Bollywood’s favourite Khiladi Akshay Kumar turns a year older today. He is best known for his daredevil stunts, lighthearted comedy roles as well as those that highlight social issues such as Rustom (2016) and Pad Man (2018) for which he has won National Film awards.
The self-made actor from Punjab grew up as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia in Delhi’s Chandi Chowk and Mumbai’s Koliwada area.
He worked his way into the film industry through modelling and later, as an assistant to photographer to Jayesh Seth.
His first brush with films was a 15-minute role as a karate instructor in Mahesh Bhatt’s film, Aaj (1987). His screen name Akshay, too, is taken from the lead character’s name, Akshay, and Kumar from actor Gaurav Kumar who played the role.
Coincidentally, Kumar has been fond of martial arts since he was a young kid. He has a black belt in Taekwondo and has also learnt martial arts in Thailand, where he worked as a chef and waiter.
His first big break as a lead actor was in Saugandh (1991) but the movie Khiladi (1992) turned him into a celebrity and led to the whole Khiladi series over the years.
The 53-year-old actor has carved a niche for himself in the industry for his death-defying stunts and has also hosted three seasons of Fear Factor: Khatron ke Khiladi. Today, he is the sixth highest paid actor in the world, according to Forbes.
Kumar can mostly be seen wearing casual clothes, primarily hoodies, bomber jackets and tees and jeans, but he does, occassionally, suit up for certain occasions.
Here are some of his best sartorial moments:
Akshay Kumar looks smashing in a suit at a media house’s Leadership summit along with Kareena Kapoor Khan in December 2019
Read: Birthday special: Radhika Apte’s fashion hits
Kumar adds a pop of colour to his otherwise sober look by wearing bright blue shoes here.
He also rocks a black Bandhgala with a pink pocket square.
View this post on Instagram
He can also pull off desi swag as seen in this photo.
Kumar’s aviators are on-point.
Akshay Kumar at his cool, nonchalant best.
Read: Inside Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna’s sea-facing home
