 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Akshay: I'm not a fake action hero
Akshay Kumar seems elated over his new release, Kambakkht Ishq. The film opened in Canada on Wednesday, two days before its India release. The producers have timed its Canada release with Canada Day.
In a telephonic interview from New York, Akshay described Kambakkht Ishq -- his first movie with Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh -- as 'a medley of madness.'
"I would say this huge international star cast breaks the norm," Akshay says. "It has its share of passionate love-hate scenarios, from marriages to divorce to more marriages, to random street fights and rescues."
Akshay spoke to Ajit Jain about this 'one heck of an enjoyable film.'
'Blue is the best action film India has ever produced'
You are acting with Sylvester Stallone for the first time in this film.
He's a very, very genuine man, very down to earth. I interacted with him. We spoke about our action movies. He told me how he has a problem with his knees because of too many action movies. I was telling him about the problem with my back. Basically, we started hitting each other because of our health problems. And we spoke about it and we kept on talking. We talked about Thailand where he has made two movies. I love Thailand because of my background. I used to work there and that's why we started talking about that country.
Do you prefer acting in stunt movies?
Yes, I like stunt movies. As a matter of fact, the real action is comedy because, I think, to jump from a building is an easy job but to make people laugh is the most difficult stunt any man can pull off.
Is your forthcoming film Blue an action film too?
I think it's the best action film India has ever produced. It has comedy, real comedy. But it's very serious at the same time. I won't call it a comedy film at all.
'Hollywood's action is far superior to that in India'
You have acted in more than 100 films. When you went to the Universal Studios to shoot Kambakkht Ishq, you were asked to show that you can perform stunts. Was it not embarrassing to you?
Absolutely not. That was a very good thing for them to see whether this person can perform or not before he goes to do the real stunt. I think that's a very good thing. I admire them for it. I came back home to say every actor should try and give their best before they say they do the real stuff.
You jumped a five-story building without any ropes or wires?
I am not trying to outdo professional stuntmen. I just believe that my audience is paying to see me. They want to feel genuine admiration for the person they believe on screen, not feel like they've been conned or something. It's just my way of thinking. I'm a very genuine person. I can't bear to look at faces of my young fans as if I was a fake action hero.
Did you ever think of becoming a stuntman in Hollywood?
Why would I want to be a stuntman when I can be my very own stunt actor. Being a part of Hollywood never crossed my mind before. The whole scenario is so different there from Bollywood. I have made more action movies than all the Hollywood stars put together.
I love their action, which is far superior to that in India. But I am happy doing back to back stunts here and keeping myself entertained. We don't need any safety in India for Indian style actions.
'Kareena has great attitude on camera'
You're paired up with Kareena once again. Do you think she was perfect for the role in Kambakkht Ishq?
I would say with this movie, we could be the new Mr and Mrs Smith of India. Kareena was perfect for this role. She has such a great attitude on camera. We needed a woman who could break your heart in one minute and break a man's jaw with a look in the next. Her character is very powerful. Yet, she's sensually lovable. Believe me, she will reach another level in her career from this movie. I really believe she will.
How's your chemistry in real life? Is it love-hate, like in the film?
No way. It's only respectful love between us. It has always been. Her sister Karisma was my first heroine, whom I kissed on screen. I did 14 movies with Karisma. I used to bounce little Kareena on my lap when she would come to her sister's shoots 19 years back. Back then, she used to call me uncle Akki. I'd spank her for calling me uncle Akki now.
What I admire about her most is how fast and well she jumps into her character. It's not easy.
What is Hollywood like?
It's as bright and as beautiful as Bollywood. And the women, well I have to say there's no woman quite like an Indian woman. I am married to one of India's most wonderful beauties.
Hollywood, as an industry, sticks together like true brothers. That's what I loved most. I intend to bring home those kind of influences.
'I don't want to claim of being a top star'
I want to tell them this is very commercial, typical Akshay Kumar film. I want you to see this movie of two hours and 15 minutes -- just be entertained, enjoy, laugh, have a good and quality time with your family and take a small message home.
What is that message?
I want them to see it. I am saying if man is from Mars, women are from heaven.
Would fans be right in calling you Bollywood's top star who is making a dent in Hollywood?
I will say I am an entertainer who loves to entertain my people. I don't want to claim of being a top star or any such thing.
Of all the films you've done, which ones did you think were the best?
I think Jaanwar, Sangharsh and Garam Masala.
What about your autobiographical Chandni Chowk to China?
That's also one of my favourite films.