Akshay Kumar recalls being told by a director to channel Shatrughan Sinha, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra in his performance: ‘I wanted him to be 20 percent Mani Ratnam’

On the latest episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show Akshay Kumar revisited some intersting stories from his initial days and recalled how he bettered his craft over time.

By: Entertainment Desk
Mumbai | September 21, 2025 11:02 AM IST

3 min read

Akshay Kumar opens up about his initial days on Kapil Sharma's show

Akshay Kumar speaks about his initial days on Kapil Sharma's show. (Photo: Netflix)

Actor Akshay Kumar graced the finale of The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3. During the show, Akshay spoke about how, in his early days, he worked tirelessly on his craft. He also recalled an incident when a director advised him to imbibe the qualities of veteran actors in his performance

Host Kapil Sharma asked Akshay if, in the early days of his career, he was ever told to take inspiration from other actors in his performances. The Jolly LLB 3 actor replied, “I was doing a film where the director was not happy after I gave 2-3 shots. He told me he wanted 30 percent Shatrughan, 20 percent Big B, and 35 percent Dharmendra. This is how I was explained, and I still cannot forget that. I wondered what kind of direction that was, and from where I can get such a combination. In my heart, I was telling the director that I wanted him to be 20 percent Mani Ratnam. I wanted to drop names of other directors, and reply.”

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Akshay Kumar also urged people to love themselves as they are, rather than trying to become another Akshay Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan. He recalled how, early in his career, he was told his gums showed when he smiled. But instead of changing it, he embraced it, and over time, people came to praise him for his beautiful smile.

During the season finale, Akshay praised Kapil Sharma’s entire team, noting that they don’t get enough credit in the industry. He urged award organizers to also recognize the work of comedy actors.

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On the work front, Akshay Kumar’s latest film Jolly LLB 3 hit screens this Friday. Other than this, Akshay Kumar has Bhoot Bangla, Welcome To The Jungle, and Hera Pheri 3 in the pipeline.

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