Akshay Kumar possesses an enviable success ratio what with his films hitting the jackpot back-to-back. The actor’s latest release Good Newwz continues to mint good money at the box-office and 2020 looks damn impressive for him with films like Laxmmi Bomb, Sooryavanshi, Prithviraj and many more lined up.
We engaged in a free-wheeling chat with the superstar. Here are the excerpts from the conversation.
How confident were you of Good Newwz?
It was interesting to back a film like this. IVF is still a subject which is not spoken about. People are afraid to talk about it.
Yes, IVF is still considered as a taboo subject in India…
Yes, I was shocked to know that a TV channel has run our promo beeping the word sperm. If we will do such things, then it defeats the purpose of the entire promo.
We are not using expletives right? You cannot beep words like ‘sanitary pad or sperm’. These are natural things.
Your success ratio has been very high. Before a film releases, do you get a gut feeling if it may work or not work?
My interest in a project never goes down on the basis of the assumption that the film may not click with the audience. I’d say that it’s always better to try and give your best, take it to the level of success and ensure that your money returns. Just don't give up. Go with it. I’m not the kind of guy who thinks that he knows everything. So many times, it has happened with me that I felt a subject may not click while working on it, but then it has gone to do extremely well. And this happens with critics too. Several times, they rate a film 1 star and it does great business, while the film with 4 stars doesn't click at the box-office. It’s human to make mistakes.
Looking at your success ratio, can we say that you have identified your audience as an actor?
No, I don’t think from that perspective. For instance, if my next few films don’t perform well, then what? I believe in good luck and hard work. I have seen the biggest superstars taste failure and then bounce back. Life is 70% luck and 30% hardwork.
Do you think a film like Good Newwz will help in decreasing the taboo around IVF?
It happened after PadMan. In offices, girls openly talk about menstruation. It's time to wake up and smell the coffee. Ohh come on, they used to teach about sperms, reproduction etc in the 7th and 8th standard. Why are we still being skirmish about it?
So, Kareena Kapoor had once said that you were the first person to know about her relationship with Saif Ali Khan. Tell us about that…
I was the first one to know because the affair was happening in front of me. She didn't come to me personally and tell me that she’s dating Saif.
We have always taken the names of the 3 Khans in the same breath and Akshay Kumar. Today, do you feel you're ahead of them?
See, I don't believe in competition. I'm just not bothered about the number game. I’m not a horse at the Mahalaxmi Race Course. With folded hands, I want to say that I just want to survive and work in this industry till I die. I don't have any other way to earn my income or to keep myself busy. I don't have any alternative business. I love being in front of the camera. I'm not interested in competing with anyone else.
Like you said you want to work till eternity. Recently, Abhishek Bachchan said that he wants to keep working till 77 just like his dad Amitabh Bachchan. Who's your inspiration?
There can be only 1 Big B in 100 years. That's a different case altogether. Even if I do half of what he does, it would be an honour.
You said you're not bothered by competition. But when a Dabangg releases around the same time as Good Newwz or a Laxmmi Bomb clashes with Radhe, doesn’t it concern you about the number of screens at least?
All I want for my films is about 2500-3000 screens. Because if you do the math, there are nearly 5500-6000 screens in India, so half the number makes fine sense. And not just for my films, but for every film that releases.
Image Source:-starsunfolded
Image Source:-starsunfolded