Akshay: I Don't Want Science To Enhance My Looks

Your next release Gabbar Is Back is gaining momentum. What’s it all about?
The film talks about anti-corruption. There is so much corruption in our country from the lowest level to the top. And the common man is hit the hardest by corruption. The incidents shown in the film are all based on real-life events. We've shown Gabbar as a common man, one who wages a war against corruption. He realises that he has lost everybody and everything he loved, so he has nothing to lose anymore. That's when he decides to take law in his hands, which is actually a wrong way. But he doesn't have an option. Remember the dialogue in Sholay ‘Lohe ko loha kaatta hai?

Were you apprehensive that a newcomer (Krsh) was helming the project?
Not at all. I have worked with at least 16-17 new directors in my career. I have a very big success ratio with them. I feel new directors have that greed to do something new- and I like that.

You are also working with relatively newer heroines be it Shruti Haasan or Nimrat Kaur or Amy Jackson. Is this a conscious decision?
I've always worked with new heroines. New actresses, new directors, new producers its not a big thing for me. Because when I started my career, it wasn't that a big banner signed me up. My career began with small banners, I kept working with small banners and that's how I eventually made a name for myself. Sometimes a big actress didn't want to be paired with me, other times a big director didn't want to work with me. I had to make it despite all this.

Are you moving towards message-driven films because masala potboilers are fading out?
Nothing of the sort. Masala films are not fading out. I'm still doing Housefull 3 and Singh Is Bling. At the same time, I'm doing Airlift. I want to do different kinds of cinema. I want to do comedy, I want to do realistic cinema, I want to do effective cinema. I do all kinds of cinema so that I am satisfied as a creative person. Plus, nobody can tag me that, Oh, hes an action hero or Hes a comic hero or Hes a romantic hero.

You're also known to do your stunts yourself. Have you lessened doing stunts now?
I have always been very careful when it comes to stunts. I have not stopped doing stunts. On the contrary, my next film after Gabbar Is Back Brothers is full of action.

Did you enjoy doing the stunts in Gabbar Is Back?
I've not really done stunts in Gabbar Is Back, Its more of real action. Let me tell you that I hate cable works. I don't like that I have to take the support of a cable to kick somebody. So I avoid cable work as much as I can. And I hate doing CG (computer graphics) work also. What's the point of me doing action if the computer is going to do it for me? But the action in Gabbar Is Back is kept as real as possible whether its kicks or punches or push or fall.

Do you decide the kind of action the film will have?
No, the requirement of the film says it itself. I dont have to say it.

I'm asking you this because director Neeraj Vora recently made a statement that you get into the technicalities a bit too much.
(Smirks) Well, I have no idea about that. I simply get into the nerve of the character.

You're not a part of Hera Pheri 3, which Vora is directing?
Yes, I'm not doing it.

Why are you not doing it? You had a big part in the first two instalments...
That's a personal reason (bites his lip).

Recently, you made a very interesting statement that you will not dye your beard. You think the white one looks nice on you. Thats refreshing since most actors and actresses opt for various cosmetic surgeries...
I don't need it. Plus, I don't feel like hiding anything. I am what I am. The camera and the people get what they are watching. I believe that science should not get into my face, to try and enhance my looks.

So, is there a secret to your good looks? Or is it only exercise and diet?
There's no secret. It is just the power of positive thinking. 

You're one of the biggest superstars of the country and have a career spanning over two decades. Do you feel a sense of security now?
I don't need any security in my life. When my father was working in the Army, we used to stay in a one-bedroom and I was a nobody back then. Even then, we were secure. It is not financial security or a Friday success that makes you secure. It is family, it is a family hug which makes you secure.

Lastly, your peers have dominated holiday releases. In sharp contrast, you dont have releases during Diwali or Eid or Christmas and yet remain successful.
I leave it to the producer.  I think its the producer should take a call when he wants to release his film, not the actor. Isn't he the one who is putting money into the film?  I have never got into all that. Its too much of stress.

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