Akshay Kumar, one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, has come a long way from his humble beginnings. Born as Rajiv Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, Akshay’s journey to the top of the film industry is a story of determination, hard work, and resilience. Today, the actor, popularly known as the ‘Khiladi of Bollywood,’ owns assets worth over Rs 2500 crore, but his road to success was anything but easy.
Early Life and Struggles
Raised in Delhi in a Punjabi family, Akshay was passionate about martial arts from a young age. He pursued his training rigorously, which eventually led him to Bangkok, where he learned Muay Thai and earned a black belt in Taekwondo. During his time in Bangkok, Akshay worked as a waiter at a restaurant called Metro Guest House, earning just Rs 1,500 per month. Before this, he even worked as a peon at a travel agency in Kolkata, performing odd jobs to make ends meet.
The Turning Point: From Martial Arts Instructor to Model
After returning to Mumbai, Akshay worked as a martial arts instructor, training students in self-defense. One of his students suggested that he try his luck in modeling, which led Akshay to change his name from Rajiv to Akshay and get his first portfolio shot. His first photoshoot location was a place where he would later build his home—a testament to how far he’s come.
Missing a Flight, Landing a Film
Akshay’s first break came in the form of a 17-second role in the 1987 film ‘Aaj,’ where he played a karate instructor. However, his big break in Bollywood came quite by accident. After missing a flight for a modeling assignment in Bangalore, Akshay was labeled unprofessional, which initially seemed like a setback. This twist of fate, however, turned out to be a blessing when he started frequenting Natraj Studio. It was here that he met a makeup artist who introduced him to filmmaker Pramod Chakraborty. Impressed by Akshay’s photographs, Pramod signed him for his film ‘Deedar’ and gave him a cheque of Rs 5000, marking the beginning of his film career.
The Struggle for a Breakthrough
Akshay auditioned for several films, including Rajesh Khanna’s ‘Jai Shiv Shankar,’ but success didn’t come easy. His first signed film was ‘Deedar,’ but he made his debut with ‘Saugandh.’ Akshay was initially cast for the lead role in ‘Phool Aur Kaante,’ but the part eventually went to Ajay Devgn due to Akshay’s high fee demands. Despite these setbacks, Akshay’s perseverance paid off, and he soon made a name for himself with films like ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi,’ ‘Hera Pheri,’ and its sequel ‘Phir Hera Pheri.’
Inside Akshay Kumar’s Stunning Sea-Facing Juhu Bungalow: A Peek Into the Khiladi’s Luxurious Home
A Successful Career and Personal Life
Akshay Kumar’s career took off, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. In 2001, he married Twinkle Khanna, daughter of Bollywood icons Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. Known for his discipline and fitness, Akshay has continued to dominate the film industry with his versatility, appearing in a variety of roles across genres, from action and comedy to drama.
From his early days as a struggling martial artist and part-time worker to becoming one of Bollywood’s top actors, Akshay Kumar’s journey is an inspiring tale of grit, hard work, and never giving up on one’s dreams.
