Akshay Kumar at Wimbledon

Besides following up on the football World cup, Akshay Kumar is in London currently watching the action at Wimbledon. He strolled into centre court over the week-end to catch up on a tennis duel between Andy Roddick and Andy Murray which was eventually won by the latter. Soaking the traditional strawberries and cream atmosphere, Akshay was quizzed by anchor Nikki Bedi for a Radio show on BBC.

This was the first time a Bollywood actor was seen and interviewed live from London according to Kuljinder Singh Editor, The Nikki Bedi Show on BBC Asia Network. It was a light hearted chat held at the side of the court, and Akshay was at his witty best speaking about Wimbledon and Bollywood. "The atmosphere and the weather out here is absolutely great bright and sunny. A welcome respite from the rains in Mumbai, Just perfect for an absorbing match", said Akshay.

Akshay was also welcomed with strawberries and champagne, the traditional fare at Wimbledon. Even though Akshay is tea-totaller, he made an exception and drank champagne as a mark of celebration of the event.

And Akshay should be celebrating since UK also seems to be his new playground at the box office. He has been taking immeasurable strides in the overseas market with UK being in the forefront. In fact all his films right from MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, WAQT, GARAM MASALA, BEWAAFA, DOSTI, HUMKO DEWAANA KAR GAYE, PHIR HERA PHERI has been in the UK top 10.

He has steadily taken over the mantle of the overseas king from the Khans. The trade is also unanimous that Akshay is the most dependable at the box office despite not working with the biggest banners. He has achieved everything on his own steam. His latest release PHIR HERA PHERI is a super duper hit along with FANAA, and KRRISH. Infact besides Hrithik, he is the only superstar who can take on the 'Khan' hegemony at the box office it seems.

Not surprising still he has signed a 21 crore deal with Reliance wherein he can select the script and the directors of his choice, a la Tom Cruise in Hollywood. Even the endorsement stakes are getting higher for this new Superstar. And adding credence to his ascendancy is the fact that soon after the success of PHIR HERA PHERI his next release JAANEMAN has been getting record breaking offers for the various territories even when compared to the years' biggest releases with biggest banners and star cast. The trade acknowledges him as the superstar at the box office single-handedly.

And with Vipul Shah's NAMASTE LONDON, Anees Bazmee's WELCOME, and Ritupurno's RAHGEER up his sleeves it's just getting bigger and better...

In UK territory, his movies did a remarkable trade. Let's have a look year 2005...

WAQT - 887K
DOSTI - 707K
GARAM MASALA - 600K
BEWAFA - 516 K
DHP - 206K
TOTAL - 3 MN

A comparison of Akshay's films with the other Bollywood biggies in UK.

Compared to SRK - 542
AAMIR - 627
SALMAN - 1.5 MN
SAIF - 1.25 MN