I allowed Joker to speak for itself: Akshay

I allowed Joker to speak for itself

Akshay Kumar argues that his absence wouldnt have mattered if Shirish Kunders project was meant to be a blockbuster

Mehul S Thakkar mehul.thakkar@timesgroup.com

It was perhaps for the first time in his career spanning two decades that Akshay Kumar chose to dissociate from his film.That too,when the venture,Joker was his co-production.Amidst reports of a rift between the makers and the actor,Akshay chose to stay mum.But when the films failure at the box office was attributed to the heros absence from all promotional activity,he chose to break his silence.To Mirror,Akshay said,I think the heros presence during promotions makes a difference only to the Friday opening.And perhaps,a part of Saturday.But after that,its the word of mouth that counts.
Choosing to be diplomatic in his stance,Akshay attributed a films success or failure solely to the audience.After a film releases,its success no longer stays in the hands of the actors or the makers.Whether you put 30,25 or 5 days into the promotional activities,the audience takes the films fate out of your hands.I remember vividly,not so long ago,I had gone all out for the promotions of a film.I spent time away from family,not to mention losing sleep and putting my other schedules on hold.But the audience had already made up their mind, said he.
And having seen the ups and downs in his career,Akshay now knows when to push and when to let go of his projects.This time,I let the film speak for itself,thats all.I believe,if it was destined to be a blockbuster,it would have been.Regardless of my actions, the actor justified.
The trade circuit,however,isnt too sympathetic to his reasons.Mirror told you how the distributors,having lost a lot of money over Joker,expected the lead actor and co-producer to reimburse them.According to insiders,Akshay who perhaps had a fair idea of the films fate at the box office,asked UTV not to sell the film at such a high price.However,the producers still went along and sold it at a premium that an Akshay Kumar feature demands and there was nothing that the actor could do.
Unlike his last venture,for his upcoming co-production (he is part owner of Grazing Goat,the production house) OMG Oh My God,Akshay is rather excited.I didnt hear any script.I saw the play and enjoyed it.And also learnt a lesson.I was always a God fearing man.After watching the play,I became a God loving man.I stopped believing in pay and pray.Now I can sit anywhere and pray.That way,I get more time with God, the actor told us.
Another thing Akshay has rarely spoken about is his relationship with his father-in-law,late Rajesh Khanna.You will never really hear me talking about the relationships I share,especially with my family.Remember,though I was his son-inlaw,I was a struggling actor then.I did not want anybody to think that I was trying to reap success off my father-in-laws stardom.We kept our respect and admiration for each other very personal and quiet.And that is exactly how it should have been.People may be seeing our relationship now,that doesnt mean it wasnt there before, he told us.
Interestingly,Akshays journey to stardom has not changed the things he loves.For instance,despite having a garage full of cars most men would kill for,the actor prefers to ride pillion on his bodyguards bike while going to a film set.And he attributes his grounded nature to his mother.Only moms know how to help their boys grow up to be real loved men, claimed the actor and added,Ive never been comfortable flashing my success.On screen I may portray a lot of things,but off it,I am still the kid I was in school.I like to play in the garden and roam around on my bike.

How conveniently akshay and sona-chi disassociated themselves with this project like it never happened, I am sure Rowdy Rathore was no classic, it worked so they go all praises for it but just because joker didn't it does not mean they come up with stuff like this.

He liked the script, didn't he, so it was mutual!