Akshay Kumar cancels shoot

Akshay Kumar, who is known as being a no-hassles actor and for shooting despite injuries or ailments, recently cancelled a shoot.

Reportedly, the actor was suffering from a sprain in his back that compelled him to cancel the shoot for his own production, Patiala House.

Akki has been shooting non-stop for the Nikhil Advani film at Mehboob Studios. He sprained his back during an action scene.

A source told a tabloid, "Since he performs stunts on his own, it takes a toll on his back. And he's had a back problem for a really long time. The pain wasn't getting any lesser. So, Akshay decided to rest for the day. The doctor advised the actor physiotherapy and adequate rest."

Being the producer, Akshay didn't hesitate to take a break. "No-one else lost money by his cancelling the shoot, so Akshay didn't think twice. He's had a record of working in the industry without ever cancelling a shoot, only because he doesn't like the producer to suffer losses at his expense," the source told the tabloid.

Akshay, however, managed to make it to the Mumbai Marathon yesterday. Well, it seems the actor is all set to be back in action.

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Akshay Kumar to land in Hollywood

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Mumbai: The stunt man of Bollywood Akshay Kumar who is now a super star of the tinsel world has worked with around all the big and small directors of Indian Cinema and now he is bending towards the west countries to try his hands.


According to the sources, the Hollywood director David Ellis, who has directed thrillers like "The Final Destination", is really keen to work with the actor after having a close attention on his work in his latest flick 'Blue'.


Recently, David came to see all the skill and work of the stunt man when the director Anthony D'Souza of the flick ‘Blue' was busy in doing the final mixing of the footage at Los Angeles.


David loved the magnificent work by the actor and the director of 'Blue' quoted, "David was highly impressed when he saw some portions of Blue. He was of the opinion that such stunts could not be possible in movies outside Hollywood. He simply loved Akshay's work and truly believes that Akshay has huge potential to make it big in the West."


According to some other sources, the western director David has already portrayed the storyline of his film in which Akshay Kumar alias Akki will play in the lead role. The film will be a served to both Indian and international audiences on the silver screen.

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After Blue, its Blue 2

The seats are still warm from last week’s release Blue but a sequel to the big budget film is already in the works. Tentatively titled Blue 2, get ready for a bigger, better and definitely more expensive production, which will go even further with it’s thrilling special effects. Blue actor Sanjay Dutt told a tabloid that they will be starting with the sequel immediately. "It was a thrilling experience shooting for Blue in the Bahamas. Tony (director) is ready with the idea for Blue 2 and he has promised that there will be more sharks and action in the sequel," says Sanjay. The actor went on to tell of the trials and tribulations over the shooting of the original. "For me, Blue was an extremely difficult film to shoot. The same goes for the director Anthony D'Souza. Hats off to the producer who believed in the film and invested so much money in it. I don't know about others but I had a tough time while shooting as I was scared when I saw 50 sharks around me." Blue 2 is rumoured to begin shooting in Australia and will reportedly star one more key male actor other than Akshay Kumar, Sanjay and Zayed Khan. Who do you think should complete the male quartet in Blue 2?

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Kambakkht Ishq - Review

Film: “Kambakkht Ishq”

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor

Director: Sabbir Khan

Rating: ***

There’s no business like show-off business. And “Kambakkht Ishq” has plenty to show off. Fabulous Hollywood locales, Hollywood icons like Sylvester Stallone and Brandon Routh doing cameos and above all, crackling and smouldering chemistry between the film’s lead pair.

Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor make a super glamorous couple. Even when they’re ready to bite off each others’ heads, call each other names and scream like a double-banshee delight at a horror festival, there is just no way the compatibility of the combo can be repeated … even by them.

Indeed if the supreme silliness of the plot in “Kambakkht Ishq” works it’s because of Akshay and Kareena’s glorious goofiness. The lead pair, never in better form, gets into the grandly caricaturish groove effortlessly and convincingly.

