‘I NEVER WANTED A STEREOTYPICAL STAR’S LIFE’

Actor Akshay Kumar says that his idea of true happiness is spending time with the family, and that his stardom means helping others

He has been at the top of his game for over 25 years now. But actor Akshay Kumar simply refuses to slow down even as he skilfully balances his stardom, a steady stream of films, and family life. “I’m a simple person, so I get a kick out of playing Ludo with my family before [going to] bed,” he says, chatting about life, career, and more. Is the current phase your most blissful one, personally as well as professionally? It’s blissful in the sense that when you do good, you can’t help but feel a little good. The past few years have been full of projects that have been really close to my heart. It makes me want to do more. There are so many stories that need to be told, events that have been forgotten and memories that are lost. You recently said that you’d never have a biopic or book on your life. But your life story can inspire many youngsters... My true fans already know my life story. Those who want to take inspiration from me already have and are changing for the better.

I feel my fans know me better than I know myself. After all, I give so many interviews wherein I’m asked to talk about my life — about my childhood, upbringing, school, parents, marriage, kids, martial arts, medals, films, holidays and my other achievements — more than 50 times a year. Would you say that your life is like an open book? There’s nothing left to talk about. My rags-to- riches story is well known. And as for biopics, they should be epic in nature, which my life isn’t. My life is truly blessed. I’m not here to teach, preach or show others how lucky I was. I don’t like to make a fuss. Be it sleeping or waking up early, or not attending filmi parties, your life as a film star is very different... I just wanted to be an actor, and never live a stereotypical star’s life. I’m a simple person, so I get a kick out of playing Ludo with my family before [going to] bed. To me, that’s happiness. Putting designer clothes on after shooting all day, standing at a bar wanting to order apple and spinach juice but only being offered alcohol is my version of social hell. For you, what’s the best thing about being a star? Hands down, it’ll always be the opportunities I can give to others. The harder I work, the more I can help and the more I do that, the more fulfilled I am with my job. It was people who made me a star, so I just make people smile and I feel I have been blessed for the same. You never miss a chance to go for vacations with your family. How do you manage it, with your work schedule? It’s all about priorities. My life is worth nothing without my family’s happiness. Just because I choose a hectic schedule doesn’t mean they should suffer even one bit. I take them everywhere they want to go. No matter how many projects I have, I always try and work around the school holidays [of my children, Aarav and Nitara].

PHOTO: HTBS/PRODIP GUHA