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FILM INTERVIEW: CAST OF ‘PATIALA HOUSE’

Khiladi Akshay Kumar Doesn’t Produce "For Money" and Just Wants "Good Cinema"

By: Simran Mody

February 8, 2011

Bollywood’s superstar khiladi Akshay Kumar recently joined filmmaker Nikhail Advani and Patiala House co-star Anushka Sharma in promoting their latest film during its music launch at Whistling Wood International. The trio spoke about Patiala House and what they hope to expect from the film shortly before its soundtrack (composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and written by Anvita Dutt) simultaneously launched on YouTube, Facebook, and Livestream.

For the film’s leading star--whose wife, Twinkle Khanna, happens to be one of the producers--Patiala House is everything he can ask for in a Bollywood production.

“I don’t know the fate of Patiala House, but I have reached a position where returns are not really a concern; I just want to offer good cinema,” Mr. Kumar said at the music launch. “I have produced eight films, some of which have worked and some haven’t had a successful run, but believe me, neither my distributors nor I have suffered a loss in any of the films. I am enjoying my stint as a producer, and I produce films which I personally want to make. I don’t do it for money.”

Mr. Kumar seems to have a mindset for pursuing passions, irrespective of financial gain, as the veteran Bollywood actor had a rather humble beginning. Prior to the launch of his film career, Mr. Kumar moved to Thailand in hopes of becoming a martial arts expert. During his time in Bangkok, he supported himself by working as a cook. Through it all, he persisted and eventually rose to his current position as Bollywood Khiladi.

“I always wanted to be a martial arts teacher and wanted to learn it from Bangkok,” Mr. Kumar proclaimed at the music launch. “I requested my father to send me there. In spite of all the difficulties in his life, he let me pursue my dreams.”

Mr. Kumar’s vehement pursuit of dreams and subsequent rise to the top makes him quite the fitting choice to play the lead role in Patiala House, which also stars Hard Kaur, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, and Armaan Kirmani. After all, according to the film’s director, Mr. Advani, Patiala House has to do with second chances and dream pursuits.

“The film is all about getting a second chance and pursuing your dream,” Mr. Advani stated at the press conference of his sports-themed film. “Akshay’s character wants to become a cricketer and play for England but, due to certain circumstances, his father doesn’t allow him to. The movie is about the struggles, hope, and aspirations.”

Mr. Kumar pushed forward a similar message to the students of Whistling Woods, doing as such during a question/answer session for the school’s attendees. Coincidentally, one of Whistling Woods’ students, Tanvir Singh, is making his acting debut in Patiala House. In his talk, Akkie told the students there are plenty of opportunities to succeed in Bollywood, and such success requires the right balance of luck and hard work. Specifically, Mr. Kumar scored it at 70 percent luck, 30 percent hard work.

On the topic of realizing one’s dreams, former Band Baaja Baarat star, Ms. Sharma, echoed thoughts similar to Kumar and Advani, acknowledging her good fortune in moving up the Bollywood hierarchy.

“It was a dream come true (to work with Akkie). It’s just my fourth film, and I am fortunate to work with him. He is so methodical, and I have never seen anyone who is so dedicated,” she said at the music launch. “Akshay would make sure he would reach the sets on time and, unlike other actors who, after finishing their shoot, would go back and relax in the vanity van, Akshay would stay back till the end of the day and give valuable input. What more can one ask for?”

Perhaps the one thing Patiala House’s cast can ask for is a successful box office run this month, as the film hits movie screens on February 11th.