Most of the awards are rigged: Akshay Kumar

‘Leaving 2-3 awards that are credible, all the others are rigged’, said Akshay Kumar in an interview to Swati Chaturvedi of Spicezee on her show ‘Kahiye Janaab’. The actor, who recently stunned all after he refused to accept the best popular actor trophy stating that it rightfully belonged to Aamir, stated that he feels cornered and has no faith left in the industry awards.Swati: There are three main speculations doing rounds about you-first that you like women, you were the highest taxpayer in 2008 and that you ghost direct films. How far are they true? Akshay: They are mostly true. Yes, I do like women. I am a hot-blooded man. I appreciate beauty and there is nothing wrong in that. It’s just natural for a man to like a good-looking woman and the same goes for women. As for the tax payer news goes, it’s very much true. I do pay tax and I am proud of it. I have often been sent a letter of appreciation for being so genuine in my attempts. But the rumour that I ghost direct is absolutely false. If I had edited others roles and ghost directed films the same filmmakers wouldn’t have worked with me again. And if you see my record all my directors have always wanted to work with me again. I have never cared to justify to such speculations, because I never felt the need to do so. I have never done anything like this because I haven’t been brought up like that. I don’t meddle in other people’s business. Swati: How does it feel when you are called metrosexual, trisexual etc? Akshay: Actually, I have never paid attention to all these tags and names. I am flooded with work. My hands are full with films and interviews. If I pay attention to such things then I won’t have time to work. It’s been 18-20 years since I have been in this industry and it’s been a record that as soon as my shoots finish I head back home. I have never overstayed on the sets to gossip. Swati: Your rise from Chandni Chowk to Bollywood has been remarkable. From where do you drive your inspiration? Akshay: I have learnt a lot from my father. He has been my biggest inspiration. He was an accountant in UNICEF and was very professional in his conduct. But it was marshal arts that made me disciplined. I learnt marshal arts in Bangkok and picked up a lot of their etiquettes. They are very humble and grounded. However, after a few years in the industry, I stopped being humble. But again now, I try to be as grounded and levelheaded as I was earlier. Swati: Would you say you have worked very hard to be where you are today? Akshay: Well, yes I have worked for success. But frankly speaking after 120 films even a donkey can start acting. However, I have learnt a lot. When I entered the industry, I was naïve. I had no clue about how it functions. I use to give auditions enacting Amitabh Bachchan’s dialogues. Swati: Blogging is the latest trend in Bollywood. Why don’t you blog? Akshay: I don’t read blogs, and I don’t know how to write them. Personally, I had rather meet my fans than talk to them via blogs. I remember during the London premiere of ‘Chandni Chowk to China’ there were thousands who assembled on the roads to meet me and I made sure I spend time with them. Swati: Did you ever think you would be this successful? Akshay: Forget success, I never even thought that I would be in this field. My first film was a super flop. But my family was delighted. I feel that I am very blessed. And I have always said this and would like to say it again that it’s the blessing of my parents that have helped me achieve such highs. One should respect their parents like God and this has been written in our scriptures like Mahabharat and Ramayan. Just that we don’t pay attention to such teachings. Swati: Do you think that good-looking actors are not taken as serious actors? Akshay: No I don’t think that they are not taken seriously. Many good-looking actors have won awards. Now it’s a different thing that I haven’t bagged a best actor trophy. And I am neither sad nor happy about it. Swati: How seriously do you take awards? Akshay: Initially I use to feel that bagging an award is a very prestigious. But now I know how these awards work. These days there are about 15-20 award nights and anyone who attends them is given an award. In fact now I get calls where organisers promise me an award if I agree to perform at the venue. Swati: What do you say to such offers? Akshay: I just tell them to pay me for my performance and they can give the award to its worthy winner. So this way everyone is happy. Swati: So, doesn’t it matter to you that you haven’t won a best actor award? Akshay: See it’s very unfair. If I do a comic role in a film then I am awarded the best comic actor trophy. I ask why? If I am playing the main lead even in a comic flick then I should be given a best actor award. Why isn’t an actor, who plays a romantic role awarded the best romantic actor award? Best actor means whoever performs well in any kind of film. Now If I am given a best comic actor award that’s absolutely unfair. Swati: So are you saying that all awards are tampered? Akshay: Leaving 2-3 awards that are still just, all the others are rigged. Swati: How does your son react to your films? Akshay: My son recently saw ‘Chandni Chowk to China’ and he was very delighted. He said it reminded him of Tom and Jerry. For him I am like a cartoon. Swati: What are your aspirations for your son? Akshay: As of now I have none. He is free to pursue his dreams and do as he wishes. Swati: Would you like to say anything for your wife? Akshay: I just want to say that Tina you are the most beautiful woman. I am yet to meet a woman who is as pretty as you. Adapted by: Tanu Talwar For more spicy gossip, lifestyle news, latest pics & videos and more entertainment stories, log on to Spicezee.com »