Akshay Kumar Opens Up About His Disciplined Lifestyle and Career Philosophy
Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar recently provided a rare glimpse into the disciplined lifestyle, rigorous work ethic, and guiding philosophy that have propelled him through the peaks and valleys of his illustrious career. The celebrated actor, in a candid conversation, detailed how he manages to juggle multiple film projects annually while maintaining a strict personal routine and learning from industry setbacks.
The Planning Behind Multiple Annual Film Releases
During an extensive interview with veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Akshay Kumar addressed the perennial question about his remarkable capacity to complete several films each year. The actor revealed that meticulous planning and optimal time utilization form the cornerstone of his approach.
"I have a lot of time. A year has 365 days," Kumar stated, challenging the common perception that shooting multiple films is inherently difficult. He emphasized that thorough preparation transforms this challenge into a manageable process. Before commencing any project, Kumar immerses himself in the script, sometimes reading it nearly a hundred times to achieve complete mastery.
The actor elaborated further: "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."
Kumar disclosed that his films typically wrap production in approximately 50 to 55 days. This efficient methodology allows him to complete multiple projects within about 200 working days annually, while still preserving Sundays for rest and incorporating periodic short breaks.
A Strict Morning Routine for Solitude and Reflection
Akshay Kumar also shed light on his unwavering daily routine, which commences significantly earlier than most schedules. The actor identified early mornings as his sole opportunity for genuine solitude and personal reflection.
"I wake up at 4:30 in the morning. That is basically the only time when I am all alone," Kumar shared. During these precious hours, he frequently ventures to his building's garden or the beach adjacent to his residence for contemplative walks.
"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," he described.
For sixty to ninety minutes, Kumar dedicates himself to walking, introspection, listening to music, or devotional chants. "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," he revealed. Following this ritual, he returns home to commence his rigorous gym workout.
Embracing Comedy and Maintaining Levity on Set
Throughout his career, Akshay Kumar has successfully navigated a transition from action hero in films like 'Mohra' and 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi' to beloved comic performer in classics such as 'Hera Pheri' and 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'. When questioned about potential differences between his private and on-set personas, Kumar asserted his consistency across all environments.
"No, I am what I am. I’m the same person at home as well," he affirmed. The actor acknowledged that humor constitutes an integral component of his personality. "I love comedy. I love humour, laughter, and jokes. That’s what I enjoy the most," Kumar expressed.
He emphasized his preference for cultivating lighthearted and enjoyable atmospheres rather than adopting overly serious demeanors. "I’m always joking around and having fun. I’m never serious. I hate being serious," he added with characteristic candor.
Navigating Success and Failure with Adaptability
Reflecting on his extensive Bollywood journey, Akshay Kumar articulated the philosophical approach that has enabled him to weather both triumphs and disappointments. "I have always flowed like water. In my life, I have always tried to be like water," he explained, revealing profound inspiration from martial arts icon Bruce Lee and his renowned adaptability philosophy.
Recalling Lee's iconic words, Kumar stated: "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 maintaining flexibility and embracing life's flow has been instrumental in navigating the film industry's inherent unpredictability.
"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," he philosophized, illustrating his approach to career fluctuations.
Learning from Failures Through Unwavering Discipline
Despite achieving monumental success, Kumar openly acknowledged experiencing challenging phases throughout his career. "I have given many flops in my career. There was a time in my life when I had 16-17 flops in a row," he confessed. Remarkably, even during this difficult period, the actor continued receiving work opportunities while remaining focused on honing his craft.
Kumar emphasized that discipline has played a pivotal role in sustaining his longevity and relevance. He offered aspiring actors crucial advice: "Even if you become an actor at 19 or 20, that’s fine, but you must have discipline. Be a producer’s actor."
Meanwhile, Kumar's upcoming film 'Bhooth Bangla' is scheduled for theatrical release on April 10, marking his latest venture in a continuously evolving career built on discipline, adaptability, and philosophical resilience.
