Basic Details
Akshay Kumar, born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, is a renowned Indian actor and film producer known for his versatility and dedication in the Hindi film industry. With a career spanning over three decades, he has appeared in more than 150 films, earning accolades such as the Padma Shri and multiple Filmfare Awards. His journey from a martial arts enthusiast to one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars is both inspiring and remarkable.
Physical Stats and More
- Height
6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Weight
80 kg (176 lbs)
- Eye Colour
Dark Brown
- Body Measurements
Chest – 42 inches
Waist – 34 inches
Biceps – 16 inches
- Hair Colour
Black
Biography
Early Life and Education
Born in Delhi, India, Akshay Kumar spent his early years in Chandni Chowk before moving to Mumbai. He attended Don Bosco High School in Darjeeling and later enrolled at Guru Nanak Khalsa College in Mumbai. However, his passion for martial arts led him to Bangkok, where he trained in Muay Thai and worked as a chef and waiter. This period was instrumental in shaping his discipline and work ethic.
Personal Life
Akshay Kumar married Twinkle Khanna, daughter of actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, on 17 January 2001. The couple has two children: Aarav and Nitara. Known for his protective nature, Akshay ensures his children have a normal upbringing away from the media spotlight.
Relationships & More
Career
Early Career and Breakthrough (1991–1999)
Akshay Kumar began his acting career with a minor role in the 1987 film Aaj. He made his debut as a lead actor in Saugandh (1991), but it was the action thriller Khiladi (1992) that established him as a rising star. The success of Khiladi led to a series of action films, including Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996). Despite some box office setbacks in the late ’90s, his performance in Jaanwar (1999) marked a significant comeback.
Diversification and Comic Roles (2000–2010)
The early 2000s saw Kumar expanding his repertoire. He delivered notable performances in the comedy Hera Pheri (2000), the romantic drama Dhadkan (2000), and the thriller Ajnabee (2001), for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Villain. His comedic timing shone in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Garam Masala (2005), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007). By the end of the decade, he had firmly established himself as a versatile actor capable of handling diverse genres.
Critical Acclaim and Socially Relevant Films (2011–2019)
In the 2010s, Kumar took on more socially conscious roles. He starred in Special 26 (2013), Baby (2015), and Airlift (2016), showcasing his dramatic prowess. His portrayal in Rustom (2016) earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He continued this trend with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) and Pad Man (2018), films that addressed important social issues. In 2019, he delivered four consecutive hits: Kesari, Mission Mangal, Housefull 4, and Good Newwz.
Recent Projects and Challenges (2020–Present)
Kumar’s recent films have seen mixed success. While Sooryavanshi (2021) and OMG 2 (2023) performed well, others like Selfiee (2023), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024), and Sarfira (2024) underperformed at the box office. Despite these challenges, he continues to take on diverse roles, including a cameo in Singham Again (2024) and leading roles in upcoming films like Sky Force (2025) and Kesari Chapter 2 (2025).
Television and Other Ventures
Beyond films, Kumar has hosted several television shows, including Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and Dare 2 Dance. He has also been involved in philanthropic activities and owns the production companies Hari Om Entertainment and Grazing Goat Pictures.
Movies
See AllOther Details
- Hobbies
Martial arts, Cooking, Collecting old Bollywood posters, Playing volleyball and cricket
- Favourite Actress
Sridevi, Kareena Kapoor
- Favourite Actors
Amitabh Bachchan, Jackie Chan
- Favourite Movies
Sholay, Deewaar, Khiladi
- Favourite Dishes
Thai Green Chicken Curry, Homemade Punjabi food, Chinese cuisine
- Zodiac Sign
Virgo
- Caste
Punjabi Rajput
- Religion
Hinduism
Contributions Beyond Work
Beyond his film career, Akshay Kumar is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has supported various causes, including education for underprivileged children and disaster relief efforts. In 2022, he was recognized as the highest taxpayer in the country, reflecting his commitment to national development.
The Legacy of Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar’s journey from a martial arts instructor in Bangkok to one of Bollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars is a testament to his dedication and talent. His contributions to cinema, philanthropy, and his disciplined lifestyle continue to inspire many.
Other Facts:
Education: Akshay is a college dropout from Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Mumbai.
Married Life: Married to Twinkle Khanna since 2001.
- Interesting Facts:
- Before entering Bollywood, Akshay trained in martial arts in Bangkok, where he also worked as a waiter and chef to support himself.
- He earned ₹5,500 from his first modeling job, which was for a furniture showroom.
- Akshay’s first car was a Fiat, not a luxury vehicle, reflecting his humble beginnings.
- He believes in enjoying workouts rather than punishing himself, incorporating activities like climbing stairs and shadow boxing into his routine.
- Akshay is a big fan of horror movies, including English and Japanese films, which he enjoys watching with his wife, Twinkle Khanna.
- He and Twinkle Khanna are avid players of card games like Rummy and Monopoly Deal.
- Akshay follows a strict daily routine, waking up at 5 AM and having dinner by 7 PM, emphasizing the importance of discipline in his life.
- He earned the nickname ‘Khiladi Kumar’ after starring in eight films with ‘Khiladi’ in the title.
- Known for performing his own stunts, Akshay rarely uses body doubles, showcasing his commitment to authenticity in action sequences.
- He is a proponent of Ayurveda and incorporates its principles into his lifestyle.
- Before entering Bollywood, Akshay trained in martial arts in Bangkok, where he also worked as a waiter and chef to support himself.