How superstar Akshay Kumar became an invincible force of nature
The September sun is blazing above India’s resident superhero, Akshay Kumar. It seems to fuel him in mysterious ways that only super heroes can fathom. He is at Aamby Valley City, all wholesome green goodness, filled with all the frivolous yet necessary high-life accoutrements. While the world awakens, Kumar has gotten up, and done everything you aspire to do—twice. Well, sort of. Today, for instance, he spent the morning trekking, zip-lining, and jet-skiing with his son Aarav (14) and daughter Nitara (4). It’s probably no big deal for Kumar, who is a sixth degree black belt in Kuyukai Gojuryu Karate, and has a widely reported exercise regime that mixes swimming, martial arts, parkour, and yoga on a daily basis. Yet, Kumar’s very proud of not having eight-pack abs. For him, fitness isn’t about body-building. It’s a way of life.
Kumar’s rise to the peak of his career is punctuated with over a hundred films. Forbes magazine ranked him as the world’s 10 th highest paid actor. Between June 1, 2015, and June 1, 2016, he earned a cool $31.5 million, making him the second highest paid actor in India (after Shah Rukh Khan). Perhaps this has made him take the risk towards doing slightly different, non-mainstreamish roles (Special 26, Rustom, Airlift) along with the dance-and-frolic-with-hot-women-and-save the-world stereotypes. When I bring this up, Kumar and his wife, best-selling author and actor, Twinkle Khanna, aka Mrs Funnybones, begin to giggle. “It’s time for you to do things you enjoy, and use your skills to the maximum,” offers Khanna as an explanation to both of us. “Yes,” says Kumar. “And time to do some good cinema.”
This story is from the October 2016 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2016 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
...Carry A Rockstar Look?
Remember the iconic advice from Bob Dylan: "Sometimes you have to bite your lip and put on some sunglasses"? He, of course, took it strictly, crafting his musician persona with those classic black Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Now it's your chance to create your own stylish journey with a timeless touch of sophistication.
The Yarn Story
A slew of homegrown labels are making a case for why knitwear could be a year-round choice.
HOLA BARCELONA!
From art, culture, and architecture to a buzzing nightlife, Spain's second-largest city has something for everyone.
BEAUTY NEWS
All that's fresh in the world of beauty right now.
THE NEW FRONTIER
Explore the shift towards holistic body care.
'CELEBRATE YOUR SKIN TONE'
In an exclusive conversation with Bazaar India, make-up mogul Laura Mercier, who recently launched her products in India, talks about her career, the flawless look that she pioneered, and shares make-up tips.
GREAT STRIDES
A psychoanalyst explores how women have taken control of the sartorial narrative over the centuries, embracing fashion as a subtle yet powerful form of self-expression.
FROM ASCENT TO APEX
When rising star ANANYA PANDAY crosses paths with resurgent legend ZEENAT AMAN, it's a celebration of womanhood in all its glory.
INDIAN LEGACY, GLOBAL OUTLOOK
Tracing Welspun Living's journey from its humble beginnings in Gujarat to its international dominance in the home textile industry.
PAGE TURNERS
These forbidden romance' novels defy expectations and redefine love.