Akshay Kumar: 30-Crore Hero Economizes

By Subhash K Jha

Since Akshay Kumar pays all his taxes diligently it is safe and secure to state that his market price is Rs 30 crores per movie. But he's also aware of the recession around him. When therefore his wife and child flew in to London to join him earlier this week, Akshay insisted on paying for their air tickets.

Says a source, "Producer Sajid Nadiadwala insisted it was a very small amount and part of the crew's travel expenses. But Akshay insisted. He won't burden his producer with extra expenditure at all, though he will charge his market price."

Confirming this price a producer says, "Akshay does charge Rs 30 crores. No doubt about it. But beyond that there are no extra costs at all. Akshay pays for the expenses that occur during shooting."

In fact our 30-crore hero who has just delivered another success Kambakkht Ishq decided to economize for the same producer when they reunited for another film Housefull in London this month.

Instead of putting up at the posh St James Hotel where Amitabh Bachchan and other A-listers from Bollywood stay when shooting in London, Akshay chose the posh but nevertheless far less expensive Hotel Cumberland although the producer insisted Akshay stay at the more expensive place.

Says Akshay, "No, I always prefer to stay with the rest of the unit. It always creates a feeling of unity among the crew. In fact my wife and son have just joined me in London. They're staying at Cumberland with me."

Apparently Akshay also paid Twinkle and Aarav's airfare from his own pocket, refusing to let his harried producer bear a bit more of the ever-mounting expenses.

Says Akshay, "Sajid is an old friend. And even if he wasn't I know exactly how difficult it is for a producer to keep the budget in check.

During all the years that I've been in the industry I've observed what a thankless task it is for producers to meet up the demands of the project and the people involved with the project."