Akshay Kumar, born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, Punjab, India, is a renowned Indian actor, film producer, and martial artist. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has appeared in over 150 films and has established himself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars. Known for his discipline, fitness, and dedication to his craft, Kumar has earned the moniker “Khiladi Kumar” due to his association with the “Khiladi” film series.
He is also known for his disciplined lifestyle, philanthropic activities, and patriotism. His journey from being a chef in Bangkok to becoming one of the highest-paid actors in the world is truly inspiring.
Akshay Kumar – Personal & Family Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia |
| Professional Name | Akshay Kumar |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Twinkle Khanna (m. 2001) |
| Children | Aarav Kumar (son), Nitara Kumar (daughter) |
| Debut Film | Saugandh (1991) |
| Number of Awards Won | Over 50, including 2 National Film Awards and 2 Filmfare Awards |
| Favorite Cuisine | Thai and Indian |
| Favorite Dish | Homemade Punjabi food |
| Hobbies | Martial arts, swimming, basketball, and kickboxing |
| Favorite Actors | Amitabh Bachchan, Jackie Chan |
| Favorite Actress | Sridevi |
| Favorite Destinations | Canada, Goa |
| Associated Brands | Thumbs Up, Honda Motorcycles, PolicyBazaar, Harpic, and others |
Early Life
Akshay Kumar was born to Hari Om Bhatia and Aruna Bhatia. He spent his early years in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk before moving to Mumbai, where he completed his schooling at Don Bosco School and later attended Guru Nanak Khalsa College. However, his passion lay elsewhere, leading him to drop out and pursue martial arts training. He travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, where he learned Muay Thai while working as a chef and waiter to support himself.
His passion for martial arts and fitness led him to become a stuntman in Bollywood before landing his first acting role.
Bollywood Career
Upon returning to Mumbai, Kumar began teaching martial arts. One of his students, impressed by his looks and physique, recommended him to pursue modelling, which eventually led to film offers. He made his acting debut with the film Saugandh in 1991, but it was the 1992 thriller Khiladi that marked his first major hit. This film was the beginning of a series of “Khiladi” movies, earning him the nickname “Khiladi Kumar.”
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Kumar established himself as a leading action hero with films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996). He showcased his versatility by taking on comedic roles in films such as Hera Pheri (2000) and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006), both of which were critically acclaimed and loved by audiences.
In the following years, Kumar continued to diversify his roles, appearing in dramas, thrillers, and socially relevant films. Notable performances include Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Special 26 (2013), Baby (2015), Airlift (2016), Rustom (2016), and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017). His portrayal of real-life characters in Pad Man (2018) and Kesari (2019) further cemented his reputation as a versatile actor.
Known for his discipline and work ethic, Akshay has consistently delivered multiple hits each year, making him one of the most commercially successful actors in Bollywood.
Personal Life
Akshay Kumar married Twinkle Khanna, daughter of actors Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, on January 17, 2001. The couple has two children: a son named Aarav, born in 2002, and a daughter named Nitara, born in 2012. Kumar is known for his disciplined lifestyle, often starting his day early and maintaining a rigorous fitness regimen.
Relationships and Controversies
Before his marriage, Kumar was linked to several actresses, including Raveena Tandon, Shilpa Shetty, and Priyanka Chopra. His rumored relationship with Priyanka Chopra during the early 2000s garnered significant media attention. However, post-marriage, he has maintained a relatively controversy-free personal life.
In 2009, Kumar faced a controversy during a fashion show when his wife unbuttoned his jeans on the ramp, leading to a police complaint for obscenity. He also faced criticism for his Canadian citizenship, with debates about his patriotism, especially given his roles in nationalist films.
Brand Endorsements
Over the years, Akshay Kumar has been the face of various brands across different sectors. Some of the notable brands he has endorsed include:
- Thumbs Up: A popular cola brand in India.
- Honda Motorcycles: Promoting their range of two-wheelers.
- PolicyBazaar: An online insurance aggregator.
- Harpic: A brand specializing in toilet
10 Lesser-Known Facts About Akshay Kumar
Let’s take a look at the lesser-known facts about Akshay Kumar.
- Martial Arts Expertise: Akshay holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo and has trained in Muay Thai in Bangkok.
- Early Struggles: Before entering Bollywood, he worked as a chef and waiter in Bangkok.
- Disciplined Lifestyle: He is known for his strict daily routine, waking up at 5 AM and having his last meal before sunset.
- Television Debut: Hosted the seven-part series “Seven Deadly Arts with Akshay Kumar” on National Geographic Channel in 2004.
- Stunt Performer: Known for performing his own stunts, earning him comparisons to Jackie Chan.
- Name Change: Changed his name from Rajiv Bhatia to Akshay Kumar before entering the film industry.