For Akshay and Kareena it’s hate at first sight. They pass sexist remarks about the opposite sex loud enough for the other to hear. They continuously carp about the vices of being of the opposite sex in a world polluted by bigotry and gender bias. Goodness, these two despicable creatures deserve each other!

The battle of the sexes is loud and aggressive, designed to create a cacophony of conflicts that leave us reeling in stupefied embarrassment.

Sure, we’ve seen other films about a goofy man and stuck-up woman who can’t stand each other. But none so engrossed their own self-serving hemispheres.

Seemingly rudderless and often risque, “Kambakkht Ishq” is a film that doesn’t endear itself with its plot. It’s all about the styling often at the cost of what most moviegoers think of as substance.

But there is no real substance in “Kambakkht Ishq”. The storyline is wispy slim and the gasbag gags are as cheesy as the goofy grin that Akshay wears like second skin. The veneer of vivacity seldom falls off, though admittedly some episodes wear us out with their svelte jibes at that old and baffling thing called the man-woman relationship.

The film is a no-holds-barred gender war - tangy, spicy and supremely smug in its silliness. And Akshay’s character slowly realises that there’s more to love than scoring.

The farce fest miraculously manages to sustain the mood of zany fun most of the way. But some episodes like Boman Irani’s cameo appearance as a shrink fall flat.

But as far as eye-catching locales and protagonists go, “Kambakkht Ishq” goes a long way. The Akshay-Kareena pair just makes you stare. And if you are into clothes and accessories you could spend an evening with “Kambakkht Ishq” just checking out what Kareena wears and how well she carries it off.

Akshay’s comic timing has now been honed to a fine art. He invests his completely caddish character’s personality with a frank and fearless arrogance that borders on megalomania but finally settles on being plain outrageous.

Kareena matches him step by step. Just because she looks like a million bucks doesn’t mean her performance is cosmetic too. Her satirical expressions as a man-hater are to die for.

Debutant director Sabbir Khan knows how to bring out the beast in his characters and milks the outrageous situations for all their mirth. Somewhere in this jokey binge of gender wars, Sylvester Stallone pops up for two of the film’s most arresting sequences.

But ‘Superman’ Brandon Routh is utterly wasted.

Where else but in Bollywood would Routh come across such a farcical feast designed in a slick-flick format where the hero is operated on by a supermodel who moonlights as a surgeon and leaves a watch in the hero’s stomach?

The watch chimes a Hindu mantra into Akshay Kumar’s ears ad nauseum. He’s of course maddeningly annoyed. We’re by then beyond that point.

Applaud this film for its audacity, vivacity and energy. And please don’t look for a reason behind the comic chaos. Some things are not meant to mean anything beyond what they seem. This film is a marvel of packaging.

Posted on 11:04 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Denise Richards love to do another Hindi film

Mumbai, Denise Richards is going to watch more Hindi films, finds them more passionate than American romantic comedies and would love to do another Bollywood flick after her brief cameo in the big budget “Kambakkht Ishq”. The Hollywood star reveals all this and more in a conversation with co-star Akshay Kumar, who she admits she finds cute.

Excerpts from the conversation:

Akshay: We have Denise Richards here with me… So what do you think about being in the Indian film industry in Bollywood?

Denise: “Kambakkht Ishq” was my first Bollywood film and I didn’t know what to expect from it. But I felt very comfortable. Bollywood is a very catchy phrase, it sounds cool. All of you welcomed me and made feel so comfortable. Thank you. You all are very helpful and very fun people and I love that.

Akshay: Have you seen any Bollywood film?

Denise: I have three movies in my bag and I’m going to go home and watch all the three movies.

Akshay: All three are my movies. (Laughs)

Denise: I have heard AK (Akshay Kumar) is a very big star and I am so honoured and flattered to work with a big star like him.

Akshay: I must tell you, Denise has done some romantic scenes with me which are typically Bollywood style. So did you find any difference in that?

