arly life and background

Kumar was born in Amritsar, Punjab, India,[5] to Hari Om Bhatia and Aruna Bhatia in a
Punjabi family.[18][19] His father was an army officer.[20] From a young age, Kumar was very
interested in sports. His father too enjoyed wrestling. He lived and grew up in Delhi's
Chandni Chowk and later he moved to Bombay (present-day Mumbai) when his father left
Army to become an accountant with UNICEF.[21] Soon, his sister was born and the family
lived in Koliwada, a Punjabi dominated area of Central Bombay.[18]

He received his school education from Don Bosco High School, Matunga,[22] simultaneously
learning Karate. He enrolled in Guru Nanak Khalsa College for higher education, but
dropped out as he was not much interested in studies. He requested his father that he wanted
to learn martial arts further, and his father somehow saved money to send him to Thailand.
Kumar went to Bangkok to learn martial arts and lived in Thailand for five years learning
Thai Boxing.[18][23] Kumar also has a sister, Alka Bhatia.[24] When Kumar was a teenager, his
father asked him what he aspired to be. Kumar expressed his desire to become an actor. [25]

After having obtained a black belt in Taekwondo while in India,[26] he studied martial arts in
Bangkok, Thailand, where he learned Muay Thai and worked as a chef and waiter.[27] After
Thailand, Kumar went to work in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata) in a travel agency, in Dhaka
in a hotel and Delhi where he sold Kundan jewellery. Upon his return to Bombay, he
commenced the teaching of martial arts.[21]

During this time, the father of one of his students, himself a model co-ordinator,
recommended Kumar into modelling which ultimately led to a modelling assignment for a
furniture showroom. Kumar effectively made more money within the first two days of
shooting than in his entire month's salary, and therefore chose a modelling career path. He
worked as an assistant for photographer Jayesh Sheth for 18 months without payment to
shoot his first portfolio.[28][29] He also worked as a background dancer in various films.[30]
One morning, he missed his flight for an ad-shoot in Bangalore. Disappointed with himself,
he visited a film studio along with his portfolio. That evening, Kumar was signed for a lead
role by producer Pramod Chakravarthy for the movie Deedar.[31][32][33]

Film career
1991–99

See also: Khiladi (film series)

Kumar made his first appearance as the lead actor opposite Raakhee and Shantipriya in
Saugandh (1991). In the same year, he acted in Kishore Vyas-directed Dancer, which
received poor reviews.[34] The following year he starred in Abbas Mustan-directed suspense
thriller, Khiladi, widely considered his breakthrough role.[35][36] A review in The Indian
Express called the film "an engrossing thriller" and described Kumar as impressive in the
lead part, noting his physical appearance, strong screen presence, and commending him for
being "perfectly at ease".[37] His next release was the Raj Sippy-directed detective film Mr.
Bond, based on James Bond.[38] His last release of 1992 was Deedar. It failed to perform well
at the box office.[39]
In 1993, he acted in the Keshu Ramsay-directed bilingual film Ashaant alongside Dr.
Vishnuvardhan and Ashwini Bhave. All of his films released during 1993, including Dil Ki
Baazi, Kayda Kanoon, Waqt Hamara Hai and Sainik did not perform well commercially.[40]
In 1994, he appeared in 11 feature films.[41] He played a police inspector in two films: Sameer
Malkan's Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Rajiv Rai's Mohra, both among the highest-grossing
films of the year.[42] Further success came later that year when he starred in Yash Chopra-
produced romance Yeh Dillagi, opposite Kajol. One of the year's biggest mainstream
successes, both the film and his performance were received well by critics, with The Indian
Express describing him as "always dependable" and singling out his performance.[43] His
work in the film earned him his first nomination for Best Actor at the Filmfare Awards[44] and
Star Screen award.[40] During the same year, Kumar also had success with films like Suhaag
and the low-budget action film Elaan. All these achievements established Kumar as one of
the most successful actors of the year, according to Box Office India.[45]

Kumar proved to have success with what later became known as the Khiladi series. He
starred in the fourth and fifth action thriller films with Khiladi in the title: Sabse Bada Khiladi
(1995) and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), both directed by Umesh Mehra and released to
commercial success. He played a dual role in the former.[46] Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi co-starred
Rekha and Raveena Tandon.[47] During the film's shooting Kumar was injured, and went on
to receive treatment in United States.[48] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express wrote in a
year-end review, "It was Akshay Kumar in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi who packed the aisles, no
doubt about it... He shoved his hair back in a slick little ponytail, much like Steven Segal,
wore ankle-length great coats, wrestled with the fearsome Undertaker, and walked away with
the film."[49]

