Akshay Kumar, an action hero known to perform his own stunts who studied martial arts before joining film, will now learn deep-sea diving in Thailand because he does not want to utilize a double for the underwater sequences in his next film by Ashtavinayak.

Bollywood's only hero with expertise in the martial arts, Akshay Kumar, is being sent to Thailand by Ashtavinayak Films for a training course in deep-sea diving.

The measure was deemed necessary because Akshay, who has a habit of performing his own stunts, didn't wish to utilize a double for the underwater sequences in the soon-to-come film by Ashtavinayak. The film is scheduled to commence shooting by the end of 2007.

Producers chose Thailand because it has one of the world's premiere deep-sea diving facilities. Akki will come back to Mumbai July 15th after finishing the course, which lasts ten days.

A source revealed, "It's a ten-day course after which Akshay will get a certificate if he completes it satisfactorily. Knowing his passion for adventure sports, there is no reason why he won't come up trumps.

There are lots of underwater scenes in the film and Akshay does not want to use a body double. He would rather undergo professional training. Ashtavinayak is game for it as they want the best for the film."

Kumar previously worked with Ashtavinayak in the film 'Bhagam Bhag', which turned out to be a box-office hit. The movie, a comedy flick directed by industry veteran Priyadarshan, starred Govinda and Paresh Rawal essaying comic roles alongside Akshay.

Following that, Akshay's success at the box-office went on with Vipul Shah's hit film Namastey London. It is only because of his recent commercial success that Ashtavinayak has chosen to bankroll the actor's training.