Акшай Кумар (Akshay Kumar)

By Joginder Tuteja, July 21, 2010 - 15:13 IST

It is always a fun exercise to have Akshay talk at length when it comes to matters related to his movies. Reason being that you don't expect diplomatic and ready to serve answers that are so predictable that you can almost see them coming even before you are through with your question mark. The man too is enjoying this phase where quotable quotes have become the order of the day. In an exclusive two part conversation, Akshay Kumar gets talking to Joginder Tuteja on his latest outing with Priyadarshan, comparisons with men like Amol Palekar and Farooq Sheikh who excelled in roles that were written for 'a common man', his current leading lady Trisha and his 'most wanted on screen pairing' with Katrina Kaif.

The film is titled Khatta Meetha. What's the relevance of this title here?
It's a very sweet and sour movie!! What more can I say apart from - you will feel just about every emotion there is in this film - Guaranteed!

Akshay Kumar as a common man - Now that's quite a journey from being a Hollywood stunt director (Kambakkht Ishq) to a 'kadka' (De Dana Dan) to a 'panauti'(Housefull). Isn't it?
I know, but it helps being a chameleon in this industry (winks). Which is why I love what I do; it's impossible for me to be bored in life. I am lucky, everyday is different and every movie has some new diverse challenge. Each director tries so hard to be different from the next as does every actor. I have to be versatile. I can't release these many movies and still be 'me' in front of the camera. I have to distance my characters roles.
It helps being a chameleon in this industry

But really, when Priyadarshan told you to wear those white shirts, brown trousers and leather slippers, wasn't your first reaction that of horror? After all not many leading actors are expected to get into such attire.
I know but I have never been a fussy or a vain kind of guy. When I found out what I had to wear, I was thrilled. I love change (plus I was secretly looking forward to the comfort). I love to play and dress like a character rather than what's 'in' or 'expected' at the moment. Don't get me wrong; I love fashion but I'm here to makes movies, create stories, take people to a different world for a couple of hours and not just be cool enough for a portal highlight or a cover magazine all the time.

In fact the moment I saw the first look of the film, I felt that in 70s/80s, such roles would have been done by the likes of Amol Palekar or Farooq Sheikh. After all it was their breed of actors who excelled in such roles. You too are consciously stepping into the shoes of such 'simple men'?
Well in all honesty we are all 'simple men'. It's just opportunities that separate us. Every time when I know that I am not going to be seen in the public eye, I am wearing my track pants. If I am not pulling up at a red carpet event, I drive my little CRV. All men were born simple, either jobs or wives or reputations and society, that's what gets in the way of men being our lazy selves. The likes of Amol and Farooq were classics because every man connected with them. That's why James Bond is a fantasy but it is Mr Bean who will always be adored (smiles).
When I know that I am not going to be seen in the public eye, I am wearing my track pants

You have Trisha making her Bollywood debut opposite you in Khatta Meetha. What was it that made you give a go ahead for a newcomer in Hindi cinema? After all you could have had any leading lady working with you.
I trust Priyadarshan more than anyone I suppose. I had heard a lot about Trisha and that was enough to follow Priyanji blindly. Anyways like I said earlier, I love change. Many a successful heroine has debuted with me and I pride myself in that fact. It gives everyone that bit of extra courage then.

There is a perception that Trisha may well have a much smaller role in the film, just as was the case for Katrina Kaif in De Dana Dan. Do you wish to state the fact here?
All I can state is that I have nothing to do with the size of my co-stars' roles 'ever'. Anyways, with most Priyadarshan's movies, no one knows the script or what's going on (smiles). Even Urvashi (Sharma) who is playing my sister used to come up to me and ask me - 'What is going on? What happens next?' That's the thrill of working with Priyanji; no one knows!
With most Priyadarshan's movies, no one knows the script or what's going on

Talking about Priyan, your combination with him has fetched 100% success rate. By the look of the things, it pretty much seems to be the case of the trend continuing with Khatta Meetha too, right?
By God's grace, it is so far so good! I have always felt a sense of security when I work with Priyadarshan, not only because of his track record, but because he really is a movie genius. Not all movies are meant to be overtly successful; after all some of my favourite films have been my biggest flops sometimes. It's all down to fate at the end of the day, I know I work hard and that's all I can ask of myself.

