Normally, a Bollywood hero wants to project a handsome heroic image on screen, but in Bachchan Pandey, you have a quirky look with a stone eye. Have you had any reservations about using this avatar?
To be honest, I didn’t think Bachchan Pandey’s look was particularly attractive. This character reminded me of a man, so I had no doubts about its appearance. This look took three days to complete. It took a lot of time and effort to figure out who should be kept and who should be let go. This look was agreed upon after three days, and the director liked it as well. It didn’t take long once the look was established. I was ready in 17 minutes on the first day, then ten minutes on the second day, and four minutes on the third day.
Akshay Kumar Your Suryavanshi earned a lot of money in the cinema hall after a daring theatrical release from bell bottom during the Corona period, and now you’re bringing Bachchan Pandey. People are crediting you with bringing the audience back to the theatres.
I’ll give full credit to everyone on my team who worked on Pandemic. These were the brave souls who risked leaving their homes in the midst of Corona’s chaos to attend the shooting. It is the result of the entire team’s hard work and dedication. It was also the feeling that it was possible to make films and make money in difficult times.
You’ve been making films with social concerns, patriotism, and messages for a long time, but Bachchan Pandey is purely masala.
You are completely correct, but change is required. It’s not always possible to make films about social issues or patriotism. Films like Sooryavanshi and Housefull are required viewing if Ravdi Rathore is to be seen. Yes, films like Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Padman are essential, but they must be followed by a film like Bachchan Pandey. The audience, as well as the artist, requires a wide range of films. Now, similar to how my film, Prithviraj Chauhan and Raksha Bandhan, will follow this one, different types of films and characters should follow. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have such a large and diverse film collection.
What about the audience’s mood? Is she all set to see a play?
People, understandably, miss going to the movies. Gangubai, you see, made 100 crores in two weeks. This is a very positive sign for our industry; otherwise, it has not made any money in the last two years, and public interest is growing. People were accumulating debt. In fact, the viewer now wishes to leave. If you stay in a place like Big Boss for three months, you will go insane; the world will have been trapped inside for two years and will now burst out onto the stage.
Akshay Kumar What did you learn about Corona? It changed the lives of countless people; many people lost loved ones as well as their jobs.
Breath and oxygen have made me realise how important they are. The sea is right in front of us, but we can’t go there; the parks are close by, but we’ve never gone for a walk there. Simply confine yourself to a cage. We had it all, but Corona had imprisoned us, so the pandemic taught us to appreciate nature. Know how much your river, sea, and mountain are worth. Protect them and the environment.
Sajid Nadiadwala, the film’s producer, is a childhood friend of yours. How far has your friendship progressed over time?
-We’ve had a great time bonding. We’ve been friends for a long time. We went to the same elementary school and rode the same bus. Even today, many of our things are similar. The fact that he lives in my building is purely coincidental. The only difference between his and my son’s birthdays is two days. Our sons were both born at the same hospital. In terms of work, he has a different path than I do, but we walk in the same direction.
You are a self-made man, but how important do you think friends and friendship are?
-It’s extremely important. Even if you only have two true friends in your life, consider yourself fortunate. True friends are hard to come by, but when you do, hold on to them and don’t let them go. I am fortunate to have such wonderful friends in my life.
Your energy level is incredible, and you have a steady stream of films throughout the year. What is the key to its success?
Akshay Kumar Many people wonder how I manage to do so much work, but the truth is that I don’t. I do regular work, like an office worker who works 9 to 6 hours a day. I do the same work as you, but I work less. There is also no specific planning. I get up early, exercise, and then come home early from work to play with the kids. Sunday is my day off.
I recently saw one of your Instagram posts about martial arts. What role did martial arts play in your development?
Martial arts has made me who I am today. First and foremost, I consider myself an actor, followed by a stuntman. As a result, I was able to break into the industry as an action hero and stick with it. After that, I got a lot of films while doing action, so I credit martial arts for my entire film career.
What does happiness mean to you today, and what is your biggest nightmare?
My happiness is defined by the fact that I am employed and continue to be employed. Be happy, my children. My worst nightmare is the polar opposite of all of this: what if I don’t have any work? This is a terrifying thought.
