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Akshay Kumar, in a tongue-in-cheek chat with Kunal M Shah, on turning producer, rumours about having an affair with Katrina Kaif and his rivalry with Shah Rukh Khan
• Singh is Kinng is one of the most eagerly awaited films in recent times. How do you feel about facing such huge expectations?
Sometimes the anticipation gets the better of me. But, I love the fact that people are eager to see one of my personal favourite performances. Expectations are definitely scary, but it’s better than people having no expectations at all, so I should just sit back and enjoy everyone’s latest thrill.
• It is believed that the title of the film Singh is Kinng has been given by you…
You are right. While I was shooting for Bhool Bhulaiya in Jaipur, I saw a Sikh driving a truck, which had ‘Sing is King’ written on the back. I immediately called up Vipul Shah and told him that it is a good title for the film.
• Singh is Kinng is the first film which has your banner Hari Om Productions in the titles. What’s the deal that you have struck and what’s your percentage?
Dude, if your questions dig any deeper, you would be my accountant. Not all of my life is for sale you know.
• You took a long time to turn producer. Was there a long thought process before you took the leap?
What do you mean by I took a long time? There is no time limit. I have been busy doing what I love and do best, and that’s making movies. Just because half the industry has turned producer now doesn’t mean I was slow. I only do things when I’m ready.
Of course, there was an extremely long thought process behind it as it’s one of the most stressful jobs. You can’t just think, ‘Oh yeah, I think I’ll be a producer now, it seems to be the next latest trend.’ My production house and name is very dear to me and so is everything that I will produce.
• You met with a life threatening accident on the sets of Blue. What happened?
I had to scuba dive without using a mask, regulator or an oxygen tank. I had to beat the life out of a villain and that too, while being surrounded by 40 sharks. I knocked my head against the ship’s rusted floor. My head was bleeding severely. So, there was an immediate need to remove all sharks that were near me so that I could surface and be given immediate medical attention.
• There are reports that you are being paid Rs 40- Rs 75 crore per film. How far is it true?
I am paid as per the film’s requirement. And what I think is required per film differs each time. Unless you would like to pry into my deals shall we continue with an interesting interview.
• You are now said to be the number one actor. How does it feel to be called a super star?
Well actually after all the movies and endless hard days of work, it’s a bit degrading that I am supposed to feel great just because the right people are now calling me number one. It’s not the nicest place to be, trust me. People like to rip you apart even more when you are at the top. Obviously it’s a wonderful feeling that people like me enough to rank me as number one. Honestly I would only like to feel people’s love and appreciation.
• There are also reports of rivalry between you and Shah Rukh Khan. SRK keeps making digs at you at public events. What’s your take?
Small things please small minds. Whether it’s SRK making digs or people even listening to them, I wouldn’t like to say anything… It’s his life, let him be. Why should I be bothered, let the man be funny. I am funny too.
• You were not scheduled to be part of the Bachchan tour. What made you change your mind at the last minute?
Actually, I was originally a part of the tour but my busy schedule did not allow me to be with them. But when they asked me if I could join them in Toronto, I was on. I have just one day off when I’ll be flying to Canada to be let loose on stage.
• There are rumours about you and Katrina Kaif being an item. Would you like to comment?
Yes I would love to comment… They are not true… Surprise!!! Believe me if I was, I would be shouting from the roof top.
• There are reports that Aditya Chopra is upset with you for making fun of Tashan at a recent awards ceremony…
Sorry can you repeat the question… is he upset with me? Or is he upset that the movie has flopped? I am not afraid to say that Tashan was my movie. One can’t win them all you know. I am still proud to say that it was me in the film, never mind better luck next time… No grudges, no hard feelings, no regrets.
• You have done some risky stunts for Chandni Chowk to China. Tell us more about it.
Practice makes a man perfect. I kept practicing and then I closed my eyes and prayed to God for the rest.
• What films are you producing?
One at a time young man, one at a time…
• How do you manage to keep yourself fit at the age of 40? What is your workout regimen?
Now if I told you that, every guy would look like me, wouldn’t he? One thing that everyone should always remember is never tell one’s secrets to others. Otherwise, you’ll never be one of a kind; you’ll just be like the rest.
• How was the experience of shooting Fear Factor?
I had so much fun making the girls do all those scary stunts. I am one guy who has always and will always appreciate what women are really capable of.
• With all your films being super hits in the last three years except Tashan, do you think this is the best phase of your career?
Of course it has most definitely been the best phase of my career, including Tashan. It may not have been a success but it was still a great curve in my career. You don’t have to win all the time to enjoy what you do. Frankly, I lost when it came to that movie but it’s still one of my favorite memories. As long as I enjoy my experiences I’m happy with the films I do. The hits are just the icing on the cake.
• You shot for a song with Snoop Dog even when you had high fever?
I had a high temperature but the dude was so chilled out, I felt at home. And boy did we have a typical Punjabi style raula paaya.
• Small things please small minds. Whether it’s SRK making digs or people even listening to them, I wouldn’t like to say anything… – Akshay Kumar
• It (Tashan) may not have been a success but it was still a great curve in my career – Akshay
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N I T E S H 14 July 2008
11:51:32 am
I liked all the questions…the interviewee is a real expert.
