On Akshay Kumar’s birthday, R Balki says he’s not just a star but also a superb actor

On Akshay Kumar’s 50th birthday on September 9, director R Balki calls him a powerful performer and says it’s a treat to work with the actor.

Actor Akshay Kumar, who turns 50 tomorrow (September 9), has many admirers in the industry, and the newest is director R Balki, who is working with him in his next film, Padman. Praising Akshay’s acting prowess, Balki shares that it was a delight to collaborate with him on a film that is inspired from the life story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social entrepreneur from Tamil Nadu.

R Balki’s next film Padman stars Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte. The film is expected to release next year. (Yogen Shah)

“I think Akshay is one of the finest actors we have in our industry now. It’s a treat for any director to collaborate with him. Having worked with him, I feel he is not just a star but also a superb actor,” says Balki.

The director feels that Akshay is the right choice for the film that is close to his heart, especially for the subject it deals with. “I was fascinated by the life of Arunachalam, who revolutionised [low cost] sanitary pads. At a time, when people are too shy to talk about it, I feel the subject must be spoken about more often. Arunachalam’s life is as entertaining as the biggest masala film. So, I didn’t think twice before adapting it on screen, though I usually believe in making films based on fiction. In fiction, there’s a lot more scope in doing what one wants to do,” adds Balki, known for films such as Cheeni Kum (2007), Paa (2009) and Shamitabh (2015).

Padman is in its post production stage right now and the filmmaker says he is happy with the result. The film also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte. Balki shares that Arunachalam has liked the bits of the film he has seen so far. “I feel when I am making a film on a real story, I have to be respectful to the person. Little bit of liberty with fiction is acceptable only when it adds to the life of person [on whom the film is based on]. While watching the film, he has not only liked it, but has also said that there are certain areas in the film he wished he had lived in real life,” adds Balki.

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