Karate kid
Akshay Kumar’s son Aarav takes formal training in parkour and martial arts. Akshay himself had taken up martial arts before becoming an actor and, Parkour only three years ago.
“I don’t know if he’ll pursue it the way I did when he grows up, but Aarav is taking lessons in martial arts and also, Parkour, a French sport. And I think he’s doing fine,” beams proud daddy Akshay Kumar, who trained in sport activities as a grown man. He took up martial arts before becoming an actor and, Parkour only three years ago.
Sport is education
“It’s really healthy to be involved in some kind of sport. Parkour keeps Aarav and me on our toes. I don’t know too many people who’ve taken it up. Training in martial arts keeps every part of one’s body fit. And no form of education is ever a waste,” he adds.
Apart from extra-curricular activities, does he ensure that his son pays attention to his studies too? "Of course," says Kumar. "His mother (Twinkle Khanna) and I are particular that Aarav never misses out on his studies. As a responsible parent, I understand that kids need a break too. So we only take off on holidays during his vacations in school. And he takes his studies pretty seriously too."
Too early for movies
It’s rumoured that Aarav would make his Bollywood debut playing his father’s role as a child in Nikhil Advani’s Patiala House. “No, that’s not correct. It’s too early for him to get into movies. As an adult, he will follow a career of his choice, whether it’s acting or anything else. His mother and I will always support him,” says the actor-producer, who’s keen on producing more sport-oriented films.
So does he have any particular sport in mind? “I love all kinds of sports. If we weave in an emotional story with it, it becomes an excellent entertainment package,” points out Kumar. “After Break Away, which is about a father and a son with ice hockey as a backdrop, I’ll be happy to produce another sports movie, but only if I find the right script for it.”