Real life seems to be imitating reel life for Akshay Kumar. The star, whose next release is Anil Sharma's war flick "Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo", is turning out to be a hit with the Indian Army.

Akshay made quite an impact on troopers stationed near Manali while shooting for the movie there. He played a cricket match with them and was rewarded with an army commando cap, which he proudly sported.

These days he is donning an army band gifted at an exhibition of guns and artillery last month here. With his army contacts, he actually got to go through the exhibits much before they were opened to the public.

The action hero loved the guns, and checked out some of the tanks on display. In the process he also assured an audience for his movie.