By Hindustan Times
Akshay Kumar's Rowdy Rathore (RR) opened amid much fanfare last Friday, collecting Rs. 15.1 crore at the first day itself. The very next day, he started shooting for his next home production, Khiladi 786, with Himesh Reshammiya as co-actor and co-producer. Clearly, even after twenty years within the industry, Akshay shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. We meet up with the actor-producer who appears to be in a perennial rush:
You were back shooting for Khiladi 786 the day after Rowdy Rathore released. Don't you're taking breaks?
When my film flops, I DO NOT wallow in self-pity. I continue working. Then why should that modify when my film is doing well? I am, however, happening a month-long holiday in July for my son Aarav's 10th birthday. The way it works is, I keep a globe in front of my wife and he or she picks out a location and decides where we go.
This is popping out to be an even year for you, with RR and Housefull 2. Your career, however, have been a roller-coaster ride.
I started my career with smaller movies, which have been called B-grade films. That was my bread and butter, and i've no shame admitting that. Back then, I WAS nervous before every film. Even now, before every release, I BELIEVE like I'm appearing for an exam.
Akshay Kumar in Rowdy Rathore
In 2009, people almost wrote you off after five of your films, starting with Chandni Chowk To China, flopped. How do you maintain failure?
So what if four or five of my films didn't work? Every successful person has faced this sort of negativity. There were times when Sachin Tendulkar was written off, until he scored a 100 again; then the folks criticising him will go ga-ga over him again.
Certain people will always attempt to distract you, but it's important to steer clear of such negativity. I'VE learnt to be aware of my work. I gave my best to Chandni… however it didn't work. And this wasn't the primary time. About 10 years ago, I had 14 flops in a row. Excellent news and bad news are a part of life. I DO NOT get slowed down by failure. Given my background, just being at the big screen is a large achievement. I DID NOT know what successful or a flop was. Now I'VE began to understand all this. I'm a greater businessman now.
Your upcoming co-production, Joker, was featured by The brand new York Times as a film to appear forward to. Yet, reports say that you just sold it at a low price.
I signed Joker because I WISHED to achieve out to a younger audience. I purposely sold it at a low cost to UTV in order that it's promoted well. I LOVE the speculation of aliens and UFOs.
What's next after Khiladi 786?
I will complete one schedule of Khiladi 786 before I AM GOING on vacation. Excluding this, three of my productions - Oh My God and two Marathi films - need to be complete this year. I'd also love to produce a brief film to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema if someone comes with an even concept.
Akshay @ the BO
Rowdy Rathore - Rs. 48.5 crore
Housefull 2 - Rs. 40.18 crore
Desi Boyz (2011) - Rs. 25.65 crore
Thank You (2011) - Rs. 18.21 crore
Patiala House (2011) - Rs. 4.48 crore