Kumar played a supporting role in Yash Chopra-directed romance, Dil To Pagal Hai (1997),
co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor, for which he received his
first nomination for the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.[50] In the same year, he
starred opposite Juhi Chawla in David Dhawan-directed comedy Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi, fifth
instalment of the Khiladi series. Unlike his previous films of the series, it failed
commercially.[51] Considerable success, however, came with another dual role in the romantic
action film Aflatoon. Critic Khalid Mohamed, while critical of the film, approved of Kumar's
effort: "Akshay Kumar comes to life. Given something even slightly different to do, he does
rise to the occasion."[52] His following releases failed commercial and this caused a setback to
his film career.[53] In 1999, Kumar played opposite Twinkle Khanna in International Khiladi.
The film turned out to be an average grosser at the box office.[54] He received critical acclaim
for his roles in the films Sangharsh and Jaanwar. Whilst the former did not make a profit at
the box office, the latter turned out to be a commercial success and marked his
comeback.[55][56][57]

2000–06

In 2000, Kumar starred in the Priyadarshan-directed comedy Hera Pheri alongside Paresh
Rawal and Sunil Shetty. The film which was a remake of Malayalam film Ramji Rao
Speaking,[58] became a commercial success[59] and proved to be a turning point in Kumar's
career.[60] Hindustan Times noted the film's "intense portrayal of the surreality of the human
condition".[61] He also starred in the Dharmesh Darshan-directed romantic drama Dhadkan
later that same year. The film performed moderately at the box office [59] but Kumar was
praised for his acting.[62][63] Rediff.com's review stated that he had proved that he is
"director's actor" and that "he has worked hard on his role is apparent." [64] That same year, he
performed some of his most dangerous stunts in Neeraj Vora-directed action thriller Khiladi
420, where he climbed a running plane, stood on top of the plane flying a thousand feet in the
air, and jumped from the plane onto a hot air balloon. In a later scene, he is also seen being
chased by a car, dodging bullets, jumping off buildings, and climbing walls. [65] His character
in the film had two names and his role received mixed reviews.[66] Sukanya Verma wrote
"Negative roles and Akshay Kumar don't go hand-in-hand. [...] Akshay is ridiculously over
the top and irritating to the core. However, he manages a decent performance as the sober and
suave Anand."[67] Padmaraj Nair of Screen, however, believed it was "the best performance
of his career".[68]

His first release in 2001 was Suneel Darshan-directed drama Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love.
Kumar was praised for his performance in the film. [69] Next, he played a negative role in the
Abbas Mustan-directed film Ajnabee.[70][71] While reviewing the film for Rediff.com, Sarita
Tanwar termed Kumar the "surprise package" of the film. She added that he was "in total
control as the bad guy."[72] The film won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Villain and
IIFA award 2002 for Performance in a Negative Role.[19][73][74]

Kumar on the set of Heyy Babyy, 2007.

His first release in 2002 was Dharmesh Darshan-directed romantic drama Haan Maine Bhi
Pyaar Kiya. He played the role as a blind man in Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Shaarang Dev
Pandit-directed heist film Aankhen, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, Aditya
Pancholi, Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal. His performance in the film was critically
acclaimed.[75][76][77] Next, he starred in the Vikram Bhatt-directed comedy Awara Paagal
Deewana. Rediff.com's review of the film mentioned that his sincerity and intensity seen in
Hera Pheri, Ek Rishtaa – The Bond of Love and Aankhen "seems missing".[78] His last film of
the year was Rajkumar Kohli-directed supernatural horror film Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi
Kahani alongside Manisha Koirala, Sunil Shetty, Sunny Deol, Aftab Shivdasani, Arshad
Warsi, Aditya Pancholi and Armaan Kohli. The film was a remake of Kohli's former film
Naagin and received mostly negative reviews from critics. [79][80] Taran Adarsh wrote "only
Munish[Armaan] Kohli and Akshay Kumar leave an impact." [81] In 2003 he starred in Suneel
Darshan's action film Talaash: The Hunt Begins... opposite Kareena Kapoor. While
reviewing the film, Taran Adarsh wrote "Akshay Kumar is plain mediocre. The role hardly
offers him scope to try out anything different." [82] Next, he starred in Raj Kanwar-directed
romantic drama Andaaz alongside Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta. The film received mixed
reviews from critics,[83][84] but turned out to be a commercial success at the box office and the
first universal hit of 2003.[85][86]

