Akki would rather purr than roar

Nov 24, 2012 - Joginder Tuteja

Just like his recent hits Rowdy Rathore and Housefull 2, Akshay Kumar makes no bones about the fact that his next release Khiladi 786 is a film that caters to the masses. While Akki managed to please the audience as well as the critics with his performance in OMG: Oh My God, he says commercial cinema will continue to be his focus, and one OMG is enough “artistic drama” in a year for him. Excerpts from a chat:

In Khiladi 786, you are kicking jeeps and making people fly! Is this what excites you most even after being in the industry for over 20 years?
Absolutely! In case you hadn’t noticed, “commercial cinema” tends to be for the masses. That’s why it’s called “commercial”. I enjoy it, is that’s not enough? Or would you rather prefer that I come to work with a miserable frame of mind and make potential award winning films that are there just to please the odd Prada-wearing prude who are sitting on a judging panel?

Well, your OMG has been judged well, while also raking in moolah...
Thank you; it indeed was a wonderful family-oriented, spiritual film. However, that’s enough artistic drama for me this year. Be happy that I am entertaining the masses. The world strives for laughter and entertainment so why would I deprive them of that when I am more than happy to provide it? Believe me, people will never tire of mass masala films.

Rowdy Rathore, Housefull 2 and OMG, all three releases have collected over 100 crores each globally. With 2012 turning out to be a phenomenal year for you, isn’t it a reason to give out a loud roar?
I don’t know about a loud roar as I am more of a humble purr kind of a guy [winks]. But yes, it has been a terrific year for both my work and home life. Forgive me for not roaring about it; it’s just that I celebrate my good days by always remembering the bad ones!

Well, good days are here indeed with Nitara in your family. Is Aarav turning out to be a father figure already for his little sister?
He is more excited about playing big brother than anything else. He is very protective about both his mother and his baby sister. In fact, every time the little one makes a noise, he goes running to her side. Not that we are complaining, but he can pacify his sister better than any of us (smiles).

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