When Akshay Kumar decided to change his name, his father was puzzled
Akshay Kumar, originally named Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, recently opened up about his father’s reaction when he decided to change his name. Akshay shared this anecdote while promoting his film “Sarfira“.
Born in Old Delhi to a Punjabi Hindu family, Akshay had a keen interest in sports and martial arts from a young age. He trained in Karate during his school years and later went to Bangkok to learn Thai Boxing, a decision supported by his father, an army officer turned accountant. After returning to India, Akshay worked as a martial arts instructor before stepping into the entertainment industry.
Akshay Kumar made his film debut with a special appearance in Mahesh Bhatt’s “Aaj,” but it was “Saugandh” in 1991 that marked the beginning of his journey as a lead actor.
When Akshay Kumar decided to change his name, his father was puzzled and questioned him, asking, “What’s wrong with you?” Kumar explained that the decision “Surprisingly, it wasn’t for astrology at all. I felt that ‘Akshay Kumar’ had a better ring to it and would be more memorable in the film industry. It was more of a personal choice to create a distinct identity that would stand out”.
Akshay Kumar‘s career trajectory has been marked by significant highs and occasional lows. He has won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in “Rustom” (2016). His philanthropic efforts, especially in setting up martial arts training schools for women’s safety, have also been widely recognized.
Kumar continues to be one of India’s most bankable stars, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft. His recent work, including hosting reality shows and producing socially relevant films, underscores his multifaceted contributions to Indian cinema.