In 2004 Kumar starred in Rajkumar Santoshi's action drama thriller Khakee alongside
Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn and Aishwarya Rai. Kumar played the role of Inspector
Shekhar Verma, a corrupt, morally bankrupt cop who changes himself during a mission to
transfer an accused Pakistani spy Dr. Iqbal Ansari (played by Atul Kulkarni) from a remote
town in Maharashtra to Mumbai. The film and Kumar's acting were positively reviewed by
critics.[87][88][89] He was nominated for the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his role
in the film.[90] His other releases included Dileep Shukla's crime film Police Force: An Inside
Story. He starred alongside Raveena Tandon, Amrish Puri and Raj Babbar. The film's
production was delayed following the break-up of the lead actors Tandon and Kumar. [91]
Upon release it received negative reviews from critics.[92] Next, Kumar played Hari Om
Patnaik, an IPS officer in Madhur Bhandarkar-directed Aan: Men at Work.[93] He starred in
David Dhawan-directed romantic comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi alongside Salman Khan and
Priyanka Chopra. He played the role of Sunny, Sameer (played by Khan)'s roommate who
pursuits Rani (played by Chopra)-Sameer's love interest. The film received positive
reviews.[94] Taran Adarsh praised Kumar and wrote "Akshay Kumar is a revelation [...] he
surpasses his previous work. His timing is fantastic and the conviction with which he carries
off the evil streak in his personality is bound to be talked-about in days to come." [95] His
performance in the film earned him his third nomination for supporting actor at the Filmfare
Awards as well as a nomination for best comic role.[96] His other films included Abbas-
Mustan directed Aitraaz and S M Iqbal's Meri Biwi Ka Jawaab Nahin. In the former, Kumar
played against type as a worker wrongly accused of sexual harassment by his female boss
played by Chopra. According to the directors, Aitraaz was inspired by National Basketball
Association player Kobe Bryant (who was accused of rape by a fan);[97] and the film's
development began when they read about his sexual-assault case in the newspapers.[98]
Talking about the character Kumar said that it is realistic and could be described as a "new-
age metrosexual" man. He added that Aitraaz was the boldest film he had done.[99] In the
latter he starred opposite Sridevi. The film was shot in 1994 but was released in 2004 after a
delay of 10 years.

The next year Kumar starred in Dharmesh Darshan-directed romantic drama musical film
Bewafaa opposite Kareena Kapoor. He played the role of Raja, an aspiring musician who
pursues his love interest Anjali (played by Kareena Kapoor) even after she is married to
Aditya Sahai (played by Anil Kapoor). The film received mixed reviews from film critic but
Kumar was praised for his acting. Anupama Chopra of India Today wrote that "Kareena
Kapoor and Kumar stand out." Taran Adarsh wrote "Akshay Kumar does well in a role that
fits him like a glove."[100][101] Later that year he acted in Vipul Amrutlal Shah's family drama
Waqt: The Race Against Time alongside Amitabh Bachchan, another Priyadarshan-directed
comedy Garam Masala alongside John Abraham. Waqt: The Race Against Time was a family
drama film. The film and Kumar's acting received mixed reviews.[102] Vishal D'Souza wrote
"Akshay shoulders an author-backed role, carrying more of the film's emotional baggage
though he is distinctly uncomfortable in the soppy-weepy scenes." [103] The films succeeded at
the box office[104][105] and his performance in the latter earned him his second Filmfare
Award, for Best Comedian.[19] His other films included Vikram Bhatt-directed action comedy
romance film Deewane Huye Paagal and Suneel Darshan directed romantic drama Dosti:
Friends Forever. In the former he starred alongside Shahid Kapoor, Sunil Shetty and Rimi
Sen while in the latter he starred alongside Kareena Kapoor and Bobby Deol. Both of these
films received positive reviews.[106][107]

Kumar's first release of 2006 was Rajkumar Santoshi-directed drama Family - Ties of Blood
followed by Suneel Darshan's Mere Jeevan Saathi and Raj Kanwar's Humko Deewana Kar
Gaye. Next, he starred in a sequel to Hera Pheri titled Phir Hera Pheri. As was the former,
the sequel became a huge success at the box office.[108] Later that year he starred alongside
Salman Khan and Preity Zinta in the Shirish Kunder-directed romantic musical film Jaan-E-
Mann. The film was a well anticipated release, and despite receiving positive reviews from
critics, did not do as well as expected at the box office.[108] The film received mostly
negatively reviews. Vidya Pradhan of Rediff.com called it a "bizarre movie." [109] Though the
film under-performed, his role as a shy, lovable nerd was praised. [110] He ended the year with
Priyadarshan's comedy murder mystery film Bhagam Bhag. He starred alongside Lara Dutta,
Govinda and Paresh Rawal and played the character of a theatre actor. The film received
mixed reviews and Rediff.com called Kumar the real hero of the film.[111][112] The film was
commercially successful.[108] The same year, he led the Heat 2006 world tour along with
fellow stars Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen and Celina Jaitley.[113]

2007–11