HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Akshay Kumar gets candid about everything!

On his 45th birthday, Akshay Kumar shares his views on the highs and lows of life, fatherhood, Katrina and Sonakshi, and why critics should make a film! Everything you wanted to know about the actor.

Had this interview been conducted face-to-face, action superstar Akshay Kumar in all likelihood would have retorted, “Don’t angry me!” to certain questions. But since it was on email (he was in Muscat for a shoot), he merely excused himself from queries regarding his friends Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

Fair enough! After all, today is Akshay Kumar’s birthday. Rowdy Rathore has smashed box office records. He has completed 23 years in the industry with 100 films. And most importantly, he returns to his khiladi avatar after 12 years in Khiladi 786. So there’s plenty for him to talk about — himself, for instance, and his career.

You are riding high now and you have some good movies coming up. Do you feel this is your time? Or is your time yet to come?

I feel time is irrelevant, moments are more my thing! I’ve had fantastic moments this year — and in many other years for that matter. But if you’re asking me, ‘is this my time to shine?’ then only God knows the answer, I am at His feet. I do not hold God ransom to my success; whatever is his will is my way. I stand by moments; I do not stand by time.

Do you think success has come to you a little late in your career?

Why would I think that?

For a guy who used to steal watches on the streets of Chandni Chowk for kicks, I surely think my success at the age of 22 was pretty early! Or maybe my standards aren’t as high as yours.

Your movies have been successful; you are good looking and have a great physique. That’s superstar material. Yet, how come you’re not a phenomenon? A super success? Do you think you have correctly capitalised on your success?

Thanks, but no thanks! I am what I am and I’ve done the best I can. I’m not a superstar. People call me that, but I’m not the most handsome hunk, I’m me. And yes, you’re right, I’m not a ‘phenomenon’. I’m a man with a family who has a dream, that’s it — me in a nutshell. ‘Perfection’ and ‘phenomenon’ are for optimistic people. I’m a realist. Where I come from, ‘phenomenons’ don’t exist. I’m from a land where people make mistakes and try again, harder, faster; where negativity is not an option.

So forgive me for not being what you signed up for, I’m just a simple man trying to make a living, not a miracle.

At 45 you still look so fit. Tell us: how important are face-lifts and plastic surgeries after a certain age?

People can do it in their 50s and not need something as demeaning as plastic surgery. Youth is a lifestyle; it’s not a blessing from God. If we treat our bodies as if they are not the most precious things we possess, then obviously we will show wear and tear. We’re like a good pair of jeans. If we take care of them, they’ll remain classic forever, but if we batter and abuse them they’ll look like tattered old rags.

What I’m trying to say is, plastic surgery doesn’t make you fit, it makes you lazy.

A) It’s always obvious, so respect is lost almost instantly.

B) What is wrong with growing old gracefully with health and dignity?

Put down the steroids and the needles and go outside and play with your children and your children’s children, that’s my ‘expensive’ secret.

What’s more important to you at this point in life? Money or your fan following?

It always was and always will be my fan following. The money side of it was at the beginning of my career and it was purely to survive. Now it is to put worth to my name. I have put unconditional efforts into making my name what it is today. I don’t live for money, it can’t make you happy. It only makes you and your loved ones feel secure. Even rich people wake up, go to work and support their families.

The best thing about my job is being appreciated and admired along the way by my fans, and no one else really matters. Your family will always love you, your enemies will mostly respect as well as loathe you, but your fans will always support you, guide you, teach you and fulfill you.

Akshay-Sonakshi in Joker

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