Some of the answers by Akshay esp on SRK, Aditya Chopra and remuneration leaves a lot to our imagination.
jayshah 14 July 2008
11:53:33 am
“Some of the answers by Akshay esp on SRK, Aditya Chopra and remuneration leaves a lot to our imagination.”
Yes he was just being very PC or diplomatic..but I must say Nitesh your headline/title here left me with great expectations (nit like you had with Harman), but suffice to say I am disappointed! There is no answer to the question!
N I T E S H 14 July 2008
11:58:57 am
Jay, I am actually going to add Abhishek and Salman now…and I bet, it will get maximum hits on NG.
just kidding, these questions are better answered by fans or Aamir.
amitk79 14 July 2008
12:08:04 pm
my pick is Rajpal Yadav..lol
amitk79 14 July 2008
12:08:50 pm
or Aftab Shivdasani for doing record breaking flop movies and still finding work.
amitk79 14 July 2008
12:10:53 pm
Anyways on serious note I dont understand what is so fascination about being King and all. Can they please oncentrate on giving their audience qualirt entertainment please. If they want to be Kings, get the time machine from Harman Baweja, go in the past and try and be a King. India in democratic now. Well at least technically.
amitk79 14 July 2008
12:11:20 pm
is*
Achilles 14 July 2008
12:12:01 pm
Good interview here.
Ravi 14 July 2008
12:18:07 pm
Good interview and nice tongue in cheek answers.
Rocky 14 July 2008
05:09:59 pm
Good Interview,
On the first hear, I just liked the title track, the rest are pretty average.
Rocky 14 July 2008
05:10:29 pm
I meant SIK album.
MG 14 July 2008
07:10:59 pm
From his response it seems Akshay is a little peeved with SRK for making fun of him at some of these functions, its good that he has chosen not to make a big deal about it…its also great to see him take responsibility for Tashan
Pranav 14 July 2008
08:34:20 pm
Only the snoop dog/Akki track is good. rest are average.
sv 14 July 2008
10:28:19 pm
Akshay is implying that Tashan would have been a hit if it had been released at multiplexes in the first week.Aditya chopra conspired against Akshay.May be shah rukh khan may have asked to do that.And also he is taking seriously about shah rukh khan making fun about him at functions.This year should be good for him.
rks 14 July 2008
10:38:06 pm
sv: If Tashan had clicked, Akshay would have been crowned number one. I don’t think Aditya Chopra would deliberately stall his own movie. I could have said yes, had Yashraj was on winning streak but currently they are gasping for any kind of success.
neelu 14 July 2008
10:38:55 pm
Adi is trying to cut Akshay down to size so he can get him to act for real cheap, like 2 or 3 crores! Then he will make an effort to get that film to be a hit
neelu 14 July 2008
10:44:02 pm
The multiplexes had no problems giving a better deal to Yash Raj for RNBDJ, not the multistarrer Tashan – so obviously we know who the business of cinema has faith in.
manoj16_391 14 July 2008
10:52:03 pm
Nitesh,
“Jay, I am actually going to add Abhishek and Salman now…and I bet, it will get maximum hits on NG.”
agreed comletely!
Kunal27 15 July 2008
01:08:37 am
Wow that was one pissed off interview….
Was I the only one who felt the cold vibes????
jayshah 15 July 2008
01:18:03 am
Yes Kunal I sensed some cold vibes and some rather “nudge nudge wink wink answers”…
Kunal27 15 July 2008
01:25:17 am
Also Akki seems to be all irritated by all questions pertaining to his remunaration. I think he should be out in open to claim himself as the highest paid Indian actor, and do Dave Chapelle “I am Rich, Bitch”. Now that he is moving to all ghetto style with Snoop, that line would suit him.
I can just feel for the interviwer, though must say even he was pretty naive. What they say?? “Never ask a woman about her age, and a man about his salary”
jayshah 15 July 2008
01:29:23 am
“Never ask a woman about her age, and a man about his salary”
Yes there is never a good time to ask a woman about her age I have realised. My problem is, it is an extremely natural question to ask and cannot resist it!
Kunal27 15 July 2008
01:39:10 am
hahahahaha Jay… it sounds like you might have an interesting story over there
jayshah 15 July 2008
01:44:48 am
Well not really. But is it not a burning desire to know?
Kunal27 15 July 2008
01:49:36 am
OFC it is, spl on Yahoo chat…
ASL plz???
Though we know that 100% of times we will get the wrong answer, but then as Gita says, its just the matter doing our Karma
jayshah 15 July 2008
01:57:48 am
ASL – those were the days! 100% we get wrong answers, kind of deserving for asking such a question!
BTW I think asking about someone’s salary is a far more rude question…
sv 15 July 2008
04:53:37 am
It is my intution than logic that there is more to it than mere business for not rleasing tashan at multiplexes.
The fact that no producer would take the risk of the film faling,itself makes me suspicious.Why wowuld he take such a risk.Just when Yashraj films are not doing well.