Denise: I find this Bollywood movie to be more passionate than a romantic comedy in America. The emotions are bigger here and there is much more passion here which I like.

Akshay: Is emotion different between Hollywood and Bollywood?

Denise: No, I think for this movie in particular the intention is the same. The woman is in love with the man and the other woman is sad seeing him go. So the intention is the same as far as a romantic comedy is concerned. Bollywood movies are bigger and more passionate of course.

Akshay: Would you do another movie here?

Denise: Yes, I would love to do another Bollywood movie.

Akshay: There is a shot where Denise gives all her shopping bags to me and when I am walking with her I fall down.

Denise: He is the biggest action star and in that particular scene I think that you really fell. But I also thought that when we both were walking down the steps in a scene, like Spartans, you were a little clumsy and that was very cute. And I do find that most action stars like Pierce Brosnan are a little clumsy and that’s very cute, endearing and sweet.

Akshay: I think that it’s very natural also. Basically a man when he is walking, he is a little clumsy somewhere or the other, especially carrying so many bags, like 10-15 of them. I think we are clumsy.

Denise: But it was very easy working with them. Doing a romantic comedy in my very first scene, coming gout of a pool I had to kiss him and all that and it can be very awkward and uncomfortable sometimes.

Akshay: Were you uncomfortable?

Denise: No, you were very nice. You made me feel so comfortable which was very nice and very much at ease. The director (Sabir Khan) is so sweet and such like a big kid and laughs a lot and he likes to collaborate and give ideas. He made me feel so comfortable as well… Everyone made me feel very comfortable.

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Twinkle Khanna arrested

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar's, wife Twinkle was arrested and later released on bail for her alleged obscene behaviour during a recent fashion show, police said.

"Twinkle surrendered before the police yesterday after which we arrested her. She was accompanied by her lawyer," an officer from Santacruz police station told reporters, adding she was released on a bail of Rs 950 after completing necessary formalities. "We will arrest Akshay also after he comes back to India in a couple of days," the officer said.

Anil Nair, a Mumbai based social activist had registered a police complaint alleging obscenity after Akshay unbuttoned his jeans with the help of Twinkle during a fashion week held last month in suburban Santacruz.

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Kambakkht Ishq Trailers/Kambakkht Ishq Videos

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Akshay Kumar is the highest income tax payer in Bollywood

New Delhi: Actor Akshay Kumar has topped the list of taxpayers as he paid the highest income tax in Bollywood of Rs 19 crore. Akshay has even surpassed Shah Rukh Khan who paid Rs 15 crore.

Actor Hrithik Roshan is so far third on the celebrity tax payer list, with a payment of Rs 8 crore and Aamir Khan comes fourth, having paid Rs 7 crore as income tax.

Akshay is referred to as the current Box Office king, following a series of hit films including Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Welcome and the most recent Singh Is Kinng.

Singh is Kinng had a record opening in India and overseas. The film was one of the highest grossers in 2008.

Meanwhile, audiences in India and abroad are looking forward to Akshay's forthcoming release Chandni Chowk To China opposite Deepika Padukone.

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Akshay engaging in a passionate smooch with Denise Richards!

By Bollywood Hungama News Network Akshay 'Khiladi' Kumar is well-known for 2 things- his ability to do death-defying stunts and his charming ways which could sweep any gorgeous woman off her feet. The Superstar's last few films may have seen him more in action or comedy roles but there is a romantic side to Akshay too which can't be easily forgotten. Now in his forthcoming film Kambakht Ishq, Akshay would be seen romancing none other than the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor. However, it's not Akki's chemistry with Bebo that's being discussed here. Apart from Kareena, Akki would be seen cozying up to yet another hottie and its none other than Hollywood star Denise Richards. We came across this startling picture of Akshay engaged in a passionate lip lock with Denise. Also, we can't help but wonder what wifey dearest Twinkle's first reaction would be on seeing this pic? If this picture is any indication of things to come, expect a scorching hot summer when Kambakht Ishq opens across cinemas this May.

