The khiladi still rules
If there is an all-rounder in Bollywood, it is Akshay Kumar. Incorrigible comic timing meets delectable machismo is Akshay Kumar. The original Khiladi plays on and has fun doing it…

You have become the most bankable star in Bollywood. How do you feel about that?

I am trying to do my level best. I just try at my end that everybody, from producers to distributors to my exhibitor, theatre owners etc., everyone earns money through my film. So, I keep the entire chain in mind. And keeping that whole thing in mind, I create the project for my producer. I try and make sure that everybody makes money in the process… and if that’s what makes me bankable, I don’t really mind it.

Why did you refuse the ‘most popular actor’ award at Star Screen awards?

I saw Aamir’s film "Ghajini" and I really liked it and I felt it was Aamir who deserved the award more than anybody else as he has done a fabulous job in the movie. He cannot be left out simply because he does not attend such events. I will not take something I don’t deserve.

I said sorry to the viewers too. I am very happy for the viewer’s love and support because I need it and I can move ahead only with their support. But at the same time, I feel there is nothing wrong in admitting in case someone else has done better.

It’s like you have a lottery ticket and your number doesn’t win the prize but your neighbour does. You don’t steal his ticket and say you have won the lottery, do you?

How inspired is "Chandni Chowk to China" (CC2C) from your real life?

Only my character Siddhu in the film is inspired by my life. I am playing a cook; I am playing a martial arts master; I am born in Chandni Chowk… only these few common points are there between the film and my real life. Otherwise, the rest of the things in the film are a work of fiction.

What are your expectations from "CC2C"?

At times when I speak to Shah Rukh, we discuss that our aim should be to raise the bar of the entire Indian film industry and ensure that the industry benefits as much as it can. Three years ago, an Indian film was made with a budget of around $3-4 million, today my film "CC2C"

is made with an $8million budget. It is not long when we will make a movie with a budget of $20 million. But that is only going to be possible when we keep on breaking each other’s records. So, healthy competition is always good.

Today, I wish my film works well and breaks all records. Later, when "Billu Barber" releases, I want it to do even better, then the next film after that should do better than these. Only when there is money in the market will there be more films made and many more channels will open.

How was the experience of the international premieres of "CC2C" and which one did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed the Canada premiere. I also enjoyed the LA premiere, which I would say, was possible only because of Warner Brothers. Hollywood’s biggest stars were present there – stars who I had seen only in movies, and never imagined meeting personally! Those stars came to see my movie. It was a great honour for me.

How was it working with Gordon Liu?

Oh great! I call him Sir Gordon Liu. I have learnt martial arts by watching his movies. Youngsters like you may have missed his movies but people of my age – above 40 – have certainly caught them. I really adore those movies. It was great working with a star like him.

How true are rumours that there is a sequel being planned for "CC2C"?

Yeah… maybe.

Where do you see yourself in the race for the No. 1 spot?

I am far, far away from this No. 1 No. 2 game because, if you look at the Indian film industry, it churns around 180 movies in a year. We are around seven-eight guys and we can very well do two or three films a year… so there is no question of competition.