'I have more releases than there are festivals in India' - Akshay Kuma

Unlike his contemporaries, who have one or two films a year, Akshay Kumar is one actor who has as good as four-five films releasing in a span of one year. He can be intriguing and funny both at the same time. If his intense roles entertain you, then his buffoonery will make you laugh! Ahead of the release of his film 'Brothers', the actor spares time for a quick chat with us. Read our EXCLUSIVE conversation with Akshay where he talks about his films, training for 'Brothers', prepping up for 'Housefull 3' and more. Read on...

Akshay you are known for action roles. But how tough was it to prepare yourself for this role?

I have done action all my life but it wasn't that difficult. The difficult part was to learn different forms of martial arts Jijitsu, Kapiyara, grappling as they were new to me. I am so happy that I got this role because of which I got a hang on it.

At the trailer launch you praised Sidharth for his dedication he put in for the film. Did he take inputs from you while he trained for the movie?

I am neither his teacher nor his father. I am his friend and I don't give him any advice. We just talk. There are so many things that we talk about. In fact, there are many things that I learnt from him. He also must have learnt something from me. I learn many things from my son. It is not that I am senior and only I have experience.

You have worked with Jacqueline in Housefull 2 and now in Brothers. How has she changed as an actor?

Lot of things. First of all hats off to her. She also just like Katrina Kaif didn't know Hindi but they had the passion to get into films and sustain themselves. There only they win the battle. Because to have that mindset that 'I will do it' and learn new language is a great deal. Then she learnt dancing. In 'Housefull' she just had one item number. Through that she bagged 'Housefull 2' and now she is doing 'Housefull 3'. She has so many other films and when there is any kind of dancing, she is the first one to learn. So I am very proud of them.

Akshay, while other actors like Salman, SRK or Aamir have booked a particular slot to arrive with their films, your films, whether they release on a holiday or a non-holiday, they have its own journey. What is your reaction to this?

To each his own. I have more releases than the festivals in India. So may be the reason. I don't take the call, my distributors take the call. I would love for my film to come on a festive weekend. Because the business doubles. Let's be honest, the film earns more because of the festival.

You have Singh Is Bliing coming up next. Instead of the trailer you have decided to attach the song to the film. Any reason?

Well, Brothers is a big release and it has around 4000 prints going and it is just 2 months before 'Singh Is Bliing' releases. Also, SIB is exactly opposite of what is there in 'Brothers'. It has comedy, action and masala! It is great to be back to being Sardarji. I am doing this after two years of playing intense roles. I needed change and hence I did it.

Recently Priyanka Chopra said on a show that she has learnt punctuality from you and even Abhishek Bachchan said he has learnt time management from you. Do you think you are an inspiration to your juniors?

Thanks to both of them if they think of me in that way. This comes to me naturally. I don't know about the inspiration part. I remember, once in my life I got delayed for a flight by 10 minutes. And when I entered the flight, all the passengers were looking at me. Though they didn't say anything to me, I could see they were almost cursing me. Now I have made that my habit. I want to be the first person and not the last one.

House full 3 goes on floors soon. Does it make a difference to you now that Sajid Khan isn't making it but Sajid Farhad is directing it?

I am very excited for going crazy. That doesn't make a difference to me. We will go mad this time too in 'Housefull 3'.

Namaste England is in a controversy even before it has gone on floors. Your reaction?

There is no controversy. The film is very much with me and that's it.

There are reports that Sonakshi is romancing you in the movie. Any truth?

It is not decided yet.

You played matchmaker for Asin. Are you happy that they are finally tying the knot?

I am very happy for them. I can see Rahul has happy days awaiting him.