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Akshay Kumar
| Akshay Kumar | |
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| Birth name | Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia |
| Born | 9 September 1967, Delhi, India |
| Citizenship | India (until 2011; from 2023) Canada (2011–2023) |
| Occupation | Actor, Film producer |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Spouse | Twinkle Khanna (m. 2001) |
| Children | 2 |
| Honours | Padma Shri (2009) |
Akshay Hari Om Bhatia (born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia; 9 September 1967), professionally known as Akshay Kumar, is an Indian actor and film producer associated primarily with Hindi cinema. With a career spanning more than three decades and over 150 film appearances, he is regarded as one of the most prolific actors in India. He is the recipient of two National Film Awards, multiple Filmfare Awards, and was conferred the Padma Shri in 2009.
Popularly nicknamed "Khiladi Kumar" after the success of the Khiladi film series, he rose to prominence in the 1990s as an action hero known for performing high-risk stunts. Over the years, he successfully diversified into comedy, romance, drama, and socially themed cinema, building a reputation for versatility and commercial consistency.
Early life and education
Kumar was born in Delhi into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father served in the Indian Army before later working in civilian employment. He spent his childhood in Chandni Chowk before relocating to Mumbai.
He completed his schooling at Don Bosco High School, Matunga and briefly attended Guru Nanak Khalsa College. Driven by an interest in martial arts, he moved to Bangkok where he trained in Muay Thai and supported himself by working in the hospitality sector. Upon returning to India, he worked as a martial arts instructor before entering modelling and eventually films. He adopted the name Akshay Kumar inspired by a character in Aaj (1987).
Film career
Rise as an action star (1991–1999)
He made his debut with Saugandh (1991). Commercial success followed with Khiladi (1992), which established him as a bankable action hero. Throughout the decade, he appeared in successful films such as Mohra (1994), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996). His role in Yeh Dillagi (1994) showcased his range beyond action.
Transition to comedy and mainstream success (2000–2011)
The comedy Hera Pheri (2000) marked a major turning point, redefining his screen persona. He won accolades for his performances in Ajnabee (2001) and Garam Masala (2005). The year 2007 proved particularly successful, with box-office hits including Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Welcome.
Focus on socially driven cinema (2012–2021)
From 2012 onward, Kumar increasingly appeared in films with social or patriotic themes. Notable titles include OMG – Oh My God! (2012), Special 26 (2013), Baby (2015), and Rustom (2016), for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor. He continued this trend with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) and Pad Man (2018). In 2019, he delivered commercially successful films such as Mission Mangal and Good Newwz.
Recent years (2022–present)
In the post-pandemic period, he experienced mixed commercial outcomes, with projects including Samrat Prithviraj (2022) and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024). However, films such as OMG 2 (2023) maintained his presence at the box office.
Television and other ventures
Kumar has also appeared as a host on reality television programs including Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and MasterChef India. Beyond cinema, he has been featured among the highest-paid actors globally by Forbes on multiple occasions.
Philanthropy
He has contributed to various social causes, including support for the Bharat Ke Veer initiative and donations to the PM CARES Fund during the COVID-19 crisis. He has also supported initiatives related to armed forces welfare and social reform.
Personal life
Akshay Kumar married actress Twinkle Khanna in 2001, and the couple has two children. Known for maintaining a disciplined routine, he is widely recognized for his commitment to fitness and early-morning work schedule.
He held Canadian citizenship between 2011 and 2023 before regaining Indian citizenship.
See also
List of awards and nominations received by Akshay Kumar
External links
[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0474774/
Akshay Kumar on IMDb]
[https://www.instagram.com/akshaykumar/
Akshay Kumar on Instagram]