Akshay Kumar Breaks Silence on Samrat Prithviraj Moustache Controversy
In 2022, Akshay Kumar starred as the iconic ruler Prithviraj Chauhan in the grand historical drama Samrat Prithviraj, produced by Yash Raj Films. The film generated significant buzz as it marked Akshay's return to the prestigious banner, but it ultimately faced box office challenges and received a mixed-to-negative reception from audiences and critics alike.
Criticism Focused on Akshay's Portrayal and Appearance
Much of the backlash centered on Akshay's performance, with viewers expressing concerns over his physical presence, body language, and particularly the use of a moustache that many perceived as artificial and unconvincing. This aspect became a focal point of discussion in reviews and social media debates.
Akshay Kumar's Detailed Response to the Backlash
Now, four years later, Akshay Kumar has directly addressed these critiques in a recent conversation. During an interview with Shubhankar Mishra, he explained that the issue was not about avoiding facial hair but rather a creative requirement for the role.
"See, I'm working on lots of things, lots of films and lots of looks. Like right now, I have this beard. I took around six weeks to grow it, and during those six weeks I didn't work. So it's not like that," Akshay stated, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity in other projects.
He further elaborated on the specific demands of Samrat Prithviraj, saying, "In Samrat Prithviraj, the story required a particular kind of moustache, and that kind of moustache cannot grow naturally on my face. So yes, maybe the fake moustache didn't look good, maybe a lot of people didn't like it. But at the end of the day, it's acting. Growing that exact moustache might not be possible for me. But sometimes you have to do it. And if people didn't like it, then I am sorry."
Current Work and Upcoming Projects
On the professional front, Akshay Kumar was most recently seen in the film Bhoot Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan. The movie features a star-studded cast including Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and Wamiqa Gabbi, and is currently running in theatres, showcasing his continued activity in the industry.
This response highlights the actor's willingness to engage with fan feedback while defending artistic decisions, underscoring the complexities of portraying historical figures in cinema.
