I Am Rajiv Bhatia

Rajiv Bhatia, better known as Akshay Kumar, proved beyond doubt that acting isn't at all the key attribute to stardom in Hindi cinema. His success is the result of a combination of factors, but emoting in front of the camera isn't one of them. His meteoric rise just goes to show that you can get by on the strength of your good looks, well-toned body, thrilling stunts and energetic dances. Watch any of Akshay Kumar's films, from 'Dancer' (1991) to 'Jaanwar' (2000) and you will know.

Akshay Kumar had set his sight on the big bad world of films while still in college. Despite taking acting and dancing lessons and being a martial arts expert to boot, that elusive breaks took a long time to come.

Akshay moved to Bangkok and ran a food stall for a while. He came back to Bombay at the turn of the decade finally getting his first film with Raj Sippy's 'Sangharsh (1991). ). The film came and went without much ado and nobody thought its hero had any future. the following year, Abbas-Mustan's 'Khiladi' changed all that, the film had a good run at the box-office and Akshay was widely appreciated as a dancer. After a few other indifferent films, 'Elaan' (1994) he established his image as an action hero who could execute daredevil stunts as never seen before in Bollywood, furthered by such bone-crushers as 'Main Khiladi Tu Anadi', 'Suhag' and 'Mohra' (all 1994).

The biggest boost came from Umesh Mehra's 'Sabse Bada Khiladi', the success of this film mooted the belief that the name 'khiladi' was a lucky mascot for Akshay Kumar. So you had a 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi', 'Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi' and even an 'International Khiladi'.

After a lean patch that's lasted a better part of two years, Akshay seems to have realised the virtue of discretion. In the initial years, he had attempted a soft romantic role with 'Yeh Dillag he tried to experiment some more with films like 'Sanghursh' and 'Hera Pheri' where he's apparently tried his hand at light-hearted comedy.

Akshay Kumar is still considered a dependable action hero who gives total value-for-money only when he's bashing up the bad guys.