Where the glamour and glitz of an industry seem to reign supreme, along with ever-changing trends, very few actors have been able to etch out a legacy as powerful and varied as Akshay Kumar. Born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, Punjab, Akshay Kumar is now a name synonymous over the decades, not just respected for his acting abilities but also for his work ethic, discipline, and bold decisions. As the actor turns 58 in 2025, the actor is set to launch his 200th movie, a giant milestone in Indian cinema, according to reports.
From Martial Arts Teacher to Movie Star
Prior to the glamour of Bollywood, Akshay led a comparatively ordinary life. He studied at schools in Delhi and Mumbai before moving to Bangkok to study martial arts, supplementing his studies by working as a chef and waiter to earn his keep. It was there that he acquired his black belt in Taekwondo, a talent that would turn out to be an integral aspect of his movie image.
His foray into film was by default—after his return to India and doing modeling and background dancing, he got his first main role in "Saugandh" (1991). Even though it didn't do much, his acting work was noticed. Within a year, "Khiladi" (1992) emerged, making him an action hero and adopting a franchise name that would shadow him for decades.
The Khiladi Era and Stardom Consolidation
Through the 1990s, Akshay Kumar established himself as Bollywood's action hero. With success with Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Mohra, Sabse Bada Khiladi, and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, he revived the daredevilry that was once the macho image of Hindi cinema. Since he was an actual martial arts practitioner, he would frequently do his own stunts, and he drew praise and, at times, injury.
But Akshay was never satisfied to be typecast. With the start of the 2000s, he started exploring romance dramas (Dhadkan), comedies (Hera Pheri, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi), and even villainous roles (Ajnabee). The early 2000s also witnessed a career change from an action hero to a complete commercial actor with versatility.
Comedy, Drama, and Critical Acclaim
The Hera Pheri franchise ended up becoming a cultural phenomenon, with Akshay's role of Raju being one of his signature performances. His flawless comic timing paved the way for other hits such as Garam Masala, Phir Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Welcome.
But Akshay did not rest on his laurels. Movies such as Special 26, Airlift, and Baby demonstrated that he could tackle tough, serious performances with ease. These performances, mostly drawn from real-life stories, enabled him to create a niche of his own—entertaining films with patriotic and social themes.
The Nationalist Persona and Social Impact Films
In the decade of the 2010s, Akshay's role selections started to showcase a more serious commitment towards social causes and patriotism. Whether it was cleanliness in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, menstrual hygiene in Pad Man, or national security in Mission Mangal, his movies were now designed to spearhead conversations. Though some critics were in doubt about the subtle nationalism messaging in his work, audience reaction was encouraging, making many of these films box office successes.
It's this capability to combine entertainment and awareness that is making Akshay stand out in modern Bollywood. He doesn't hesitate to risk it, be it producing unconventional films or supporting material others might be loathe to handle.
A Relentless Work Ethic
One of Akshay Kumar's most desired qualities is his discipline. His early mornings, healthy habits, and non-association with late-night bashes make him an outcast among the Bollywood crowd. Not like other stars who feature in one or two movies a year, Akshay drops 3–4 films every year—a task that reflects his commitment and time management.
At 58, he still has no signs of running out of steam. Far from it, according to reports, he's ready to announce his 200th film on his birthday this year—a remarkable feat in an industry where careers tend to fizzle out quickly.
Beyond the Camera: Philanthropy and Business
Akshay Kumar is not only an actor, but he's also a producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He has donated generously to Indian soldier causes, disaster relief efforts, and COVID-19 initiatives. His charitable efforts during national emergencies have gone largely unnoticed since he likes to keep his charity efforts in the background.
He also owns Hari Om Entertainment, a production company of his own that has produced a number of successful movies. Furthermore, he's engaged in numerous fitness enterprises and endorsements, ensuring him one of the top-paid actors in the world, as identified by Forbes on several occasions.
Legacy and Looking Ahead
As Akshay Kumar embarks on this new stage of his life and career, he does so with a legacy that is unmatched. His own journey—going from martial arts instructor to being among Bollywood's most lucrative stars—is one of determination, resilience, and foresight. Whether or not he has been criticized for the rate at which he releases films or the quality of some of his film choices, his influence on the Indian film industry is beyond dispute.
Whether he is inducing laugh, tears, or introspection, Akshay Kumar is among the most consistent, dependable, and versatile actors of Indian cinema. And if his reported 200th film is anything to go by, the Khiladi of Bollywood has just begun.
Happy Birthday, Akshay Kumar! To many more action sequences, many more laughs, and many more milestone films.
Image Credit: Pinterest
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