Nothing is handed to my kids on a platter: Akshay Kumar

Nothing is handed to my kids on a platter, they have to earn it: Akshay Kumar

• Medha Shri Dahiya, Hindustan Times, New Delhi|
• Updated: Jun 18, 2016 19:30 IST

Actor Akshay Kumar is one of the most successful actors in the country today. His name appeared above the likes of Hollywood actor Johnny Depp in the Forbes' list of the highest paid actors in the world, last year. At the same time, he is also one of the most grounded actors, who finds it "embarrassing" to talk about his achievements. "Living with gratitude" is a way of life for the 48-year-old. As a father, he wants it the same way for his kids - Aarav (13-year-old son) and Nitara ( 3-year-old daughter). And his kids are as grounded as the actor himself.

"Whatever they get, they have to earn it. I want them to be responsible human beings who are also full of gratitude for what they have. Kuch khairat mei nahi milta, whatever they get is achieved by them... they need to understand that luxuries are a result of achievements and hard work," shares the Padma Shri-awardee, before leaving for his family vacation to Europe.

Actor Akshay Kumar with his son Aarav Bhatia and wife Twinkle Khanna. (Yogen Shah/ HT Photo)

And he illustrates it by saying, "So, we decided to go on a family holiday and Aarav would travel business class. He is getting to travel business class because he worked hard to get his first degree black belt (in kudo). If he hadn't got it, he would have travelled economy. He has travelled economy on many occasions without cribbing because he understands that he needs to earn it , nothing is handed to him on a platter."

For Nitara also, he wants her to be the same way, and adds that she would learn self-defence because "she needs to be independent. As a father I would want to be there with her at all times, but I know that's not possible."

However, the doting dad isn't a pushy father. "My kids are as kids should be. They play, have fun, and just be... I don't push them, I try to motivate them. One needs to give kids the space to grow, and I do that. But instilling right values is important, that's what my parents did, and that's how I want it for my kids. They value what they have Everyone should be thankful for the many blessings they have," he says, attributing the responsible upbringing to his wife. "My wife (Twinkle Khanna) is the one who has brought them up so well... mera toh kuch nahi hai (smiles).. in fact, after our marriage, she has brought me also up really well." His son also gives an account of the pocket money he gets, whatever he spends and wherever he spends. And like his father, Aarav, too, wants to learn cooking and for that he has been watching a lot of cookery shows.

And on the occasion of Father's Day today, he says, "Before my son turns into a man, I still get to hold him like the treasured angel he'll always be! But he will grow, he'll spread his wings, he'll push me away, but my arms will always be there, ready to catch him, protect him, and squeeze him whenever he lets me... To all the fathers out there, hug your kids for as long as you can, because it's your grip that makes them so strong to stand there and face it all."