AKSHAY KUMAR

Akshay Kumar, born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, Punjab, India, is one of Bollywood's leading actors, producers, and martial artists.

• Date of Birth: September 9, 1967
• Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
• Spouse: Twinkle Khanna (m. 2001)
• Children: 2 (Aarav and Nitara)
• Father: Hari Om Bhatia
• Mother: Aruna Bhatia
• Birthplace: Amritsar, Punjab, India
• Zodiac Sign: Virgo
• Nationality: Indian (1967–2011; 2023–present) | Canadian (2011–2023)

Early Life

Akshay Kumar's early years were marked by a typical middle-class upbringing. His father, Hari Om Bhatia, was a military officer, and his mother, Aruna Bhatia, was a homemaker. Akshay showed an early interest in sports and martial arts, which led him to study martial arts in Bangkok, Thailand, where he also worked as a chef and waiter to support himself. He earned a black belt in Taekwondo in India, before moving to Bangkok to further his training in Muay Thai.

Upon returning to Mumbai, he worked as a martial arts teacher. One of his students, who was a photographer, recommended him to model, which led to his first modeling assignment. This opportunity opened the door to a new career path, ultimately leading him to the world of acting.

Career

Akshay Kumar made his Bollywood debut in 1991 with the film "Saugandh," which did not perform well at the box office. However, his breakthrough came with the suspense thriller "Khiladi" in 1992, establishing him as a promising actor. Known for his versatility, Kumar has starred in over 100 films, ranging from action and drama to comedy and romance.

He became known for his roles in the "Khiladi" series, earning him the nickname "Khiladi of Bollywood." His performances in "Mohra" (1994), "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" (1994), and "Dil To Pagal Hai" (1997) further solidified his status as a leading actor. In the 2000s, Kumar shifted towards comedy, delivering hits like "Hera Pheri" (2000), "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" (2004), and "Garam Masala" (2005). He also received critical acclaim for his roles in "Airlift" (2016) and "Rustom" (2016), the latter earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor.

In addition to acting, Akshay Kumar has also worked as a producer, under his production company Hari Om Entertainment Co. He is known for his commitment to social causes in his film choices, such as "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" (2017), which focused on India's sanitation challenges, and "Pad Man" (2018), addressing menstrual hygiene.

Personal Life

Akshay Kumar is married to Twinkle Khanna, former actress and daughter of well-known actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. The couple has two children, Aarav and Nitara. Kumar is known for his disciplined lifestyle, early morning routine, and strict fitness regimen. He is also an avid martial artist and performs most of his stunts himself. Apart from his film career, he is passionate about philanthropy.

Awards

Akshay Kumar has won several Filmfare Awards and was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2009, one of the country's highest civilian awards. He received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Rustom." Kumar has also been recognized for his contribution to Indian cinema at international film festivals and by the Indian film fraternity.

Read More