Why Akshay Kumar’s Success Is Built on Choices, Not Luck
The unseen pivots that turned failures into stepping stones for a lasting legacy
In today’s social media era, every story gets judged.
Some say Akshay Kumar’s rags-to-riches journey is just PR.
Some say the story is not true.
But here is my take. His past is not my concern.
I admire him as an actor. I enjoy his comedy and his screen presence.
And when I look at his career, I see smart moves.
Moves that made him a superstar.
Moves that also made an impact on society.
1. The Hera Pheri Pivot: From Action to Comedy
In the 1990s, Akshay Kumar was known as an action star. The “Khiladi” franchise made him popular as a martial arts hero who could do his own stunts. But by the late 90s, the action formula was getting repetitive. Films were not doing well. His career graph was flattening.
Then came Hera Pheri (2000). A comedy directed by Priyadarshan. Akshay played Raju, a broke but street-smart man. The film also had Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty.
The risk paid off.
Audiences loved his comic timing. Critics called it a surprise package. Hera Pheri did decent box office numbers in 2000, but more importantly, it became a cult classic on television and repeat viewing.
Impact of this pivot:
- It rebuilt his career.
- It showed that he was not just an action hero.
- It opened doors for films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Singh is Kinng, and Housefull.
- His fan base grew from young action lovers to families who enjoyed comedy.
Hera Pheri was not just a film. It was the second innings. A smart career move that kept him relevant for the next two decades.
2. Toilets Became a Talking Point
In 2017, Akshay Kumar starred in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
The film was about a newly married woman who leaves her husband because there was no toilet in the house.
At first, people laughed at the idea of a Bollywood film about toilets. But the movie connected. It became a hit, earning more than ₹300 crore worldwide.
The film supported the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign. It made open defecation a national conversation. Even politicians praised the film.
| Impact: Cinema was used as a tool to drive social change. Families began talking about toilets, sanitation, and women’s dignity. |
3. Menstrual Hygiene on the Big Screen
In 2018, Akshay produced and acted in Pad Man. It was based on the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, the man who created low-cost sanitary pads in rural India.
The film broke a major taboo. Menstrual health had never been shown like this in mainstream Indian cinema. Schools, NGOs, and health groups used the film in their awareness campaigns.
| Impact: The movie normalized conversations about periods. It gave confidence to women and young girls. It pushed men to understand the issue. |
4. Paying Taxes Without Excuses
Akshay Kumar is consistently one of the highest taxpayers in India. In 2022, he reportedly paid over ₹29 crore as advance tax. This is not new. He has topped the taxpayer list several times.
While many stars get caught in tax controversies, Akshay has made tax payment part of his brand.
| Impact: He sets an example of civic duty. He shows that success is not just about earning money but also about contributing back. |
5. Quick Help in Crises
Akshay Kumar is known for fast action during national crises.
• During COVID-19, he donated ₹25 crore to the PM CARES fund.
• He gave ₹2 crore to Mumbai Police Welfare.
• He donated ₹1.5 crore for flood relief in Assam.
• He supported families of Pulwama martyrs with ₹5 crore.
| Impact: His donations are often immediate, without waiting for media campaigns. This inspires fans and fellow celebrities to contribute as well. |
6. Discipline as a Lifestyle Brand
Akshay’s personal discipline is legendary in Bollywood.
• Sleeps by 9 pm, wakes up at 4:30 am.
• Avoids alcohol, cigarettes, and late-night parties.
• Trains in martial arts and does yoga daily.
• Performs his own stunts, even in his 50s.
| Impact: His lifestyle sets him apart in an industry often known for excess. For millions of young fans, he shows that fitness and health are the real luxuries. |
7. Honesty About Awards
Akshay has openly criticized award shows. He revealed that sometimes awards are linked to performances or payments. He has said he values the audience’s love more than trophies.
| Impact: This honesty earned him respect. Fans trust him more for speaking against a system that often looks fake. |
8. Smart Business Investments
Akshay Kumar also made smart financial moves outside films.
