Akshay Kumar Turns 57: National-Award Winning Actor's Top Movies, Songs, and Love Life

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As the actor celebrates his 57th birthday, let us take a look at this journey, top movies and songs, 5 times he spoke about his wife Twinkle and upcoming projects.

Akshay Kumar’s Journey

Akshay Kumar was born as Rajeev Bhatia in a Punjab Hindu family in Old Delhi. Having a passion for sports and martial arts, Akshay received Thai boxing training in Bangkok, while working as a chef and a waiter.

Upon his return, he became a martial arts instructor when a parent of a student recommended he try modelling. As per reports, Akshay assisted photographer Jayesh Sheth and worked as a background dancer and stuntman before signing a film as a lead.

After modelling for a few years, Akshay’s first on-screen appearance came with Aaj, where he played a karate instructor. Soon after, he signed ‘Deedar’ with Pramod Chakravarthy.

Upon his debut, Akshay did not receive success for a few years but his physical appearance and acting skills were recognised. One of his early breakthroughs came with Yeh Dillagi alongside Kajol which earned him several nominations.

Next came the ‘Khiladi’ franchise which only solidified his image as an action hero in the industry. A year-round review of the Indian Express read,”It was Akshay Kumar in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi who packed the aisles, no doubt about it.”

In 1994, Akshay starred in Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Mohra, both proved to be among the highest-grossing films of the year.

Hera Pheri turned out a turning point in Akshay Kumar’s career and marked the birth of Akshay Kumar as a comedy actor with rave reviews from the critics. After this, he has been part of several comedy movies such as Garam Masala, Awara Pagal Deewana, and Housefull

Since then, Akshay’s career saw many poorly grossing, medicare, and blockbuster films across genres. However, his streak of movies never stopped. Some notable names are Welcome, Holiday, Special 26, Bhool Bhulaiyya, Baby, Rustom and Housefull among others.

Akshay Kumar Popular And Award-Winning Movies

1. Hera PheriIt is impossible to recall the journey of Akshay Kumar without mentioning Hera Pheri. Akshay’s portrayal of Raju was confident, convincing, and downright hilarious. It is with Heri Pheri that the audience became aware of Kumar’s comic timing. This was just the beginning of a long line of hit comedy movies. Akshay also won a ‘Bollywood Movie Award’ for his role.
2. Dil Toh Pagal HaiAkshay played Ajay in Dil Toh Pagal Hai. The audience loved his sweet portrayal as the best friend in this romantic blockbuster featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. He also received a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal.
3. RustomApart from comedy, Akshay is known for patriotic films. In this movie, Akshay plays naval officer Rustom Pavri, who is caught in a murder case amidst national turmoil. His performance was widely acclaimed by audiences and critics. Akshay received a National Award for this movie.
4. Singh Is KinngThis 2008 Anees Bazmee is another one of Akshay and Katrina Kaif’s successful collaborations. The film was loved by the audience and became the third highest-grossing film of that year. Akshay also received a Filmfare nomination for his role.
5. WelcomeHow can one forget Akshay’s strife in this gem comedy film as he is stuck between the gangster brothers of the woman he is in love with? Packed with humour in every scene, Welcome is one of the most cherished of Akshay’s comedy movies throughout his career
6. Pad ManThe film is based on the life of real life social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham who broke the taboo around menstruation by inventing low-cost sanitary pads for his wife and other women in the village. The movie starringAkshay Kumarand Radhika Apte went on to win the National Film Award for Best Film on social issues.

Akshay Kumar’s Top Songs

Akshay has been a part of many chartbusters in his movies.

1. Chura Ke Dil MeraThis song from 1994 Main Khaildi Tu Anari sung by Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu has stood the test of time with its infectious tune and cheeky lyrics. It is used by dancers for choreography and is widely tuned in to.
2. Tip Tip Barsa PaaniThis 90s blockbuster song featuring Raveena Tandon in a yellow saree and Akshay in a white shirt dancing in the rain is as fresh as it was 2 decades ago. The beat, the mood and the dance remain etched in the hearts of fans forever. The song has 95 million plus views on YouTube
3. Teri MittiWith a staggering 1.3 billion views on YouTube, this song from Kesari puts tears in the eyes of Indians with its theme and depth. Sung by B. Praak and composed by Arko, this melody from Kesari is one for the ages.
4. Tere Sang YaaraRustom released in 2016 also featured a memorable album with songs such Tere sang yaara and Dekha Hazaron Dafa. This sweet melody sung by Atif Aslam perfectly portrays the love between the two characters and is a must-have number in your romantic Hindi songs playlist.
5. Burj KhalifaComposed by DJ Khushi for the 2020 film Laxmi was an instant blockbuster. Akshay doing lifts effortlessly with Kiara Advani, and epic dance moves, what more could fans have wanted? The hit number has 495 million plus views on YouTube.
6. Hookah BarThis cult youth anthem from the 2012 comedy action film featuring Akshay and Asin has a separate fan base. On YouTube, it has been viewed more than 574 million times. The song has been composed and sung by Himesh Reshamiya who has given music for many other Akshay films including some memorable tracks in Namastey London.

Times Akshay Kumar Spoke About Twinkle Khanna

Twinkle Khanna became a best-selling author with the release of her first non-fiction book Mrs Funnybones in 2015. Since then, she has started her production house and has secured her position as one of the highest-paid Indian authors. Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna who have spent 23 years together never leave a chance to root for each other. The couple’s mutual love and admiration is all over the internet.

Here are 5 instances when Akshay Kumar spoke of Twinkle Khanna:

‘The Day I Saw You Work’

When Twinkle Khanna completed her graduation from the University of London, Akshay Kumar wished her with a heartfelt post. Sharing pictures from the special day, he wrote, “The day I saw you work so hard and perfectly manage a full-fledged student life along with home, career, me and kids, I knew I had married a super woman. Today on your graduation, I also wish I had studied a bit more to know enough words to tell you how proud you make me, Tina. Congratulations and all my love.”

‘Tina (Twinkle) Is My Best Friend’

During an old interview with the Hindustan Times, Akshay talked about Twinkle and said, “Tina (Twinkle) is my best friend. My wife is the best person any man could wish to wake up next to. She holds me up when I’m falling, and puts me down when I’m flying. She makes me laugh when I’m sad and moans when I am sitting idle. Tina is everything to me. She is my reality check.”

‘Proud, Prouder, Proudest’

Last year, when Twinkle launched her new book, Akshay shared a post on X. Sharing the picture, he wrote, “Proud, prouder, proudest. That’s how you always make me feel, whether it’s to take up writing, going back to the university in your 40’s or just defying age and norms every chance you get. And today as you launch your new book, #WelcomeToParadise I just know it will add inches to my already big chest. Congratulations Tina @mrsfunnybones.”

‘She Most Definitely Has A Say When We’re Dressing’

While talking about his wife Twinkle, Akshay revealed how Twinkle is the boss of what he chooses to wear during public events they attend together. During a chat with HT City, Akshay said, “Yes, she most definitely has a say when we’re dressing for an event together. On my own, she doesn’t mind what I look like, but for when we’re together, she’d rather want that I didn’t wear my trusty track pants and training T-shirts. I can’t blame her, though!”

Akshay Kumar’s Upcoming Movies

Akshay has a promising lineup of films for his fans. Reportedly, Akshay Kumar and Priyardarshan who have given fans movies such as Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyya are collaborating once again for a horror comedy full of humour, supernatural elements and black magic. Further, he is also expected to be seen inSubhash Kapoor’sJolly LLB 3alongside Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, and Huma Qureshi as well as Rohit Shetty’sSingham Againwith Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor Khan.