By Joginder Tuteja, July 23, 2010 - 10:38 IST

Khatta Meetha releases today and Akshay Kumar is sounding as calm as he has ever been. No pre-release blues, no anxiety, no worried lines on face. Even as he battles mini controversies around his visit to RK Laxman, Priyadarshan's apparent displeasure around the film being totally sold as a comedy and detractors not quite giving him or his film Housefull the due credit of being one of the biggest successes of 2010 so far, Akshay is merrily smiling it all away. In the second part of an exclusive conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Akshay Kumar calmly comments on all the controversies surrounding him and how he is happy to leave them all behind and cherish a life which, in his own words, couldn't have been more beautiful.

Priyadarshan, in a recent interview, said that the film is more of a drama rather than a comedy. Is that a fact?
Absolutely. There is a lot of drama as this is no happy-go-lucky slapstick comedy. This film has more emotions than I have performed in a long time. Priyadarshan has made a wonderful movie and people from all walks of life will be able to appreciate it. Well, as long as they have a heart that is and a funny bone (smiles).
Not every film that Priyan or I do is a comedy

He also seemed to be upset about the fact that the film is being sold entirely as a comedy. Did you have a discussion with him around this?
It's very hard to make people understand that not every movie that either I do or Priyadarshan does has to be a comedy. He has every right to feel upset. This is his movie and he wants people to walk in knowing what they are going in for. Everyone knows that there is nothing more disappointing than paying to see a movie that doesn't fulfil you. When I want to see an action packed film, I expect to see some action and not come out crying without knowing. Believe me, Khatta Meetha is deep and funny and common and dramatic.

From the economics standpoint, there is a belief that Khatta Meetha has been made at a very reasonable budget and also sold at a price lesser than regular Akshay starrers. Also, because you are also the producer of the film, the film looks like a winner commercially. Do you wish to detail on the economics part here?
There was no need to make a high budget movie. It's about a common man and common everyday problems. It's not an Avatar or Blue kind of a film. We are not trying to change cinema with this one; we just want to tell a story and make you feel things that you haven't felt for a while. The economics of the film are simple. What we needed visually, we got and paid for. We sold it for what was right and the rest isn't written yet.

On a different note, even though Housefull turned out to be a good earner for all, not many have still been giving credit to the film for what it deserves. Isn't it disheartening?
Oh how I love your different notes (winks). To be honest, nothing is a shock to me anymore. It doesn't matter what you do or what you prove, it is never enough, so why fight the inevitable. I witnessed the rapture inside theatres all over Mumbai, London and Canada. I had proof enough of how much people enjoyed Housefull; that's all I need. And that's all Sajid Khan needed. People will never let you walk up the mountain of Bollywood without the impossible struggle. It's what we call human nature unfortunately and I'm incredibly used to it by now.
Life couldn't have been better

Of course one can guess so. After all there is this entire controversy around the RK Laxman visit as well. Really, that seems to be in a really bad taste, isn't it? After all it seemed like a harmless visit.
I really don't want to get into it. What was said was extremely distasteful. Yes, you are right, but I am not going to delve into it. I was officially invited to visit Mr RK Laxman by his wife and the Times Of India. Even they feel bad for the outcome of such an innocent visit. But as always I can't, in fact no one can stop people from saying or writing what they want. Also, it's not the first time that Twitter has been the cause of problems. All one can do is deal with it, and move on.

In such a situation, it was none other than Amitabh Bachchan who supported you. That must have been a humbling experience?
I know. You couldn't imagine how very touched and humbled I was. I was actually shooting in Manali at that time and wasn't really in touch with the world. I had to be told about the situation. Still, for Mr. Bachchan to stand his ground and support our fraternity yet again is just inspiring. I have said this for years that our entire industry actors/media/reporters/producers - everyone would be so much better off if we all had a touch of Mr Bachchan's dignity. He is one of India's greatest role models and no one can deny that fact.

Finally, is life beautiful for Akshay Kumar?
Life couldn't have been better (smiles). I just had a wonderful month long holiday with my wife Tina and my son Aarav with our good friends from New York. I have one of my favourite movies releasing today, my son was just awarded his green belt in karate, me and my wife have just opened our office together in the very building we live in, and I've just wrapped Action Replayy. I am a very happy man right now.