In an exclusive rare interview with Lehren, Akshay Kumar talked about his early days and how his expertise in martial arts opened unexpected doors. As a martial arts instructor, one of his students suggested that he try modeling, saying, “You have the height, the body, the physique—why don’t you try it?” This marked the beginning of Akshay’s entry into the entertainment industry.
Initially, Akshay Kumar didn’t know much about modeling, but he decided to give it a shot. He shared how he earned 3,500 rupees from a photoshoot, which took only a couple of hours—nearly the same amount he earned in a month as a martial arts trainer. It was this opportunity that introduced him to the world of films.
Without any formal training in acting, Akshay Kumar’s seamless transition from martial arts to films was extraordinary. Over the years, his hard work and perseverance paid off as he became one of Bollywood’s most successful actors. From 2015 to 2020, Akshay Kumar was also listed among the world’s highest-paid celebrities and actors. In 2019-2020, he was the only Indian on both lists, a testament to his global popularity.
When asked about the secret behind his film successes, Akshay Kumar emphasized the importance of the script. “Film ka hero, film ka script hota hai. Agar script strong nahi hota, toh kuch bhi karlo, kuch nahi ho sakta,” he said, stressing that no matter the effort, if the script isn’t solid, success is hard to achieve. Akshay Kumar believes that a strong script is the true hero of a film.
Born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, Akshay later changed his name to Akshay Kumar as he embarked on his acting career. Known as Bollywood’s Khiladi, his rise to fame was a result of his dedication, talent, and willingness to take on unique challenges. Despite facing several box-office setbacks in recent years, his unrelenting attitude continues to drive him to experiment with different stories and roles for his audience.
Akshay Kumar’s journey from a martial arts trainer to a model, and eventually one of Bollywood’s top actors, is inspiring. His ability to adapt, work hard, and never give up is what sets him apart in an industry known for its challenges. Today, as he celebrates his birthday, fans remember not just the star he is, but the journey that made him Bollywood’s original action hero.
Also Read: Akshay Kumar’s Birthday: 11 Upcoming Movies Of Akshay Kumar In 2024, 2025 & 2026