Akshay Kumar is known as Bollywood's original 'khiladi' and was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia in a middle class Punjabi family in Amritsar in 1967. He studied martial arts in Bangkok and worked as a chef. He then came back to Mumbai, where he started teaching martial arts. He gave hits such as Khiladi, Mohra, and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi early in his career. In 2007-2008, he made a mark on the Hindi film industry with Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhul Bhulaiya, Singh is Kinng and Welcome. He hosted Khatron ke Khiladi (2008) and the first season of MasterChef India. He is married to actor Twinkle Khanna.
Accusations of inflated box office figures due to block bookings have surfaced, involving films like Sky Force. Experts warn this misrepresents demand.