The Khiladi says it’s his way of giving back to society.
By Tathagata Mitra
BANGALORE: Akshay Kumar, the Khiladi of Bollywood, recently opened a school in India to train women in the art of self-defense. The idea behind the school is to give back to society rather than personal gain.
“We are here to give something to the society. There is no monetary gain from it. I am doing it because I have earned a lot in life due to martial arts and it is my way to give back to the society,” the actor told the media on Friday.
Akshay has been the most formidable action hero of Bollywood for nearly 25 years. Trained in taekwondo, in which he has a black belt, he studied Muay Thai in Bangkok. At the beginning of his career Akshay was noted mostly for his action roles. In fact, a unique feat that he holds is that in his debut film, Saugandh, Akshay walks in on his hands in his first appearance, unlike the first appearance of any hero ever before or since.
Akshay, who is now in his mid-forties, still says fit by training in kickboxing, basketball, swimming and Parkour.
Akshay had earlier hosted a TV show for women participants, which was full of dangerous stunts and a lot of action. It was an adaptation of the American TV show Fear Factor called Khatron Ke Khiladi. He had hosted the 1st, 2nd and 4th season of the show which had women contestants. The third season with men contestants was hosted by Priyanka Chopra.
Akshay has also promised active participation in training his students. He was heard saying, “Whenever I will get time and if I’m in Mumbai, I would teach martial arts to them (the women). I am starting the whole thing on July 29.”
Akshay was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Law for his outstanding work in the film industry and contribution to social work in 2008. He is currently shooting for Prabhu Deva’s Singh is Bling with Kareena Kapoor.