Bollywood star
Akshay Kumar recently opened up about his disciplined lifestyle, work ethic and the philosophy that has guided him through the ups and downs of his career. The actor spoke about managing multiple films a year, his daily routine and the lessons he learnt after facing failures in the industry. Known for delivering hits across genres with films like ‘Khiladi’, ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ and ‘Airlift’, Kumar reflected on how discipline and adaptability helped him remain one of the most consistent actors in Bollywood.
Discipline and planning behind his busy film schedule
During a candid conversation with journalist
Rajdeep Sardesai, Akshay Kumar addressed the common question of how he manages to complete several films every year. According to the actor, the key lies in proper planning and making the most of the time available. He said, “I have a lot of time. A year has 365 days.” He explained that people often assume shooting multiple films is difficult, but he believes it becomes easier with preparation. Before starting a project, he studies the script extensively and sometimes reads it nearly a hundred times.
He added, “Look, many people say that I do four films a year. I do it because I have a lot of time. There are 365 days in a year. As I was telling you earlier, I take most of my vacations as well. And when I start a film, I begin by reading the script – at least about 100 times. Maybe even more than that.”
The actor further revealed that most of his films wrap up in around 50 to 55 days. Because of this efficient process, he finishes multiple projects in about 200 working days while still taking Sundays off and short breaks after a few months of work.
A disciplined morning routine
Akshay Kumar also spoke about his strict daily routine, which begins much earlier than most people’s schedules. Early mornings, he said, are the only time he truly gets to spend alone. He shared, “I wake up at 4:30 in the morning. That is basically the only time when I am all alone.” The actor explained that during this time he often heads out to walk in his building's garden or near the beach close to his home. He said, “So I just come out into the garden. I have a lovely garden in my building, and I keep walking there. Sometimes I even jump the wall. There’s a beach in front of my house, so I go there and walk.”
For over an hour, Akshay simply walks, reflects or listens to music and devotional chants. He added, “For about one to one-and-a-half hours, I just walk. Sometimes I think, sometimes I talk to myself, sometimes I listen to music. I listen to the Hanuman Chalisa.” After that, he returns home and begins his workout routine at the gym.
Love for comedy and keeping things light on set
Over the years, Akshay Kumar has successfully transitioned from an action star in films like ‘Mohra’ and ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi’ to a beloved comic performer in movies such as ‘Hera Pheri’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’. When asked if he behaves differently in private life compared to his on-set persona, Kumar insisted that he remains the same everywhere. He said, “No, I am what I am. I’m the same person at home as well.” The actor also admitted that humour is an important part of his personality. He shared, “I love comedy. I love humour, laughter, and jokes. That’s what I enjoy the most.”
According to him, he prefers maintaining a light and fun environment rather than becoming overly serious. He added, “I’m always joking around and having fun. I’m never serious. I hate being serious.”
Adapting to success and failure in the industry
Reflecting on his long career in Bollywood, Akshay Kumar spoke about the philosophy that has helped him handle both success and failure. He explained, “I have always flowed like water. In my life, I have always tried to be like water.” The actor revealed that he was deeply influenced by martial arts legend Bruce Lee and his famous philosophy about adaptability.
Recalling Lee’s words, he said, “If you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup. If you put water in your hand, it takes the shape of your hand.” The actor believes that staying flexible and going with the flow has helped him navigate the unpredictable nature of the film industry. He explained, “So just be like water. Keep flowing. Wherever life takes you, go with it. If it is high tide, it will take you fast. If it is low tide, you will move slowly.”
Learning from failures and staying disciplined
Despite his massive success, Kumar admitted that he has experienced difficult phases in his career. He revealed, “I have given many flops in my career. There was a time in my life when I had 16-17 flops in a row." Even during that challenging period, the actor continued to receive work and remained focused on improving his craft. He emphasised that discipline has played a major role in sustaining his career. He advised aspiring actors, “Even if you become an actor at 19 or 20, that’s fine, but you must have discipline. Be a producer’s actor.”
Meanwhile, his next film, 'Bhooth Bangla', will hit theatres on April 10.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the
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