- Force IX (2022): His clothing brand aimed at affordable aspirational fashion for middle-class India. Link
- GoQii (2019): Invested in a health-tech startup that fits his fitness-driven image. link
- FAU-G (2020): Supported the Indian mobile game launched as an alternative to PUBG. It aligned with his patriotic image. link
- Production House – Hari Om Entertainment: Gave him creative control over his films. Allowed him to back projects like Pad Man.
- Real Estate: Owns property in Mumbai, Goa, Toronto, and Dubai. A secure wealth strategy.
| Impact: These investments were not random. They were connected to his image — fitness, discipline, patriotism, affordability. This multiplied his influence far beyond cinema. |
9. Blending Entertainment With Real Issues
Many of Akshay’s films combine social issues with entertainment.
- Airlift (2016) – Showed the largest civilian evacuation during the Gulf War.
- Baby (2015) – Focused on counter-terrorism.
- Kesari (2019) – Told the story of courage at the Battle of Saragarhi.
- Pad Man and Toilet – Tackled health and dignity.
| Impact: He entertains but also educates. His films are watched for fun but leave behind lessons. |
10. Sharing Intellectual Thoughts
Akshay Kumar often shares opinions that show his clarity.
“I’m a realist. Where I come from, ‘phenomenons’ don’t exist. I’m from a land where people make mistakes and try again.”
“Work is passion. It never feels like work if you love it.”
“If a film fails, it’s feedback, not disaster. Change is needed.”
| Impact: These thoughts connect with ordinary people. They show humility, resilience, and realism. |
Akshay Kumar’s success is not just about luck. It is about choices.
The Hera Pheri pivot gave him a second career.
Films like Toilet and Pad Man made him a voice for social issues.
Paying taxes made him a model citizen.
Quick donations made him a man of action.
His discipline turned him into a brand.
His honest opinions made him trustworthy.
And his investments gave him long-term relevance.
He is more than a superstar
He is a realist
He tries. He fails. He tries again
And that is why his moves matter for both cinema and society
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/akshay-kumar-waking-up-early-ajay-devgn-doodhwala-joke-this-one-healthy-habit-of-akshay-kumar-can-be-a-solution-to-several-health-issues/articleshow/115138265.cms
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/akshay-kumar-says-he-wakes-up-at-4am-spends-time-with-himself-my-wife-kids-are-sleeping-no-stress-at-home-9183346
https://www.mansworldindia.com/grooming-special/akshay-kumar-fitness-routine-at-56
Investment & Business
- Akshay invested in GOQii — confirms his strategic investment in the health-tech wearable startup: https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/akshay-kumar-invests-in-goqii/articleshow/69983403.cms
- Akshay’s first pay, net worth, real estate, brand Force IX, FAU-G etc. — lists several assets, income sources, businesses:
https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/this-indian-actors-first-cheque-was-rs-5000-now-his-net-worth-is-rs-2500-crore-and-owns-villas-across-the-world-check-his-source-of-income/articleshow/121943717.cms - Akshay is invested in startups, endorsements & brands — Hindustan Times article on his startup endorsements including GOQii, PagarBook, CarDekho, FAU-G etc.:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/akshay-kumar-is-ruling-start-up-endorsements/story-tNGPDi8mqlx6OSE7oWQ65J.html - Akshay’s stake in assets, production companies, etc. — from ET’s profile page listing his assets: Hari Om Productions, Grazing Goat Pictures, stake in GOQii and FAU-G etc.:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/panache/panache-people-101/akshay-kumar/profileshow/82068679.cms
Hera Pheri & Pivot / Film Involvement
- Akshay Kumar invested money in Hera Pheri 3 — Priyadarshan confirms Akshay bought rights and got involved financially:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/akshay-kumar-invested-money-in-hera-pheri-3-says-priyadarshan-on-the-actor-suing-paresh-rawal-the-director-says-he-doesnt-know-why-he-left-the-film/articleshow/121291749.cms
Priyadarshan speaks about Hera Pheri 3 filming script & expectations — giving context to when the pivot / comeback took place:
https://m.economictimes.com/news/entertainment/priyadarshan-spills-beans-on-akshay-kumar-suniel-shetty-and-paresh-rawals-hera-pheri-3/articleshow/119864205.cms
