Akshay Kumar, who turns 57 today, continues to amaze his fans with his never-ending dedication and sheer hard work. Known for signing almost 5-6 movies every year and consistently delivering stellar performances, it's no wonder he's established an exceptional place for himself in Bollywood.
But the journey to becoming this powerhouse performer was far from smooth. From working as a waiter and martial arts instructor to landing his first movie debut Saugandh, Akshay Kumar is truly an inspiration to many aspiring actors.
His Early Life
Born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia in a middle-class Punjabi family, Akshay had little interest in academics from the start. After completing his 12th grade, he took up menial jobs to make ends meet. His life took a major turn when he moved to Bangkok, where he worked as a chef and waiter, learning martial arts on the side.
Upon returning to India, he put his newfound skills to use by teaching martial arts to students. But fate had bigger plans for him.
His First Break
While teaching martial arts, one of his students’ father turned out to be a model coordinator. This was the golden opportunity Akshay had been waiting for. He decided to start modeling and, incredibly, made more money in just two days of shooting than he had during his entire career up to that point.
Akshay's first on-screen appearance came in the movie Aaj (1987) under his birth name, Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, where he had a small role. But his real break came in 1991 when he met producer Pramod Chakravarthy, who cast him in Deedar as a lead actor.
Unstoppable Legacy
What truly sets Akshay Kumar apart isn't just his string of box office hits but his rock-solid discipline. Known for his 4 AM workouts and dedication to fitness, he's often cited as one of the most hardworking actors in Bollywood.
From his action-packed performances to delivering iconic comedy blockbusters like Hera Pheri and Housefull, and even stepping into socially impactful films, Akshay has rightfully earned his title as the "Khiladi" of Bollywood.
As Akshay Kumar turns 57, fans eagerly wait to see what’s next. True to form, he’ll continue to surprise and inspire with each project he takes on.
