Akshay Kumar Addresses Film Industry Politics: “Certain People Celebrate My Failures”
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has had an impressive career spanning over three decades, but even for a star of his stature, recent times haven’t been smooth. In a candid interview with Baradwaj Rangan on Galatta Plus, Akshay opened up about the behind-the-scenes politics in the film industry, revealing how certain forces seem to relish in his struggles.
Rough Patch at the Box Office
Akshay, who delivered multiple hits year after year, has seen a downturn at the box office recently. Of his past 10 releases, only two have been declared clean hits. While many factors contribute to the success or failure of a film, Akshay believes that there’s more to the narrative than meets the eye.
He stated that certain people within the industry are quick to bad-mouth him when things don’t go well. According to him, some individuals seem to celebrate his failures, rather than support their colleagues during tough times. He said, “I know exactly who started the rumours around me being under-committed to my films, as if that’s the reason why they flopped.”
False Rumours and Public Perception
Akshay revealed that these rumours have had a direct impact on his image in the public eye. He elaborated that some people have been spreading false information about his work ethic, creating a perception that he is no longer as dedicated to his craft as he once was.
He addressed the notion that his films are failing because he allegedly doesn’t devote enough time to them, calling this idea baseless. In the interview, he said, “It starts from somebody who doesn’t like you… They pick one or two things, and it snowballs from there.”
Commitment to Work-Life Balance
In contrast to the negative rumors, Akshay remains firm about his professional discipline. He explained that his eight-hour workday isn’t due to a lack of commitment but a deliberate choice to maintain a healthy work-life balance. He said, “I strictly work eight-hour shifts because I believe in devoting necessary time to recovery and my personal life.”
He further added that during the earlier stages of his career, he was praised for his efficiency. “They used to say, ‘Akshay’s films don’t take long; he comes on time and leaves on time’. I used to do 17 films at a time, and they used to be released within eight months; that’s how efficient I was considered. But now, when films don’t work, they say that I don’t devote enough time.”
The Culture of Backbiting in Bollywood
The actor didn’t shy away from expressing his disappointment in the toxic culture that seems to exist within Bollywood. He called out how industry members often bad-mouth each other, instead of fostering a sense of support and camaraderie.
Akshay Kumar’s honesty in this interview sheds light on the unseen pressures and challenges that even the biggest stars face in the entertainment world.
