Biography
Who is Akshay Kumar?
Early life and real name
Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967, in New Delhi, India. He grew up in a Punjabi Hindu family, with his father working as an Indian Army officer before later becoming an accountant. During his youth, he lived in Delhi and Mumbai, attending Don Bosco High School where he simultaneously learned karate. His interest in sports and martial arts led him to spend five years living in Bangkok to study Thai boxing and Muay Thai, while also working as a chef and waiter.
After returning to India, Akshay Kumar worked in various jobs, including teaching martial arts and selling jewellery. A student's father recommended him for modelling, which eventually led to him creating his first portfolio and working as a background dancer. He made his initial screen appearance in the film Aaj as a karate instructor. He eventually adopted his professional stage name, inspired by a character played by Kumar Gaurav.
Career highlights
Akshay Kumar began his professional film career in 1991 with a role in Saugandh. He achieved his first major commercial success the following year with the action thriller Khiladi, which established him as a prominent action star during the 1990s. Throughout his career, he starred in multiple films belonging to the Khiladi series, alongside other successful action projects such as Mohra, Suhaag, and Sangharsh. His physical presence and stunt work became central elements of his early filmography.
In the following decade, Akshay Kumar successfully expanded his range to include romantic and slapstick comedy roles. He earned critical acclaim and commercial success with films like Dhadkan, Hera Pheri, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. He also received Filmfare Awards for his performances in Ajnabee and Garam Masala. His mainstream success remained strong through subsequent years with hits such as Rowdy Rathore, Holiday, Special 26, Airlift, and Rustom, for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Television and personal life
Beyond his extensive work in cinema, Akshay Kumar has contributed to television as a host and producer. He hosted four seasons of the reality television show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, starting in 2008. He also launched another reality show titled Dare 2 Dance in 2014. In sports and off-screen ventures, he owned the Khalsa Warriors team in the World Kabaddi League and established martial arts training schools focused on women's safety in India.
Regarding his personal life, Akshay Kumar is married to Twinkle Khanna. His family includes his sister Alka Bhatia. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous civilian honours, including the Padma Shri awarded by the Government of India in 2009. He is also known for supporting various charitable causes and participating in brand endorsements across the country.
Birthday and age
Akshay Kumar was born on September 9, 1967, which makes Akshay 59 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Akshay shares the date with 63 other famous people.
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