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Akshay's Chinese looks

There is a strong reason behind why Akshay Kumar gave a Thumbs Up to Chandni Chowk To China. Though technically, he was on board already doing the film, the thing that clinched the deal was a specially designed poster of the film.

Rohan Sippy, 'Shridhar (Raghavan) confirmed that the writer and he had only Akshay in their minds for the part. They wanted him so badly that they actually created a poster with him in it to give him a feel for the film. The poster made an impact on Akshay and to such an extent that he wanted to sign on right away. In fact it happens to be the same concept that is being used in the teaser posters of the movie.

Moreover, the story of the clumsy Sidhu, whose journey to China gives him a chance to believe in himself, build his identity and save a village resonated somewhere with Akshay, that made him even more keen.

“I don't think we could have envisioned any other actor in the role of Sidhu. Akshay has breathed life into this role. People will feel sympathy when he is a fumbling Sidhu and will cheer when he beats up the bad guys. There are very few actors who can convince the audience to accept them as a simpleton and as a Kung Fu expert within the same movie”, says Rohan.

The Chinese look for the superstar was created by Jaimal Odedra who has been a part of the London fashion industry for 17 years, and is working for Bollywood for the first time. He clearly had a lot on his plate when he was signed on to design the looks of Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in their film together, Chandni Chowk to China.
Nikhil Advani says that beyond being an exceptionally versatile and professional actor, Akshay Kumar is one of the very few actors in Bollywood who has the physique and agility to have carried off the tough demands of the role. He added that he was a daredevil and loved performing stunts and revelled in them when they were risky.

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Audio Release Of 'Chandni Chowk To China'

Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone were the star attractions at the Audio Release of their film 'Chandni Chowk To China'. Lets get you all the action in this exclusive video.

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Chandni Chowk To China is not shot in China, but in Canada

Chandni Chowk To China is not shot !

Nikhil Advani's dream of making the first Bollywood film in China could only be partially realized. After a major part of the shooting, the director and his entire crew had to hastily leave China and look for an alternative place to shoot the rest of the film. If New York is being shot in Philadelphia, Chandni Chowk To China has been shot in Bangkok. And for good reason. Hot: Deepika Padukone's sexy new look for Chandni Chowk to China Says Nikhil, "It was the year of the Olympics in China and it became impossible beyond a point to shoot in the country where our film is based. Maybe a quieter less flamboyant film, but not the kind of action that Akshay has shot." Revealed: Deepika and her secrets Apparently, the Olympics authorities found Akshay Kumar's athletic exertions to be a bit of an intrusion in the preparations for the grand international event. Says Nikhil, "Bangkok's topography is quite similar to China. Also, it's a very Bollywood-friendly country. So we just had to let go of the real country. Because the action scenes required Olympian skills and infrastructure." Akshay Kumar had to battle it out with globally-known actors like Gordon Lieu who was in The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin and Roger Yuan, the main baddie in the Jackie Chan-starrer Shanghai Noon. Adds Nikhil, "Gordon Lieu is a well-known name in Hollywood and Roger Yuan is the only Asian actor who works out of Bollywood. They both play arch-villains. Then I've a cast of actors who are stalwarts in China. They held on their own against Akshay, even when they were taken out of their home ground and put into Bangkok masquerading as China." Incidentally, apart from Akshay, Mithun Chakraborty who was also quite an action star during his heydays has been given to do stunts in Chandni Chowk To China. "Mithunda will kick some ass too. Action is the backbone of my film. While other films have item songs, Chandni Chowk To China has item-action. It's the action scenes that move the plot forward. The songs are extremely situational. I'm very lucky. I got Bappi Lahiri to re-do his Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost. I think the music is a decent follow-up to my Salaam-e-Ishq.," the director reveals.

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Akshay Kumar's 'Blue' inspired by 'The Deep'?

