Mumbai, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who today is a household name, shared a humorous yet poignant memory from his college days. During his youth, he had a crush on a girl and decided to sing a song to impress her. However, the attempt took a comical turn when the girl’s neighbors ended up beating him and his friend.
Reflecting on this incident, Kumar noted that it taught him an important lesson: authenticity and confidence are far more valuable than pretense when trying to win someone over. This charming anecdote offers a glimpse into his struggles and innocence during his formative years, bringing smiles to listeners.
Born on September 9, 1967, in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, Akshay’s real name is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia. His father served in the army, and from an early age, Kumar showed a keen interest in sports and wrestling. He enrolled at Khalsa College in Mumbai but left to pursue martial arts, eventually traveling to Bangkok with his father’s support.
In Bangkok, Akshay honed his martial arts skills while working as a waiter and cook to support himself. His daily routine involved balancing work with training, and he has often credited his father for funding this life-changing journey.
Upon returning to India, Akshay faced challenges in breaking into Bollywood. He briefly sold artificial jewelry in Delhi before returning to Mumbai, where he began teaching martial arts. A student’s father suggested he try modeling, leading to a breakthrough when he modeled for a furniture store, earning ₹21,000 for that gig—substantially more than his teaching salary.
Before entering films, he also worked as a light assistant for photographer Jayesh Seth, where he gained exposure to major stars like Govinda and Rekha. In a memorable moment on Anupam Kher’s show, Govinda encouraged him to pursue acting, which led Kumar to debut in the 1987 film “Aaj.”
His career took off with the 1991 film “Saugandh,” but it was the 1992 hit “Khiladi” that solidified his status as an action hero. Following this, films like “Mohra,” “Main Khiladi Tu Anari,” and “Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi” established him as a major figure in action cinema. However, Akshay has also showcased his versatility in romantic comedies and dramas like “Hera Pheri,” “Bhool Bhulaiyaa,” and “Namaste London.”
This year, during a television show, he recounted the incident from 40 years ago when he tried to serenade a girl in college. With a friend accompanying him on the guitar, he sang outside her house, hoping to impress her. Instead, they ended up being chased away by her neighbors.
Over his illustrious career, Akshay Kumar has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 2009 and national film awards for “Rustom” and “Pad Man.” With a filmography exceeding 100 movies, he remains one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema.
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