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I am used to rewards and not awards: Akshay Kumar
An amused Akshay Kumar says his latest film has made an actor out of a hero. But his heart still beats for the fan dancing in the isle
After 24 years in the industry and more than 125 titles on his filmography, Akshay Kumar finds himself in a curious position. This is probably the first time his 'acting chops' have been recognised and it is not without reasons that the actor himself tags Special 26 as the best film of his career.
Not surprisingly, Akshay says he is not used to such adulation: "I am accustomed to commercial success but not critical acclaim — I am used to rewards and not awards. I am getting recognition, and that too from critics who had never written one good word about any of my performances till this film happened. This film has given me a chance to rediscover myself as an actor."
So, why did a 'commercial hero' take up such a different project, after initially refusing it? "At first, I did not understand the film. If you have seen the film, you will know what I am talking about—it has so many twists and turns. It is when the director came back and explained the subject that I understood the prospects of the project and I was shocked when I thought that I had actually refused such an offer," admits Akshay.
However, the actor refuses to consider the film as a risky project. "For me, it was an opportunity to learn. Previously, whenever I had asked Anupam Kher and Paresh Rawal about their intermittent theatre stints, they would tell me that the process helps them reinvent themselves," elaborates Akshay, likening his latest with the theatrical process.
But before we jump to conclusions, Akshay points out that he doesn't see himself doing only such intense roles. "Special 26 required a restrained performance. But, every film cannot be like this. Certain films require over-the-top acting and those films have a mass appeal. I want to bring in a balance in the characters I choose from now on."
The film has also brought out a different facet of the star. A video of him singing a version of Mujhme hai tu has grabbed eyeballs online. Apparently the actor put in a lot of heart into the romantic number, which he has dedicated to his wife. But he also ensured the director didn't put his version in the film.
"The original singer's voice is much better. I am a non-singer. I know my limitations." As for the sequel to the Neeraj Pandey film, Akshay shrugs it off. "It's too early," he says.
We'll take his word for it.
After 24 years in the industry and more than 125 titles on his filmography, Akshay Kumar finds himself in a curious position. This is probably the first time his 'acting chops' have been recognised and it is not without reasons that the actor himself tags Special 26 as the best film of his career.
Not surprisingly, Akshay says he is not used to such adulation: "I am accustomed to commercial success but not critical acclaim — I am used to rewards and not awards. I am getting recognition, and that too from critics who had never written one good word about any of my performances till this film happened. This film has given me a chance to rediscover myself as an actor."
So, why did a 'commercial hero' take up such a different project, after initially refusing it? "At first, I did not understand the film. If you have seen the film, you will know what I am talking about—it has so many twists and turns. It is when the director came back and explained the subject that I understood the prospects of the project and I was shocked when I thought that I had actually refused such an offer," admits Akshay.
However, the actor refuses to consider the film as a risky project. "For me, it was an opportunity to learn. Previously, whenever I had asked Anupam Kher and Paresh Rawal about their intermittent theatre stints, they would tell me that the process helps them reinvent themselves," elaborates Akshay, likening his latest with the theatrical process.
But before we jump to conclusions, Akshay points out that he doesn't see himself doing only such intense roles. "Special 26 required a restrained performance. But, every film cannot be like this. Certain films require over-the-top acting and those films have a mass appeal. I want to bring in a balance in the characters I choose from now on."
The film has also brought out a different facet of the star. A video of him singing a version of Mujhme hai tu has grabbed eyeballs online. Apparently the actor put in a lot of heart into the romantic number, which he has dedicated to his wife. But he also ensured the director didn't put his version in the film.
"The original singer's voice is much better. I am a non-singer. I know my limitations." As for the sequel to the Neeraj Pandey film, Akshay shrugs it off. "It's too early," he says.
We'll take his word for it.
Jhanak
3