Akshay Kumar Felt Like ‘Slapping’ Himself After Watching His Own Films – Here’s Why

Akshay Kumar is one of Bollywood’s most versatile stars today, but the actor has revealed that there was a time when he was deeply dissatisfied with his own work. Looking back at the early years of his career, the actor admitted that watching his films made him feel like ‘slapping’ himself because he had become trapped in the action hero image. The actor said that after spending nearly a decade in the Hindi film industry, he realised the need to reinvent himself and explore different genres. That decision eventually transformed him into one of Indian cinema’s most successful and adaptable actors, allowing him to build a career spanning more than three decades.

Speaking to PTI ,opened up about his initial years in the industry and confessed that earning money was his primary motivation when he entered films. “Initially, when I came to the industry, I only wanted to make money,” the actor said. During the first phase of his career, Akshay established himself as one of Bollywood’s leading action stars. Films such as Khiladi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Mohra and several other action-oriented projects helped him gain popularity among audiences. However, after nearly ten years in the industry, the actor realized that he had become associated only with action roles.

“After that decade, when I saw my films, I felt like slapping myself. I had only done action roles and nobody thought I was capable of anything else,” he said. The realisation pushed Akshay to make one of the most important decisions of his career. Instead of continuing with similar roles, he consciously began exploring different genres and characters.

The decision proved to be a turning point. Akshay went on to deliver successful performances in comedy, romance, drama and socially relevant films. He cited movies such as Hera Pheri, Dhadkan, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Pad Man as examples of his transformation. The actor said, “I have kept transforming myself.”

Reflecting on his long journey in the film industry, Akshay expressed gratitude for sustaining a career that has now lasted 35 years. “Thirty-five years are a long time. It is a one in a billion or million chance to have 35 years of career. I hope I go further and cross 40,” he said. The actor also made an emotional statement about his passion for acting and filmmaking. “The prayer is that I keep shooting just five minutes before my death,” Akshay added.

Meanwhile, the actor is preparing for the release of  , one of the most ambitious comedy entertainers in recent years. Directed as a large-scale comic adventure, the film features one of Bollywood’s biggest ensemble casts. Alongside Akshay Kumar, the movie stars Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta and Farida Jalal. The extensive cast also includes Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Kiran Kumar, Zakir Hussain, Vindu Dara Singh and Urvashi Rautela.