In his bid to adapt to the new normal and find a way to work around it, Akshay Kumar completed the shooting of BellBottom in record time and today, has a long slate of films — some ready for release and some in various stages of production. In a chat with BT, the actor spoke about his first theatrical release this year and more. Excerpts:
You have previously worked on films that have had a real-life context. What was it about Bell Bottom that got you hooked on it?
BellBottom is also a story based on true events, and personally, I'm really intrigued by real-life context. So, I pick such content. The intrigue and thrill increase tenfold when you find out that an extraordinary incident actually took place. I love real-life stories. Before making this film, I also didn't know about this chapter in history. I think a lot of people don't know much about it as it is based on a RAW agent and a covert operation. Things like these are usually classified information. BellBottom is set in the 70s and 80s when India faced the challenge of multiple hijacks. During one such incident, a RAW agent whose code name is BellBottom sees through the plan and begins India's first covert operation.
The trailer of the film reminded the audience of films like Special 26 and Baby, which were headlined by you. So, they naturally expect a similar degree of thrill and entertainment from BellBottom, too. Knowing your level of involvement in each of your projects, do these expectations play on your mind when you are choosing films?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'I Don't Think I've Made It'
'It's taken me very long to get my foot into the door. But the kind of work or central roles that I want are still few.'
'I No Longer Need To Work For Money'
Known for her work in film and television, Parul Gulati seamlessly transitions between her on-screen characters and entrepreneurial ventures. As the driving force behind a thriving hair extensions business, Nish Hair, she has carved out a niche that blends her passion for beauty with astute business acumen.
'I WANTED TO BEAT PEOPLE UP...'
'Suddenly the audience pool feels bigger, like everyone is watching everything now.' 'It's no longer limited in terms of boundaries, like a state or a language.' 'Whether it's a series, a movie or even a Korean film, the audience has access to all of it.' 'Slowly, the boundaries are blurring, so that's great for actors.'
'At Times, Life Has Better Plans For You'
'You have to keep working hard.' 'The universe sees that in you and the higher power puts those opportunities in your way.'
The Best Places to Travel in September
September is the unsung hero of travel months: The busiest vacation season has come and gone, places are less crowded because kids are back in school, and as a result, prices on airfare, accommodations, and even attractions have dropped. It's the perfect time to pay a visit to locations that are usually swarming with tourists and enjoy some serious natural beauty, luxury hotels, outdoor adventures, and more than a few glasses of wine.
'I AM GETTING 1,000 CALLS EVERY DAY'
I am 7 feet and 7 inches tall.'
'We've Already Outlined What To Do In Our Next Films'
\"You can expect bohut kuch. Our dreams are big about the larger plan.'
'I think because India is a bigger country and Bollywood is such a well-oiled machine, the star thing has become so much bigger than the actor thing.'
Film-maker Asim Abbasi has been on the forefront of the Pakistani industry since the success of his 2018 film, Cake. In 2019, Pakistan sent Cake as its official entry for the Best International Film Oscar. Two years later, Abbasi was back with his explosive feminist series Churails, backed by India's Zindagi channel and Producer Shailja Kejriwal.
'I Want TO DO A K-Drama'
'I want to be in Korea doing a love story, full of romance.'
"Mom Was Very Scared Of..."
'When my mom saw my performance in Dhoka, she loved it.' 'She said, \"I don't know why I stopped you for so many years. Ab jaa beta, jee le apni zindagi\".\"
