Akshay Kumar talks about life and friendship while readying for the release of Dosti
True friends are a gift from God and rare to come by, says Akshay Kumar on the eve of the release of Suneel Darshan's Dosti.
The film sees Kumar coming forward to bail out best buddy Bobby Deol in times of difficulty, thus proving his friendship.
Excerpts from an interview ...
Entertainment Plus: What excited you about Dosti?
Akshay Kumar: There are many films made on love, but very few on friendship. Dosti is a film about true friendship and the theme attracted me.
This was a quick film to make. Was it because of your rapport with director Suneel Darshan that the film happened so fast?
Yes, it is. We have done six films before. We started shooting in March. And yes, we are friends through and through. Six films together is no joke.
So did your dosti (friendship) with co-star Deol thicken during the film or was it already strong?
(Grins) We were always good friends. As Bobby and I have worked together before, the experience of working with a friend was great.
How was South Africa as the location? Seems you played a lot of cricket there.
Yes. It was either the casino or cricket. But the casino was only to relieve stress, not to gamble. We worked 14 hours a day there to complete almost 50 per cent of our work.
How do you help Deol's character in the film?
He plays a rich man and I play the role of his friend. When he needs me, I form a wall around him to protect him. You know a friend's true worth when you are in need. That is what the film is all about.
Do you have many such friends in real life?
I do socialise and yes, I know many people, but personally, there are very few who are my friends. I am very choosy and to get a true friend is, in my opinion, a rare boon.
So, is your quest still on to be No. 1? You seem a close bet.
I am no racehorse and I do have an aversion for numbers. I am an actor. I would like to be called and respected as one.
It was alleged that you are Mr Scissorhands when it comes to chopping your co-stars' roles ...
I do not consider that question worthy of an answer. Enough has been said.
Looking back at your career, how does it feel watching your earlier films?
(Laughs) I get nightmares ... (laughs again) The films that were made then were different, the style of direction was different. When in doubt, an action scene or a song was inserted. Today the trend has changed - thankfully.
Your earlier release Garam Masala may have been successful, but the spice in your life is forever hot and happening ...
I have a beautiful wife and a lovely son. Now you try reading spice into that.
What next? Success seems to be your middle name ...
Honestly, I will always be a learner. There is so much to learn from regional cinema in India. The kinds of stories, characters, performances, and the films in totality ... there is so much more to do now.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
