Akshay Kumar
Rajiv Bhatia, better known as Akshay Kumar, has proved beyond doubt that acting isn't at all the key attribute to stardom in Hindi cinema. His success is the result of a combination of factors, but emoting in front of the camera isn't one of them.
Instead, his meteoric rise just goes to show that you can get by on the strength of your good looks, well-toned body, thrilling stunts and energetic dances. Watch any of Akshay Kumar's films, from 'Dancer' (1991) to 'Jaanwar' (2000) and you will know. Add to that the fact that his personal life has provided more than enough grist for the gossip mills, and you have a star who's always making news.Akshay Kumar had set his sight on the big bad world of films while still in college. However, despite taking acting and dancing lessons and being a martial arts expert to boot, that elusive break took a long way to come.
In the meantime, Akshay moved to Bangkok and ran a food stall for a while. He came back to Bombay at the turn of the decade and finally got his first film with Raj Sippy's 'Sangharsh (1991). The film came and went without much ado and nobody thought its hero had any future.
But the following year, Abbas-Mustan's 'Khiladi' changed all that. A suspense thriller revolving around a bunch of college kids, the film had a good run at the box-office and Akshay was widely appreciated as a dancer.
After a few other indifferent films, 'Elaan' (1994) established his image as an action hero who could execute daredevil stunts as never seen before in Bollywood. The image has stuck to this day, furthered by such bone-crushers as 'Main Khiladi Tu Anadi', 'Suhag' and 'Mohra' (all 1994).
But the biggest boost came from Umesh Mehra's 'Sabse Bada Khiladi', packed with chilling stunt and action sequences. The success of this film mooted the belief that the name 'khiladi' was a lucky mascot for Akshay Kumar. So you had a 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi', 'Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi' and even an 'International Khiladi'!
Following a lean patch that's lasted a better part of two years, Akshay seems to have realised the virtue of discretion. He's no longer available for extensive comments on his personal liaisons. Also, he's now keen to add different kinds of roles to his portfolio.
In the initial years, he had attempted a soft romantic role with 'Yeh Dillagi' but now he's trying to experiment some more with films like 'Sanghursh' and the forthcoming 'Hera Pheri' where he's apparently trying his hand at light-hearted comedy.
For most part though, Akshay Kumar is still considered a dependable action hero who gives total value-for-money only when he's bashing up the bad guys.