According to you, Who is the perfect 'Khiladi' (Player)?
A perfect Khiladi is the person who loves his Parents. The person who takes care of them, Doesn't ignore them, Respect them and treats them well is a perfect Khiladi.
Your Feelings on the 'Khiladi' tag..
It feels really good. This tag has been created by my Fans. They love me and they want to see me in this 'Khiladi' avatar. I am really thankful to my Fans for their support and love towards me and my 'Khiladi' tag. That's the main reason why we thought of bringing back the 'Khiladi' Akshay Kumar after the gap of almost 12 years.
Why did you stop doing Action Films?
I stopped doing action films since the time i got married to Twinkle Khanna (Laughs). I turned myself towards Comedy. Because i wanted to explore the Comedy Genre. Wanted to make people laugh.
I think to make people laugh is a tough task. It takes a lot to bring a smile on a face. It's only in the recent times where i have started doing films that are 'Masala' and 'Entertainment' oriented. In fact, I was the only actor who started Actor-Based comedy with 'Hera Pheri'.
'Masala' and 'Entertainment' oriented?
I mean films which has Comedy, Action, Emotion etc. Films such as Rowdy Rathore, Khiladi 786. I understand this is what today's generation is looking for. They like when a 'Hero' bashes up 10 guys at a same time. But in reality, It's very hard to fight with at least 2 guys at the same time (Laughs).
And what's your take on the present Bollywood term of 'Remake-The-South-Films'?
That's what i said, This is exactly what the new generation wants. They want to see the most unbelievable things done by a 'Hero' of Hindi Cinema. Rowdy Rathore was very widely appreciated. But i assure you, Khiladi 786 is not a Remake. It's an original story.
How did you agree for 'Khiladi 786'?
The film is written by Himesh Reshammiya who is also the producer of Khiladi 786. You will not believe, Himesh narrated me the script in the flight. I was laughing out loud when i heard the narration. By the time flight landed, I told Himesh that i am doing this film.
Who is the 'Khiladi' of this present generation?
(Thinks) I don't think i will give this tag to anyone from this generation.
What about your son 'Aarav'?
(Blushes) Nah! Don't bring Aarav into this, He is very small for Bollywood. Let him grow up the way he wants.
What next from Akshay Kumar?
Well there is Special Chabbis directed by Neeraj Pandey ('A Wednesday' fame). The film is based on day-light robbery that took place long back in Mumbai's Tribhuvandas Bhimji Jhaveri jewellery showroom.
Then there's 'Naam Hai Boss' which again a remake of a south-indian film 'Pokkiri Raja'. There's also 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Again' with Milan Luthria. Let's hope for the best.