Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar has been married to former actress and author Twinkle Khanna since 2001. They have two children, Aarav Kumar and Nitara Kumar.

Kumar has described family as an important part of his life. His daughter Nitara was named Nitara Rajesh Khanna in honour of his late father-in-law, actor Rajesh Khanna.

Before entering films, Kumar studied martial arts in Bangkok and worked as a chef and waiter. He learned Muay Thai in Thailand and later returned to Mumbai, where he taught martial arts. A student encouraged him to try modelling, and Kumar also worked as an assistant to photographer Jayesh Seth, a background dancer and a stunt actor.

Producer Pramod Chakravarthy signed him for Deedar, although Kumar first appeared on screen in Saugandh in 1991. His breakthrough came with Abbas-Mustan's suspense thriller Khiladi. The film established the action-oriented screen image that led to the nickname “Khiladi of Bollywood.”

Kumar became closely associated with the Khiladi series, which included Mr. Bond (1992), