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False FROM BOLLYWOOD TO HOLLYWOOD habariinspiration 26 msafiri Hollywood beckons for India’s biggest film star, Akshay Kumar, as a movie of his life story becomes the first ever Warner Bros venture into mainstream Indian cinema A string of Hollywood’s top producers are knocking on the door of the international ambassador of Bollywood cinema, Akshay Kumar, following his phenomenal international box office success in 2007. Bollywood golden boy Kumar released four films last year, all of which became 2007’ s biggest international Bollywood box- office grossers. They also rocketed into the UK Box Office Top 10 – two of them, Namastey London and Welcome reached the Top 5, with the latter grossing US$ 4.5million in its first two weeks. This year sees the living Bollywood legend catapulted even further into the international spotlight. His film projects in 2008 include his biopic ( biographical motion picture), Chandni Chowk to China, which will be Warner Bros first ever foray into mainstream Indian cinema. With a background in martial arts and a strong passion for adrenalin sports, Kumar is one of the few Bollywood actors to perform his own film stunts. His most dangerous stunt involved jumping from a plane that was flying at 1000ft into a hot air balloon in his film Khiladi 420. With nearly 100 hit films under his acting belt, the 40- year- old actor has received an impressive list of accolades, including Filmfare Awards, Zee Cine Awards, IIFA Awards, Apsara Academy Awards and Star Screen Awards, for roles ranging from anti-hero and villain to comedian and lover. Outside the movie industry, Akshay Kumar is a Worldwide Ambassador for the Paralympics and also works with the United Nations in their efforts to raise awareness about global human trafficking. He lives in Mumbai with his wife and son. nQ Did you always want to be an actor? I think my mum would have preferred me to be a nun – it’s steady work and they supply the uniform… just kidding! Like any loving parent they just wanted me to be respectful and happy. My childhood ambition was to be the world’s next Bruce Lee. I’m still working on that. nQ Would you call yourself a natural actor? In my first acting role I remember it took over five takes to get the shot in the can. My co-star turned to me and said that I couldn’t act. To be honest, that was no news to me! But I thought that if the director was any good he’ll make it look like I’m acting. nQ Where do you find inspiration? My father was a pillar of strength. He has always taught me to be strong and focused in whatever I do. I also find inspiration in every movie I watch. nQ How would you like to see Bollywood develop? I think the industry should pay more attention to good scripts. You can have the most amazing concept, but if the script makes you want to pull your hair out you’re just asking for an almighty flop. nQ Do you have a favourite sport? Cricket, of course! But I’m a total fan of all sports, whether it’s basketball, cricket, tennis… I’m there. nQ If you could change one thing in the world what would it be? Make men think like women. Do you realize how many problems that would solve?! We’d all be happily married and our children would be lovers not fighters. How can we get world peace if the same insane men have power in the wrong places. MY CHILDHOOD AMBITION WAS TO BE THE NEXT BRUCE LEE. I’M STILL WORKING ON THAT. I THINK MY MUM WOULD HAVE PREFERRED ME TO BE A NUN...