He pursued martial arts training from a young age, traveling to Bangkok at the age of 9 to learn Karate, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai. While working as a chef and waiter to sustain himself, his dedication paid off, culminating in a black belt in Taekwondo, showcasing his perseverance in martial arts mastery.
Returning to Bombay, he initially taught martial arts but transitioned to modeling after a student’s father’s recommendation, achieving rapid success despite initial challenges. He persevered through unpaid work, building his portfolio and also appeared as a background dancer in films.
Debuted in “Aaj” under his birth name, he later adopted the name Akshay Kumar, inspired by a character in a film. He then made his lead actor debut in “Saugandh” alongside Raakhee and Shantipriya, followed by an appearance in “Dancer” the same year, which received mixed reviews.
In 1994, made a comeback with 11 films, gaining commercial success with his roles as a police inspector in “Main Khiladi Tu Anari” and “Mohra.” His performance in “Yeh Dillagi” alongside Kajol received critical acclaim, solidifying his position as one of the year’s most successful actors.
Achieved fame with the Khiladi series, which included the commercially successful films “Sabse Bada Khiladi” (1995) and “Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi” (1996). Despite sustaining injuries during the filming of the later, his portrayal and action sequences garnered praise from critics and audiences alike.
His transition to comedy marked a pivotal shift in his career, starting with the success of “Hera Pheri” in 2000 and followed by hits like “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi” and “Phir Hera Pheri.” His impeccable timing and natural flair for comedy, coupled with his ability to deliver hilarious performances, endeared him to audiences.
In a twist of fate, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna met during a magazine photoshoot in Mumbai. Their relationship took a significant turn when they worked together on the film “International Khiladi.” He proposed to Twinkle, who agreed under a unique condition that if her movie “Mela” failed at the box office, they would marry. True to their word, they exchanged vows on 17 January 2001, in an intimate ceremony.
He dedicates himself to various social causes including women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and disaster relief efforts, generous donations to the Indian Army and their families, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to supporting those in need and making a positive impact on society.
His commercial success in bollywood is unparalleled, from action-packed thrillers to blockbuster comedies and socially relevant films like “Holiday” and “Kesari,” he has consistently delivered hits that resonate with audiences. His versatility and ability to choose engaging scripts establish him as a true box office powerhouse.
He leads the “Bharat Ke Veer” fundraising initiative aimed at supporting members of the government paramilitary forces, notably the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Presented to the former Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh, this initiative allows donations of up to ₹1.5 million to individual soldiers’ accounts or unrestricted contributions to the overarching “Bharat Ke Veer” fund. The general fund extends aid to the families of CAPF or Assam Rifles personnel, tailored to their unique requirement.
In April 2019, he hosted a non-political interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the official residence in New Delhi. The interview covered a range of subjects, including the Prime Minister’s personal experiences, political trajectory, and his aspirations for the country. It attracted considerable interest and commendation for providing valuable insights into the Prime Minister’s character and approach to leadership.
Joined adventurer Bear Grylls for an episode of the popular television series “Into The Wild.” Aired on Discovery Channel on 14 September 2020, the episode depicted their adventurous journey, overcoming challenges in the wilderness and showcasing survival skills. This episode gained significant attention, becoming one of the highest-rated shows in the infotainment genre on Discovery Channel.
He holds the distinction of being one of bollywood’s highest-paid actors, commanding significant fees for his roles in films. Additionally, he is recognized as one of India’s top taxpayers, consistently contributing substantial amounts to the national exchequer.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he demonstrated philanthropy again by donating ₹25 crore to the PM CARES Fund in March 2020, along with ₹1 crore to Gautam Gambhir’s charity. Amid the second wave, he contributed an additional ₹1 crore to Gambhir’s foundation and donated ₹1 crore for the construction of a school building in Neeru Village, Jammu and Kashmir, in 2021.
With ANI he acquired Canadian citizenship during a career slump but returned to India after his films became successful. Despite criticism he emphasized the importance of having an Indian mindset and heart. Eventually, he obtained Indian citizenship in 2023.