Debutant director Anthony D' Souza says his underwater action thriller 'Blue', said to be one of the most expensive Hindi films, has borrowed some elements from the 1970s Hollywood movie 'The Deep'.

"To a certain extent 'Blue' is inspired by 'The Deep'," said D'Souza.

'The Deep', which released in 1977, was an underwater movie about a ship that sank with drugs and cocaine. The film, directed by Peter Yates, was even nominated for several awards, including the Oscars.

"My film has nothing to do with drugs and cocaine. It is based on lost treasure which three friends try to find. It is related to the obstacles that they face in the process and the deceit and betrayal among themselves and others," D'Souza told us.

"My film has certain special characters that will give it a different feel. Basically, 'Blue' is not only inspired by one film but has references from various underwater films and also creature films like 'Jaws'," he added.

Being made at a whopping Rs.1.29 billion budget, the film stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Zayed Khan, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif.

About the characters in the movie, D'Souza said that while Sanjay and Akshay play fishermen based in the Bahamas, Zayed is a flamboyant guy who joins them in a treasure hunt. Lara plays Sanjay's wife and Katrina's character has grey shades to it.

"Most of the characters in my film are in grey shades. The bad guy in the film is one among the three main lead characters and Katrina will surprise the audience with her role," D' Souza said.

D'Souza said the fear factor of his movie are the 40 untrained real sharks that he has used to guard the treasure.

"The three heroes, who go on the mission, have to encounter the sharks before reaching the treasure," he added

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STAR Gold airs 'Chandni Chowk to Bollywood - A Journey of a Superstar'

MUMBAI: Post the exciting Akshay Kumar movie festival, Star Gold presents a one-of-its-kind initiative to culminate the fest & applaud the 'Khiladi' of Bollywood - Akshay Kumar.

Little did anyone guess that this man, who entered the world of films with no fanfare, no Godfather and no formal training in acting would, one day, rule the celluloid world as one of the most sought after superstars of Hindi Cinema! Hosted by Sajid Khan, on October 26 at 8 pm, STAR Gold airs 'Chandni Chowk to Bollywood - A Journey of a Superstar', a star-studded event dedicated to Akshay Kumar and his promising journey till date.

The beauties of Bollywood take on the stage with some electrifying numbers, especially for Akshay Kumar. Watch Aarti Chhabria & Anjana Sukhani groove amidst fire… Amrita Arora dresses up like the khiladi himself and sizzles to all his songs… Amisha Patel enters the stage in the form of a gorgeous butterfly and finally the best comes last, as Akshay takes on the dance floor on his best numbers.

Superstar Akshay Kumar says, "Jesus I'm flattered, but I'm not retiring yet though so don't panic, this life time showcase that STAR Gold are releasing of mine makes it sound like "wow look what I've done, coz I have nothing left," Not to fear they just want to show you why I wasn't famous earlier that's all... Just kidding guys I am actually genuinely flattered, its great to feel that after 18 years of struggling at something that you love, its actually being appreciated and even loved, (I hope)... I never thought I'd be famous enough to have a tribute made of me so I would say this is a bit of a touching programme for me really. As nervous a I am that you are all about to witness things that I cant even remember in front and behind the scenes, I hope you all enjoy the juicy details of my life, I'm sure STAR Gold has dug deep enough to keep you entertained, my pleasure as always... STAR Gold I will get you back for this..."

If that's not enough, catch the making, behind-the-scenes and gupshup from the rehearsals on Octber 25 at 7.30 pm (repeats on Sunday at 12.30 pm) on STAR Gold.

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Akshay Kumar turns 41

Mumbai, Sep 9: From being Bollywood's original action hero, to playing the comic role, this Khiladi has done it all. Yet only one thing remains true that Akshay Kumar is a hit formula at the box office.

The Khiladi of Khiladis, Akshay Kumar, today turns 41. It has been one roller coaster ride in Bollywood for Akshay Kumar.

He started as a chef in Bangkok, before he tried his luck in the Bollywood industry.

