Akshay Kumar gets sportier
Akshay Kumar is getting sportier by the day. Now he's an Olympic Torch bearer
Bollywood action hero and ardent sports-enthusiast Akshay Kumar has been chosen as the Indian ambassador for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
With this, he becomes the first Indian actor to run alongside other international torch-bearers including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Colin Farrell and Vanessa Williams.
Last week in Mumbai he received the sacred Olympic torch from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. tabloid! caught up with the star before his December 17 Olympic Torch relay.
As the Indian ambassador for the 2010 Olympic Games in Canada, what's on your agenda?
I will be flying to Toronto this month for the torch-bearer run. As always, I am just praying that I don't trip and fall with the flame. If that happens, I'll probably never be allowed back into Canada. (Just kidding). Hopefully, during my visit I'll be able to watch a few games too. I wouldn't miss such an amazing opportunity for the world.
What was your frame of mind when you received the sacred Olympic torch from the Canadian PM Harper?
The only thing that was going through my mind at the time was "Come on, Akshay — whatever you do, do not drop the torch." I was in complete awe of the occasion. I felt like I was being given a trophy since the torch felt so extravagant.
Also, to be a part of something so prestigious as the winter Olympics takes my breath away. After all, I'm just an actor, and sportsmen are guys with immense talent and discipline. They make their nations proud.
Who is your favourite sportsperson and why?
Internationally, I am in awe of Ivan Ivanko — the famous male artistic gymnast. Personally, I think gymnastics is a tough and a dangerous sport. I have tremendous respect for all those who do it.
In India, it would have to be [cricketer] Sachin Tendulkar. Man, what a player, what talent! He is truly loved in my country.
Latest gym secrets revealed
"My current favourite gym routine is bouncing on a trampoline. Recently, I even bought an Olympic size trampoline from London and built it into the ground in my garden. My son and I train on it every day. I think my son is obsessed with it. It's the best work out for mind, body and the soul."
