Akshay Kumar (born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia; 9 September 1967) is an Indian actor, film producer and television personality who works predominantly in Hindi cinema. With a career spanning over three decades and more than 100 films, he is one of the most prolific and commercially successful actors in Bollywood, particularly known for action films, comedies, and patriotic dramas.
Key Facts
| Birth name | Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 September 1967, Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Occupation | Actor, producer, television personality |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Spouse | Twinkle Khanna (m. 2001) |
| Children | Aarav, Nitara |
| Citizenship | Indian (renounced Canadian citizenship in 2023) |
| Production house | Cape of Good Films, Hari Om Entertainment |
| Notable honour | Padma Shri (2009); National Film Award for Best Actor (2017) |
Early life and background
Akshay Kumar was born in Amritsar to Hari Om Bhatia, a military officer, and Aruna Bhatia. The family later shifted to Delhi and subsequently to the Chandni Chowk area, before moving to Mumbai, where he grew up in the Koliwada neighbourhood. He trained in martial arts, including karate, and travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, to learn Muay Thai. On returning to India, he worked briefly as a chef and martial arts instructor in Mumbai before pursuing modelling, which eventually led him to films.
Career
Early career (1991–1999)
Kumar made his lead debut in Saugandh (1991), but achieved his breakthrough with the thriller Khiladi (1992), directed by Abbas-Mustan. The success of Khiladi led to a franchise of action films sharing the title, including Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), establishing him as the "Khiladi" of Hindi cinema. He also appeared in Mohra (1994) and Dhadkan (2000).
2000s
The 2000s saw Kumar diversifying into comedy with films such as Hera Pheri (2000) and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Garam Masala (2005), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Welcome (2007), and Singh Is Kinng (2008). He also starred in dramas such as Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) and Namastey London (2007).
2010s
Kumar continued with action and socially themed films, including Rowdy Rathore (2012), Special 26 (2013), Holiday (2014), Baby (2015), Airlift (2016), Rustom (2016), Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017), Pad Man (2018), and Mission Mangal (2019). He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Rustom at the 64th National Film Awards.
2020s
Recent works include Sooryavanshi (2021), part of Rohit Shetty's cop universe; the historical dramas Prithviraj (2022) and Samrat Prithviraj; Raksha Bandhan (2022); OMG 2 (2023); and Mission Raniganj (2023).
Production and television
Kumar founded the production company Hari Om Entertainment and later Cape of Good Films, which has produced films including Singh Is Kinng, OMG – Oh My God! (2012), and Pad Man. On television, he has hosted reality shows such as Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (multiple seasons) and the talk show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.
Personal life
Kumar married author and former actress Twinkle Khanna, daughter of actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, on 17 January 2001. The couple have two children, Aarav and Nitara. Born an Indian citizen, Kumar acquired Canadian citizenship during the 2010s but later renounced it and was issued an Indian passport in 2023.
Awards and honours
- Padma Shri (2009) – Government of India
- National Film Award for Best Actor (2017) for Rustom
- Multiple Filmfare nominations and IIFA, Screen, and Zee Cine Awards
Philanthropy
Kumar is associated with various charitable initiatives, including support for the families of fallen Indian soldiers through the Bharat Ke Veer initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He has also contributed to relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
Significance
Akshay Kumar is regarded as one of Hindi cinema's most bankable stars, known for maintaining a high output of films per year and a disciplined work routine. His shift in the 2010s towards films with social and patriotic themes—addressing topics such as menstrual hygiene, sanitation, and military operations—has been noted as a distinctive phase in commercial Bollywood.
Related topics
- Bollywood
- Hindi Cinema
- Twinkle Khanna
- National Film Award for Best Actor
- Padma Shri
- Khiladi (film series)
- Hera Pheri
- Cape of Good Films
References
- Wikidata entry: Q233748
- Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs – Padma Awards records
- Directorate of Film Festivals – National Film Awards records