Akshay: I'm Not Upset With Kriti Sanon For Choosing Shah Rukh's Film Over Mine

Tomorrow is a big day for Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson. Singh Is Bliing hits the theatres. SpotboyE caught up with the duo to talk about the film and more. Excerpts from the conversation that followed:

Akshay, is Singh Is Bliing the second part of Singh Is Kinng?
Singh is Bliing has nothing to do with Singh Is Kinng. It's just that the word 'Singh' is common and I play a Sardarji in both.

You seem to be very comfortable playing Sardarji...
Sardars are very large-hearted, so I enjoy playing them. I don't have to think too much, the character just moves in. So, in that sense, the role was not challenging; it's something I could have played with my eyes closed.

How did Singh Is Bliing happen?
Ashvini Yardi (co-producer), Prabhu Dheva (director) and I were supposed to make a different film, but were not happy with its script. Then we came across a new script and decided to explore it. It's been long since I have played a Sardarji and that was also a factor in choosing this script. Suddenly, everything fell into place. 


Amy, is Singh Is Bliing a very important film for you?
Of course. It's a big film for me and an unexpected one at that. Another actress (Kriti Sanon) was on board for this film, but somehow, it didn't work out with her. I met Ashvini in January when I was promoting my Tamil film I. She called me to Mumbai- and that's it (smiles).

Akshay, you had Kriti Sanon in Amy's place...
Amy suits the role perfectly, because in the film, her character cannot speak Hindi (Amy doesn't know much Hindi in real life as well). On the other hand, my character doesn't know how to speak English. So, we blended perfectly. That's not all; she is beautiful, talented and also, she has worked in the South, which is known for its professionalism.


Were you upset when Kriti chose Shah Rukh's movie (Dilwale) over yours (Singh Is Bliing)?
Not at all. Our project got delayed by four-five months and quite understandably, nobody can wait that long. Also, Shah Rukh's film is a big project for Kriti, so she did the right thing.

Amy, do you think you made some wrong moves in your career earlier on?
I wouldn't say it was a mistake to begin my career with a Tamil film. I think South films have made me grow as an actor. That experience has, in fact, prepared me well for mainstream Bollywood.

Akshay is a senior actor. Were you intimidated by him at any point?
I was nervous at first but as soon as I met Akshay, I realised that he is very humble and grounded. He has given me a lot of good advice.

How did you go about learning Hindi?
I am learning Hindi now. I want to continue in Bollywood, so it's vital that I learn the language.

Akshay, we are seeing you with a lot of new and younger heroines nowadays...
In the past few years, I have worked with 16 new heroines. So, it's nothing new.

You had a good run with Katrina (Kaif) and Sonakshi (Sinha), but they disappeared from your radar...
I don't have any special choice. In fact, I will be working with Sonakshi soon (Namastey England) and I will also be launching a new girl. Casting is not just my decision. The producer, director, even the writer has a say.

You have started delivering hits again. Is it because you changed the economics of your films (he has slashed his market price and takes a share in profits)?
I had to, because, because if you have to make films, you have to understand the economics of it. An actor should not only read scripts, but also trade magazines. Also, I make it a point to watch at least two new releases every week. It's important to know what's happening in the business sector of movies and change your economics accordingly.

Akshay, does Twinkle become possessive when you have a longer run with your heroines like you did with Katrina and Sonakshi?
My wife has been in this industry for more years than you and I. She knows how it functions, so there's no possessiveness. Our relationship is based on trust.

Amy, have you read Twinkle's book Mrs. Funnybones?
Not yet, but I definitely want to. I met Twinkle on the sets in Goa and she is fantastic.

Akshay, what do you think about the book?
I last read a book when I was a student; I don't read otherwise. I am a slow reader. I can read scripts fast, but not books. It's a big deal for me that I am reading it finally. I read about seven pages every day. At the same time, I don't have to read it because I already know what it's about. This book is about us and her experiences. I had read it while she was penning it down. If I would find anything controversial, I would ask her to remove it.

So, you made the book less controversial?
Yes, as much as possible.

Why did you do that?
Because I hate controversies (smiles).

Image Source: Manav Manglani