Akshay Kumar, originally named Rajiv Om Bhatia, has become one of the most recognizable and beloved actors in Bollywood. Born on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, Punjab, and raised in Delhi, Akshay’s journey to stardom was neither planned nor predictable. Today, he is known as the ‘Khiladi Kumar’ of Hindi cinema, with a career spanning over three decades and countless blockbuster hits. However, his path to success was shaped by two major turning points that transformed his life forever.
The Early Days: From Martial Arts to Modelling
From a young age, Akshay Kumar showed a keen interest in martial arts. He started his training while still in school and later moved to Bangkok to further hone his skills in Taekwondo, earning a black belt. During his time in Bangkok, he worked as a waiter to support himself, earning just Rs 1500 per month. Upon returning to India, he began teaching martial arts, but fate had different plans for him.
One day, a student, who happened to be a photographer, suggested that Akshay try his hand at modeling. This advice turned out to be the first turning point in Akshay’s life. He decided to give it a shot, and soon after, he was introduced to a modeling agency. In a matter of days, he realized that he was earning more from modeling in two days than he would in a month as a martial arts instructor. This experience led him to change his name from Rajiv Om Bhatia to Akshay Kumar, marking the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
The Struggles of Breaking Into Bollywood
Armed with a new name and a budding modeling career, Akshay moved to Mumbai, the heart of Bollywood. However, breaking into films was not easy. His initial attempts at getting a role were met with disappointment. His first appearance was in a 1987 film called Aaj, where he played a small role as a Karate instructor, a mere 17-second appearance that did little to advance his career.
Despite his persistence, big roles seemed out of reach. But a twist of fate soon followed. Akshay was offered a modeling assignment that required him to travel to Bangalore. He was instructed to be ready by 6 o’clock. Misunderstanding the instructions, he thought the flight was scheduled for the evening. It wasn’t until 5:15 in the morning that he received a call asking where he was. Realizing his mistake, he quickly tried to reach the airport but missed his flight.
Devastated by this missed opportunity, Akshay spent the day in disappointment. His mother consoled him, reminding him that life often presents unexpected opportunities. Determined to make the most of the day, he decided to visit Natraj Studio, a place he had been frequenting in hopes of meeting someone who could give him a break in films.
The Moment That Changed Everything: A Missed Flight and a Big Break
At Natraj Studio, Akshay met Narendra, a makeup artist for Pramod Chakraborty, a well-known film producer. Narendra, noticing Akshay’s presence, asked him for a photograph and took it inside to show it to Chakraborty. To Akshay’s surprise, within 15 minutes, he was called in to meet the producer. Pramod Chakraborty liked what he saw and decided to cast Akshay as the lead in his next film, Deedar.
In a stroke of serendipity, Akshay was handed a cheque for Rs 5,000 as an advance for the role, precisely at 6 o’clock in the evening—the same time he would have been on a flight to Bangalore had he not missed it. Reflecting on this twist of fate, Akshay often says, “If I had taken that flight at 6 in the morning, I would not have gotten this film at 6 in the evening.”
The Rise to Stardom: From ‘Deedar’ to ‘Khiladi’ Kumar
Deedar may not have been a huge hit, but it opened doors for Akshay Kumar. He soon gained popularity with the release of his Khiladi series of movies, which cemented his place in Bollywood as an action hero. His versatility, hard work, and dedication have since made him one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
Akshay Kumar’s journey from a martial arts instructor in Bangkok to one of the most successful actors in Bollywood is a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and how one must embrace every opportunity. With his strong work ethic, he continues to entertain millions around the world, proving that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
