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The actor talks about the battle of sexes in his forthcoming film

Akshay Kumar says he has no time for full time film production. Not deterred by the failure of his recent films, the actor has a huge line-up of releases – starting with Kambakkht Ishq. Facing the media in a room full of journalists, here is what Akshay had to say…

You are playing a stuntman in Kambakkht Ishq. Did you get a chance to do any crazy stunts that you have wanted to do for a while?

It’s not an action film, so the focus is not on the stunts. It’s a love story where my character is that of a stuntman. But you see, I love action. So, I don’t stress about risk or scale of a stunt. I have always enjoyed all my stunts. Stuff such as swimming with sharks is scary – but then on the positive side, I get to travel so much and enjoy all these luxuries at my producer’s expense.

Kambakkht Ishq’s a very stylised film. Did you pay extra attention to your presentation?

I don’t decide the look of my character. Just like I have been asked to sit here all day for media interviews, I obediently sit in front of the mirror and let my stylists take over. They come up with all the options and then I just give an okay.

Why is it called Kambakkht Ishq?

It’s just an expression. In English, it translates into damn love…I think a lot of us experience this when we are in love. In the film, I play a male chauvinist who eventually realises that women are much stronger than they look. I personally also believe that men are from Mars and women are from heaven.

This year you have been the target of a lot of negative publicity. Do you feel victimised or is there any sense of bitterness?

I haven’t done anything wrong. I am a pure man. So there is no bitterness towards anyone. I am sincere and disciplined towards my work. And that’s the reason behind whatever success I have seen.

Have you tried to analyse your recent flops?

I don’t analyse. They are my films and I stand by them. I signed them because I liked them. And I am proud of them.

Have you achieved a balancing act in your personal and professional life?

It’s not an act. I am an all-rounder like Yuvraj Singh. Father, husband, actor – I think I am doing good in all. I just want my son to have a normal upbringing and my message to all those reading this interview is that, even if you can’t go to a temple, touch your parents’ feet – success will be yours. God has always fulfilled my desires. Earlier the wishes were frivolous, now I have bigger dreams.

You make a great pair with Kareena. She says you are her favourite. Are the Kapoor sisters your favourites too?

Oh, boy! My list of favourite heroines is really, really long. But Kareena is a very confident girl.

Your films always have international artistes…

Other actors go there, but I bring them here. I just want to show them how wonderful our industry is and number of people who watch our films. I am very happy here with all of you and am not going to Hollywood. But it’s a great opportunity to share screen space with the likes of Stallone. We discussed a lot of our injuries.

Are you extra cautious about Kambakkht Ishq after your two flops?

Hit or flop, I am always under pressure. A lot of effort goes into every film.