Chandni Chowk To China

'You will see me swimming with sharks'

Ajit Jain in Toronto

Akshay Kumar is in high spirits. His film, Singh is Kinng was screened at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival, on Sunday.



The actor, who turns 41 today, was all smiles, as he made his way on the red carpet on Simcoe Street leading to the main entrance of the Roy Thomspon Hall, where the film was screened. "I feel very honoured, as this is my first film at the festival, which showcases Indian cinema. I'm very thankful," he added.

The actor arrived in Toronto on Sunday morning from Bangkok, where he is shooting for his next film Blue. Before he left, he gave an exclusive interview to rediff.com. Excerpts:

What is Blue about?

You will be seeing me swimming with sharks in the movie. How's that for a story!

When will we see that? Could you tell us about the cast?

We are hoping for an early release next year. There is Lara Dutta and Sanjay Dutt.

It seems you like Bangkok way too much...

Bangkok is a great place. It is very close to India and people are so nice there. The government is film-friendly too. And yes, it happens to be a place where I was a mere chef at one time.

Would you, in hindsight, say your decision to learn martial arts in Bangkok was instrumental in giving your first break in the movie industry?

Not my first break but martial arts certainly complimented my overall strength to become an actor.


(awww that's the l'l chap he kissed)

'It was great to be walking on the same red carpet that Brad Pitt'

Is it tough to break into Bollywood?

It is always tough to break into any business. If you believe in yourself, that's half the battle won. It's tough but good and talented people succeed in any business.

How did you feel when Singh is Kinng was chosen for the Toronto International Film Festival?

I feel very honoured. As you know, this was my first film in any festival. I am very thankful.

How did you feel to be invited to the prestigious Roy Thompson Hall?

It was a great honour. The atmosphere inside the hall was unbelievable. There were many fans outside cheering me from all directions. Friends and the media was there too. I didn't believe it was all actually happening.

How did you feel walking the red carpet?

It was the best feeling of my life as the Toronto film festival is the best in the world. It was great to be walking on the same red carpet that Brad Pitt did a night before.

All 1,800 tickets were sold even though this is the fourth week since Singh is Kinng was released.

The movie had record collections all over the world and it has made history. The screening at the film festival was like finishing with a bang. Yes, I heard over 1,800 people came to see the film. It's the best feeling anyone can have.

In the picture: Akshay is surrounded by fans on the red carpet at the main entrance of the Roy Thompson hall. With him is close friend Ajay Virmani.


In the picture: Akshay and wife Twinkle (Photograph: Ajay Virmani).

'Sikhs are shown in a very positive light in Singh is Kinng'

You're in Toronto for a day?

Yes, I flew in the morning and I am leaving tonight. It was well worth it. There was an event organised by the Film Festival as a salute to the Indian cinema followed by a reception organised by my dear friend and 'dad' Ajay Virmani. It was a great event and I enjoyed meeting many great people.

After the showing of the film, a friend who is a Sikh, said that Sikhs are being projected here as drug dealers and law breakers. Do you buy this argument?

That's not right. I have never heard of these types of comments before. Everyone is entitled to have their opinions. Most people I have talked to believe in Singh is Kinng, where Sikhs are shown in a very positive light. If some people look for the dirty and negative side, that's what they will find. You will find plenty of positive messages in this film.

What did you think of the Toronto Film Festival?

It is great organisation run by great people. I met Cameron Baily, co-director of TIFF. He is a super man. I was welcomed and truly given first class treatment. I wish they invite me again. I can now see why this festival is considered the best.



'Mr Amitabh Bachchan is a great human being'

Do you think of the days when you didn't have a few hundred rupees in your pocket to buy a book on acting?

I am very thankful to God, my fans and my family for their unconditional support.

Are you now on the pinnacle of your acting career?

There's always more to do in life. One can never sit back and relax. We have to continually rediscover ourselves.

I need to continually improve myself in every area. I have achieved a fair amount but I still have a lot more to accomplish, a lot more to learn and offer.

You performed in Toronto in the Unforgettable tour with the Bachchans...

It was great sharing the stage with Mr Amitabh Bachchan. He's a legend and a great human being.