Never too late to believe in yourself: Akki

Never mind 2010, everybody's had their share of failures and losses, but how many have remained as cheerful and sunny at the start of 2011 as has Akshay kumar? The Khiladi, who has always taken bad karma in his long stride, has reason to believe this will be his year. 

For the buzz is that Patiala House, his February 11 release directed by Nikhil Advani,which Akshay's Hari Om Entertainment Co. has co-produced with T-Series and two other banners, is a film to be looked forward to. Akshay himself says, "I don't know what the box office will say, but it is the best movie that I have been part of in the last eight years. 

I have always told people to leave their brains behind in my comic films, but here I would say — bring your brains and your hearts to the cinema." On this upbeat note, BT spoke to the actor at home just after he had finished offering thanks to Lord Ganesh, the presiding deity. Excerpts from the interview... 

Bollywood believes 2010 was bad for you... 

I had a blockbuster, a flop and two average films. For any other actor it would be a fairly good year, but for me, where people expect a blockbuster with every film, it was just average. I have been making movies for 22 years and every year has just made me better at my job and at making money for this industry. 

What do you look for in scripts when signing films? 

Firstly, I look for it's commercial ability; then I calculate whether it is possible for my producers and distributors to make profit if not at least break even; then, I look for what I love and that's the reason why movies are made — an idea that grips you and makes you want to translate that on the big screen. 

Patiala House appears more promising than all your films of 2010... 

It's a bit like my own story. As Indians, our bond with our family is very strong and the battle between respect for our family and our personal ambitions and desires is common in every man and woman. Patiala House is a feel good story about how it's never too late to believe in yourself... and the thrills of how an underdog finally succeeds. 

What do you want from this year? 

I pray I entertain my audiences to great satisfaction, I'm hoping my son is honoured with his next belt in Karate, I want to make my wife even happier. I know 2011 has a lot of high voltage physical impact for me so I pray I get through it pain free and safely. But, most of all, I'm looking forward to creating even more memories... not only in Hindi cinema, but in my family life also. The latter will be a greater achievement, for nowadays, fatherhood comes before Bollywood. 

What happened to the Action King in you? 

I'm happy to say I have finally been given an action script that I will be starting in October if all goes well. I'm thrilled that I will be back with the kind of raw action that fans have been wanting from me. But, trust me, a good action script is hard to come by. I'm sorry for the wait but all good things come when you're patient...