May 15, 2026 11:40am IST
Akshay Kumar Says ‘For Me Every Stunt Is a Lot More’ as He Reflects on His Career Firsts (EXCLUSIVE)
Few stars in Hindi cinema have built a career quite like Akshay Kumar. Across more than three decades, the actor has balanced action, comedy, drama and social entertainers while maintaining one of the busiest schedules in the industry. But long before the blockbuster success and action hero image became synonymous with his name, there were a series of firsts that quietly shaped his journey.
Speaking to Variety India, Akshay Kumar reflects on the milestones that stayed with him, from dangerous stunts and early friendships to discipline becoming the foundation of his career.
Known for pushing physical limits on screen, he admits that stunts have never stopped feeling risky. “I have performed many stunts and even (for) a smaller stunt I think there was a lot more. So you know I have to be very careful when I do my stunts. For me, every stunt is a lot more.”
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The actor, who built his early image around action films in the 1990s, says that one of his first major purchases after finding success was deeply personal. Akshay Kumar says, “My flat.”
The actor also reveals that his relationship with scripts has always been unconventional. Unlike many actors who spend nights reading bound screenplays, he prefers hearing stories narrated aloud. “Well, I have always not read my script. I always actually hope somebody reads it for me. And I always love to hear the script till the interval and the next day again from the interval. I just want to see whether I remember it or not," he says.
When it comes to honest feedback, the actor keeps his circle small. He answers, “My niece," when asked whom he trusts for honest feedback.
Looking back at one of his earliest industry friendships, he names Saif Ali Khan as the first co-star he truly bonded with during his early years in the industry.
Music, meanwhile, remains a major part of Akshay Kumar’s filmography. Ask him about the first song of his that became a nationwide craze, andhe points to “Vada Raha Sanam,” the popular track from the 1992 film “Khiladi.”
Despite decades of success, the one principle that continues to define his life and career is discipline. “It’s not a secret, but I would say the most important thing for me is discipline.”
The actor ends the conversation with a message rooted in faith and optimism, values he has often spoken about publicly throughout his career. His mantra: “Believing in God is living life with confidence.”
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