It was a journey even more remarkable as he had no filmy connections, no relations in the industry and no godfather.

Like many popular actors, Akshay's initial films failed at the box office but since Khiladi in 1992 there has been no looking back for him.

With a slew of hits since 2007, he now stands in close competition with Shah Rukh Khan. His 'Singh is Kinng' this year had the biggest opening for an Indian film ever.

Akki has delivered five consecutive hits. After 18 years of his journey in Bollywood, success just keeps pouring in for this 'King' of Bollywood.

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Excellent opening fo "Singh is Kinng"

Mumbai (PTI): Amid speculations whether Akshay Kumar is the new 'King of Bollywood', 'Singh is Kinng' starring the actor in the title role opened to an excellent box office initial worldwide on Friday.

The film's producer Vipul Shah told PTI that box office collections on the opening day was a "historical 100 per cent" everywhere. "it is the biggest ever opening for any film so far," he claimed.

'Singh is Kinng' has been released in 1800 screens worldwide, he added.

When asked about the weekend and second week prospects for the film, Shah replied, "they look record breaking."

When contacted, Sandeep Bhargava of Indian Films which has distributed the film worldwide said that according to distributors in India and overseas, 'Singh is Kinng' has got a phenomenal initial opening.

"They say the opening is bigger than 'Om Shanti Om'.

However, it is too early to provide the comparative figures as the film has been released only today," he added.

The much hyped and well published movie which is co-produced by Akshay Kumar himself was in the news all throughout its making. The actor's recent movies have raked over Rs 500 crore and trade circles commented that the film's title suggested Kumar's attempt to replace Shah Rukh Khan as the 'King of Bollywood'.

However, critics and trade analysts are divided on their opinion about the film's fate at the box office. Some critics are keeping their fingers crossed and feel that the euphoria will not last in the second week.

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Trailer of 'Singh is King'

Trailer of 'Singh is Kinng' is simply great

Spectacular that's the right word to describe the two-and-a-half minute theatrical trailer of SINGH IS KINNG, which will be out in theatres in a couple of days from now. Believe me, we haven't seen something like this in a long, long time. Any promo should give the viewer a feel of the film and that's what this trailer does. It's not a mindless comedy, with a few comic thrown in for effect, you realize this at the very outset. SINGH IS KINNG is the keenly awaited movie of the season and the promo more than justifies the hype surrounding the movie. The trailer opens with Sonu Sood's character taking court of his kingdom in Australia, then breaks into a Hollywood style action sequence, followed by Punjab da puttar Akshay Kumar staging an entry. He's on a quest to bring Sonu Sood back home and ends up in a detour to Egypt's exotic locations where he encounters Katrina Kaif. And from there he moves on to his journey in Australia. There's more to follow: Breath-taking action scenes [in fact, never seen before] picturized over the Australian skyline and also in the sea. The action is at par with any Hollywood film and the locales are jaw-dropping. Interspersed with great music and colourful costumes, this promo packs in so much in those couple of minutes. Note the funny one-liner by Akki in the end, it leaves you with a smile on your face. If the trailer is an indicator of things to follow, expect a hurricane called SINGH IS KINNG to arrive on August 8.

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Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt have narrow escape

While shooting for mega movie, Blue, in the Bahamas, Akshay Kumar and Sunjay Dutt barely escaped with their lives while doing a stunt scene.

The Scene required the blasting of a ship while Akshay Kumar and Sunjay Dutt accompanied by cameraman Peter Zuccarni were nearby about 50 meters under water.

While the crew took utmost care to ensure that all precautions were taken, they didn’t expect the impact of the blast, especially underwater, to be as powerful as it turned out to be.

It was a harrowing moment for the entire team, but luckily the cameraman used his presence of mind and got Sanjay Dutt, Akki and himself out of trouble quickly.

Back on shore, while the actors thanked their stars for being alive, they also thanked the cameraman for his bravado.

Blue is said to be one of the most expensive movies of 2008 and is being shot on the sunny beaches and blue waters of the Bahamas.

