Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar

100 plus films, over 20 years in the business, a consistent success rate, a stable position among the top superstars and the only one to be releasing three to four films at an average every year, Akshay Kumar has chartered a unique path for himself where he is driving the show merrily. Baby stays on to be the only major grosser Bollywood has seen this year and now Gabbar Is Back has been doing steady business too. In this exclusive conversation, the actor bares his heart about picking up the mantle against corruption and still ensuring that the entertainment quotient for audience stays on.

A film about a man who brings in a revolution in the country – Is Gabbar Is Back one of your most socially relevant film over a career spanning more than 20 years?

Without a shadow of a doubt you literally can’t miss the message in this film. It’s not only socially relevant; it’s an eye opener for many, whether you are on the right or wrong side of the law. For it’s not only men in uniforms and stiff waistcoats one must be weary of, sometimes it’s the man behind you that you want to look out for (winks).

Knowing you as an actor, it is also but natural that you would have commercial ingredients in mind while making this film. So how did you go about that so that Gabbar Is Back turns out to be an out and out entertainer?

It’s my duty to the audience as well as my fans to make films that are thrilling & influential. As much as I have loved my new shade of serious cinema recently, I need to keep my entertainment value and remind everyone that I’m still a strong believer in commercial cinema. Not everything has to be brain washing, sometimes you just need some entertaining dialogues with a punch that will hurt for weeks (winks).

Together, with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shabina Khan, you have delivered a Rowdy Rathore earlier. It is pretty much expected that Gabbar Is Back would bring on an encore for the hit team, right?

Kaun Hai Gabbar!! Main Hoon Gabbar!! That’s all I’m saying.