Bollywood supremo Akshay Kumar, who is currently in cinemas in the comedy Khatta Meetha, took a break from filming in London last week to chat exclusively with www.BollywoodInLondon.com about the character he plays in the film and his plans for the future. And in that future, he plans to visit the UK as much as possible. Hurrah for us on this side of the world! Read on to get the lowdown on what our Akki has to say…
You play Sachin in your new release Khatta Meetha. Tell us about the film and your character.
Khatta Meetha is a political satire film that exposes the corruption involved in the Indian transport system. Despite being a comedy, it has also a strong social message that I hope people will take home with them when they watch the movie. About my role, I play a struggling road construction contractor called Sachin Tichkule, who doesn’t want to get involved in the whole corrupt system. To find out how he survives, if he does, you will have to go to the cinema!
Your comedy films have been very successful in the Box Office. What is your favourite genre to act in?
I’m a huge fan of all good movies… However, comedy is always a favourite with me because I feel that comedy is the best way to touch people’s lives. I spend all the day telling jokes… everybody can confirm that… As well as comedy, I also enjoy action films where I can perform my own stunts and push my physical boundaries.
In Khatta Meetha, Trisha Krishnan makes her debut onto Indian mainstream cinema from Tamil films. How was working with her?
First of all, I must mention that Trisha is a big star in South Indian films. Having said that, working with her was great as she was very right for her role in Khatta Meetha. She’s a very good and stable actress and I’m sure she will succeed in the Indian mainstream cinema.
Khatta Meetha is a political satire film that exposes the corruption involved in the Indian transport system. Despite being a comedy, it has also a strong social message that I hope people will take home with them when they watch the movie. About my role, I play a struggling road construction contractor called Sachin Tichkule, who doesn’t want to get involved in the whole corrupt system. To find out how he survives, if he does, you will have to go to the cinema!
Your comedy films have been very successful in the Box Office. What is your favourite genre to act in?
I’m a huge fan of all good movies… However, comedy is always a favourite with me because I feel that comedy is the best way to touch people’s lives. I spend all the day telling jokes… everybody can confirm that… As well as comedy, I also enjoy action films where I can perform my own stunts and push my physical boundaries.
In Khatta Meetha, Trisha Krishnan makes her debut onto Indian mainstream cinema from Tamil films. How was working with her?
First of all, I must mention that Trisha is a big star in South Indian films. Having said that, working with her was great as she was very right for her role in Khatta Meetha. She’s a very good and stable actress and I’m sure she will succeed in the Indian mainstream cinema.
You seem to have a great equation with Priyadarshan. Why do you think he chose you for this film?
By God’s Grace so far so good hey!! I’ve always felt a sense of security when I work with Priyadarshan, not only because of his career, but because he really is a movie genius. Not all movies are meant to be, some of my favourites 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 God’s Grace so far so good hey!! I’ve always felt a sense of security when I work with Priyadarshan, not only because of his career, but because he really is a movie genius. Not all movies are meant to be, some of my favourites 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…
What attracted you to your role in Khatta Meetha?
To be honest, everything. First of all, as I just mentioned,I love working with Priyadarshan. When he narrated me Khatta Meetha on the sets of De Dana Dan I couldn’t wait to start filming it! This movie is not a full comedy as it’s also serious parts, which is probably why I love it… Also, I feel that this is my best comedy role yet… Hope you think the same after you watch it.
You have filmed a lot of your own stunts. Where do you find the courage to do the stunts?
I love and enjoy doing my own stunts and, to be honest, I could never make another man do something I wasn’t brave enough to do myself as I am paid to show people what a real action hero would do for his cinema. Also, I live to excel in my personal self. Pushing your body through hard or dangerous situations is probably the most self exhilarating feeling you can give yourself.
By the way, how do you feel about achieving such great success?
Well, you can’t imagine how hard I’ve worked to be where I am now… my fingers to the bone!! Especially not coming from a cinema background… But I’m extremely happy to be here now and to be able to be involved in so many great projects. I think that if a person work with complete honesty and sincerity, things will automatically turn out to be good.
Would you like to direct a film in the future?
I’m involved in acting and producing at the moment, but I’m not considering directing for now as I love performing in front of the camera. And so long as audiences also gain pleasure from watching me, I will continue to act.
Finally, how do you like filming in the UK?
I really love filming in the UK. Basically, every time I visit the UK is to shoot a new movie but I love to take vacations here whenever possible. I love the architecture, the people, everything about this country and you won’t find an Indian that doesn’t it! Hope to come back very soon!!
You have filmed a lot of your own stunts. Where do you find the courage to do the stunts?
I love and enjoy doing my own stunts and, to be honest, I could never make another man do something I wasn’t brave enough to do myself as I am paid to show people what a real action hero would do for his cinema. Also, I live to excel in my personal self. Pushing your body through hard or dangerous situations is probably the most self exhilarating feeling you can give yourself.
By the way, how do you feel about achieving such great success?
Well, you can’t imagine how hard I’ve worked to be where I am now… my fingers to the bone!! Especially not coming from a cinema background… But I’m extremely happy to be here now and to be able to be involved in so many great projects. I think that if a person work with complete honesty and sincerity, things will automatically turn out to be good.
Would you like to direct a film in the future?
I’m involved in acting and producing at the moment, but I’m not considering directing for now as I love performing in front of the camera. And so long as audiences also gain pleasure from watching me, I will continue to act.
Finally, how do you like filming in the UK?
I really love filming in the UK. Basically, every time I visit the UK is to shoot a new movie but I love to take vacations here whenever possible. I love the architecture, the people, everything about this country and you won’t find an Indian that doesn’t it! Hope to come back very soon!!
We hope to see you soon too darling! Let us know when you’re back and be sure to take some time to pop into BollywoodinLondon HQ for a cuppa!
Author: Divya Patel (on panel - http://bollywoodinlondon.com)