With an impressive star-cast comprising of Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan along with some spectacular stunts and breathtaking underwater sequences, Blue is surely one film to look forward to.

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Dr.Akshay Kumar

Ontario, May 13: It was a roller coaster for Akshay Kumar when he was conferred a PhD degree at the 46th convocation of Assumption University in Ontario, Canada. 'Dr Akshay Kumar' is what the University President and Chancellor, Dr Paul Rennick, said repeatedly while addressing him.

It couldn't have been more emotional for the Bollywood star. "I can't believe this has happened," he told rediff.com. "I didn't even pass my college. I don't have any words."

In his acceptance speech, Akshay conceded, "When I was young, I used to pray every night - please, God, let me pass my exam. Then, I realised God doesn't help like that. So I cheated [in my exams] and asked for God's forgiveness."

But Akshay told the South Asian students assembled at the convocation, "Please don't cheat. It doesn?t work, as [despite cheating] I failed."

University President Rennick explained that when Akshay's name came before their Committee, they brought the name forward to the Senate of Assumption University after review, who gave their approval.

Besides Akshay, Carl S Cohen and Aubrey Dan were conferred PhD degrees.
Amongst other things, Dan produces plays on Broadway and Toronto. Cohen, as a lawyer, "is an example of integrity: a characteristic too often neglected and too seldom rewarded."

"We have here tonight one member of the Hindu community [Akshay], and two members of the Jewish community, who are all receiving honours from a Catholic Christian University (Assumption)," Rennick summed up, explaining that the three recipients have an 'inter-religious' overtone.

During his acceptance speech, Akshay repeated talked about his parents, and his values that helped him succeed. "My father taught me that believing in God is living life with confidence," he said. "Those words gave me strength to follow my dreams. Here I am standing with my esteemed colleagues, and it is right to say one thing and that is we all have a dream. My parents laid the foundation of my every achievement and represent calendar of my life".

"This honor is even more important than getting an Oscar," Akshay added. "Only today, I spoke with my five-year-old son, and I was happy to hear that he received his 'blue ribbon' today [like his father, Aarav is also learning martial arts]. Today, I have received the honourary doctorate. So both of us have lot to share with each other when I return to Mumbai."

Ajay Virmani, Akshay's host in Toronto, had also received an honourary degree from the same University two years back. Explaining why Akshay was given an honourary degree, he said "Akshay Kumar is an actor whose very name inspires the youth. He is [one of] Bollywood's hottest properties now."

Virmani went on to explain how Akshay "has been lauded as everything from India's version of Jackie Chan to one of the Sexiest Men Alive."

He also called him India's version of Brad Pitt, thanks to "his rugged good looks and dare devil personality, who has incorporated martial arts into the cinema, making him Bollywood?s first true action hero."

"He has always done his own daredevil stunts. No wonder he is hailed as King Kumar in Bollywood. But all said, it is his positive ethic and dedication that truly makes him the King."

Assumption University President Rennick lived in India for six months, several years back. "When I made that trip, it was a formative event in my life and to this day, I retain a great appreciation of the Indian culture, a warm affection for the Indian people and a deep gratitude for the spiritual heritage that comes from India to the benefit of the whole human community."

So he was grateful to see Akshay travel all the way from India to receive the honourary degree.

When the degree was awarded and the traditional sash was worn, there was a standing ovation for the star.

When Akshay entered the University reception room, a large number of his fans were waiting. Virmani contracted two police officers to serve as tough bodyguards to prevent Akshay from being physically mobbed.
Yet, Akshay unhesitatingly went close to the fence, and shook hands with students and fans, and signed autographs.

One woman even jumped from to hug him, and yet another planted a kiss on his cheek.

To his credit, Akshay smiled through it all and even seemed to enjoy his celebrity status in Windsor, a city with 300,000 inhabitants on Canada-US border with the city of Detroit on the other side. There are about 3,000 Indians living in this city.

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