- Canadian Citizenship: Holds Canadian citizenship, which has been a topic of discussion in the media.
- Philanthropy: Actively involved in various charitable activities, including supporting education and health initiatives.
- Production Ventures: Owns the production company Hari Om Entertainment.
- Fitness Enthusiast: Engages in activities like basketball, swimming, and kickboxing to stay fit.
Akshay Kumar is not just a Bollywood superstar but an inspiration for aspiring actors and fitness enthusiasts. His journey from a small-town boy to an international icon showcases his determination, hard work, and never-give-up attitude. Whether it’s action, comedy, romance, or socially relevant cinema, he continues to dominate the industry with his versatility and dedication. His life off-screen, marked by discipline and philanthropy, makes him one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema today.
FAQs
Q. What is Akshay Kumar’s real name and why did he change it?
His real name is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia. He changed it to Akshay Kumar before entering Bollywood, inspired by a character from a movie.
Q. What was Akshay Kumar’s first paycheck?
His first paycheck was ₹1,500, which he earned while working as a chef and waiter in Bangkok.
Q. How many films has Akshay Kumar done in his career?
As of 2025, he has acted in over 150 films across different genres.
Q. What is Akshay Kumar’s daily routine?
He wakes up at 4:30 AM, follows a strict fitness schedule, avoids late-night parties, and sleeps by 9 PM.
Q. How did Akshay Kumar get his first Bollywood role?
After missing a flight for a modeling assignment, he visited a film studio, where he was offered a role in Deedar (1992) by director Pramod Chakravorty.
Q. Has Akshay Kumar ever directed a film?
No, but he has produced multiple films under his production company, Hari Om Entertainment.
Q. Which film made Akshay Kumar a superstar?
The 1992 thriller Khiladi was his breakthrough, establishing him as an action star.
Q. Which film earned Akshay Kumar his first National Award?
He won his first National Film Award for Rustom (2016).
Q. What was Akshay Kumar’s most challenging role?
His role in Kesari (2019), where he played Havildar Ishar Singh, was physically and emotionally demanding.
Q. Has Akshay Kumar ever acted in Hollywood?
No, but he has expressed interest in working on international projects in the future.
Q. Which is Akshay Kumar’s highest-grossing film?
As of 2025, Good Newwz (2019) and Housefull 4 (2019) are among his highest-grossing films.
Q. What are Akshay Kumar’s upcoming movies?
His upcoming films include Welcome 3, Hera Pheri 3, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Sky Force.
Q. What is Akshay Kumar’s net worth?
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around ₹2700 crore ($325 million).
Q. Does Akshay Kumar have a private jet?
Yes, he owns a private jet worth around ₹260 crore.
Q. What languages does Akshay Kumar speak?
He is fluent in Hindi, English, Punjabi, and Marathi.
Q. Is Akshay Kumar vegetarian or non-vegetarian?
He follows a strict vegetarian and organic diet for health reasons.
Q. What is Akshay Kumar’s biggest fear?
He has a fear of losing his fitness and discipline.
Q. Does Akshay Kumar own any sports teams?
Yes, he co-owns the Khalsa Warriors team in the World Kabaddi League.
Q. What is Akshay Kumar’s favorite holiday destination?
He frequently visits Canada and owns a house there.
Q. How does Akshay Kumar stay so fit at his age?
He practices yoga, martial arts, swimming, and follows a strict diet with no alcohol or late-night eating.
Q. Does Akshay Kumar donate to charity?
Yes, he donates generously to causes like education, soldiers’ families, and healthcare initiatives.
Q. Why was Akshay Kumar’s Canadian citizenship controversial?
Since he frequently played patriotic roles, people questioned his Canadian citizenship, leading him to state he would renounce it.
Q. Has Akshay Kumar ever been banned from Bollywood?
No, but he has faced criticism for controversial statements and brand endorsements.
Q. Did Akshay Kumar ever serve in the army?
No, but he is passionate about supporting Indian soldiers and veterans.
Q. What are Akshay Kumar’s contributions to COVID-19 relief?
He donated ₹25 crore to the PM-CARES Fund and helped provide essential medical supplies.
Q. Why does Akshay Kumar avoid award shows?
He believes audience appreciation is the real award and prefers focusing on his work.
Q. Has Akshay Kumar ever written a book?
No, but he has expressed interest in writing about fitness and discipline.
Q. What was Akshay Kumar’s first luxury purchase?
His first luxury purchase was a Rolex watch after his first big paycheck.
Q. Is Akshay Kumar active on social media?
Yes, he is highly active on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Q. Does Akshay Kumar hold any world records?
He holds the Guinness World Record for Most Selfies Taken in 3 Minutes (184 selfies) in 2023.
