Creating history with Snoop Dogg!

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Posted: 17 years ago

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Creating history with Snoop Dogg!

Akshay Kumar shared the stage with international rapper Snoop Dogg, in his upcoming film, Singh Is Kinng. Here are some exclusive pictures of them shooting for the film's title track in Chicago last week.

Akshay, who is still in Chicago, will travel to Toronto, Canada, for the Bachchans' Unforgettable tour, which starts on July 18.

In a telephonic interview, Akshay said that his collaboration with Snoop Dogg "is a history-making initiative, as I wanted to do something different by combining hip hop with traditional Indian bhangra. Together, we had a lot of fun and created history."

Singh is Kinng, which opens worldwide on August 8, sees Akshay playing a Robin Hood-like Sardar from Punjab.

'Snoop said he would be honoured to look and dress like me'

I am glad I will be presenting my fans, not only Indians but also mainstream, something very unique through the universal language of music. Music is something that has no boundaries and connects all races of all ages and in a very melodious way," Akshay said.

Asked how would the audience react to two Sardars in Singh Is Kinng and Askshay replied, "I can assure you that the audience would understand what I have done here. They certainly would not laugh it off. It is not easy to bring two cultures together through the language of music. We entertain our people and yes, my fans are in for a big surprise when the two kings come together. We are bound to create something unique, special and meaningful for our people."

By opting to dress like a Sardar, Snoop (real name Calvin Broadus) was following in Akshay's footsteps, who himself dresses like a Sardar throughout the movie.

"We are on the same path," responded Akshay. "We have similar backgrounds. Both of us have worked very hard. We were underdogs but fought like true warriors. We both believed in ourselves and are now enjoying the ride. And we both have added masala for our fans," he said.

I have never seen anything as exciting and electric like this before'

Ajay Virmani, President of Toronto-based Cargojet and Akshay's close friend and host in Canada (Akshay calls Virmani 'father') was in Chicago too to watch the shooting.

"I have never seen anything as exciting and electric like this before," he said. "Akshay and Snoop have made history and this will be one of the most memorable and exciting moments for Indian cinema. The fans are in for a huge treat when Singh is Kinng opens on August 8."

But why Snoop Dogg? "Basically the idea of Snoop Dogg and me collaborating came when I was thinking how about how to present the theme of Singh is Kinng to my fans," explained Akshay.

It was then that the Akshay thought of the rapper. "Who better to have with me presenting this than the king of hip hop himself," he said. "Snoop is certainly not just the king of hip hop but also a real king in the way his fans react to him."

The actor said the rapper's positive actions and attitude are in fact what Askshay's character portrays in <>Singh is Kinng.

"Snoop is very fond of Indian traditions, including outfits etc. He is very respectful of all religions and cultures. Snoop even loved our tandoori chicken, maki di roti and sarson ka saag. I loved fried chicken which Snoop and his uncle made for me," Akshay recalled.

'I will always love and cherish every moment of Singh is Kinng'

As for all the attention that Singh is Kinng is receiving, Akshay said, "I am very fortunate. There is all this hype about my movie. I am enjoying the ride. It's not everyday that one gets to enjoy this kind of attention. We have worked very hard to make Singh is Kinng finally happen. I enjoyed every minute making this film with my great team."

But Akshay is also realistic. "If, for some reason, my movie doesn't work, I will have no regrets. I will always love and cherish every moment of Singh is Kinng."

So, is there a message in this movie? "Through this title Singh is Kinng, I am not saying that I am the king. What I am saying is if you stand up for what you believe in, if you follow your heart, if you have a positive attitude, then anyone can be a king. You can become a king through positive actions and that's what my movie represents."