Akshay Kumar Caught One On One

What made you say yes to Housefull?

Everything, from the director, producer, the crew, my co-stars…I had worked with most of them before – the experience was amazing as there is always a level of comfort factor between us.

Housefull is a true representation of the genius that is the director Sajid Khan – although he only did one film previous to Housefull, he has certain panache in being able to understand and deliver exactly what the audience is looking for on both a domestic and international level.

How was it, working with your co-stars on the film, like Lara Dutta, Riteish Deshmukh, Arjun Rampal and Jiah Khan?

It was absolute Bliss. The star cast of this movie is magnificent! Ritesh just cracks me up, he comes in with his huge hair in the morning and from that moment on we’re like two kids in a playground set out to cause havoc on the streets. Arjun is superb in this movie; we have some classic scenes together, just wait. The sexy Lara was divine to work with as always, such a lady, yet such a sense of humour. Deepika was a darling of course and has grown tremendously since CC2C. And Jiah, bless her, was tortured practically every day by Sajid and me, but she was a total sweetheart about it.

How does it feel to still be called one of the hottest guy in Bollywood?

Was I ever called that? If so, I’m hugely flattered!

Do you feel you should turn your attention to serious cinema now? Something more substantial?

No… I am a commercial actor, people don’t want to see me educating the world with artistic cinema, they watch me to enjoy themselves! Don’t get me wrong, I would do any script that I love, be it anything from playing a Geek to being India’s Spiderman to making the nation cry in an Epic love story. Genres aren’t my concern; it is scripts that are my concern. Remember I’m not a writer, I’m an Actor. I act what is given to me. My job is to give the people a ticket to their very own personal Disney Land for 3 hours, what more can one do!!

How has your experience been working with Farah? She’s completely enthralled by you!

Argh… I love her! She’s just about the most capable woman in India ;o) I could sit here and relay a million stories on how wonderful I think she is, as a director, as a writer, as a choreographer, as the most powerful woman in Bollywood, I’m serious, this woman makes grown men cry ;o) and I love her for it…

How was it working with Sajid Khan again?

It was like getting your eyebrows plucked by a blind handicap, it was “Insane”. The man is mad, but I’m addicted to him, he’s so enthusiastic about his films that you get sucked into his world of movie making, and I think he’s just brilliant for Hindi cinema. He lives to make people laugh, and if you don’t find him funny you’re in serious need of anti depressants, no joke. The man could crack jokes at your granny’s funeral and still be loved for it… He’s one of a kind, and we love him for it. He’s the most honest person you’ll ever meet, which can be painful, but I think he’s truly wicked in all sense of the word…

Also, it has been observed that for most of your upcoming films, you are also the co-producer. How does the entire business model work?

My structure is, I ask for nothing. If my movie is a flop I still get nothing, but if my movie works I get a lot. It is a very risky choice to make, but one I am willing to take. I don’t like to see my producers suffer if my work fails. Everyone deserves to win at the end of a film. Only cast and crew, producers and filmmakers really know what goes in to making a movie, hence my decision to take responsibility for how my movie does…

Do you get scared doing stunts?

Excited, thrilled, adventurous, challenge, motivation… these are the words that come to my mind when I am about to do a stunt. I guess I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie. It’s my love, my job… I do my own stunts because my producer and my audience are paying to see me, not someone that looks like me that can do my dirty work for me… never make another man do what you are too scared to do yourself, for he is someone’s son also and has a family that loves him just like I do.

What do you think of Hindi Cinema today?

The Indian film industry generates the largest audience figures in the world and also produces films in market terms that create a kind of challenge to Hollywood. Indian cinema is already viewed in countries like US, UK, Canada, other parts like Middle East, South East Asia and even Africa. I think Bollywood is at its zenith. Taking cognizance of this fact, I think we are slowly being recognized on the international platform and by the mainstream. Indian cinema is very much reaching par with Hollywood in terms of production value, scripts, subject matter, direction…

There needs to be more synergies and tie-ups between India and the West on a macrocosmic level – this has already been happening on the microcosmic level of individual film productions, both in terms of on-screen and behind-the-scenes collaborations. However, we need to build on that to ensure continued dialogue between key decision makers to ensure we mutually maximize on the vast potential of opportunities we respectively have, in terms of taking our industries to an even stronger level.

What does your fans support mean to you?

Their support means a lot to me. All my work is for them and if they don’t like and support me in my future endeavors it surely would be disappointing. I want to thank all my fans everywhere for their love and support. It is an honor for me to represent them. I will continue to try my best to deliver great entertaining films.

Can you tell us about your role in Action Replay?

It’s too soon to reveal anything about the movie now. In short, I can say I will be seen defying the laws of nature, as I’ll age backwards. Wait till the movie comes out this year and you will find how I challenge nature and its laws.

Do you see yourself as an icon to the millions?

Only when people tell me that I am. Being an icon is very daunting, it’s not like I walk around saying “Ha Ha I’m an icon love me love me”. I’m an actor, and I have a job to not only take care of my personal life and keep it personal, but as a public figure one must show responsibility. If we can enjoy the fact that people love clap and cheer for us, then it is important to set an example, for people are influenced very easily in this world, you have to be aware of peoples thoughts and feelings at all times…

What kind of advice would you give to the youngsters coming into the industry, in terms of their career and the discipline in life?

Stardom is not what it’s cracked up to be… Discipline and hard work is the only key to success. After twenty years in this industry, I still work very hard and I never take anything for granted. Take every opportunity you get very seriously and work very, very, very hard for your directors and producers – you are nothing without them. Opportunities can come at the most unexpected time. Therefore sincerity towards your work is paramount. And remember this ‘life’ won’t last forever…! Source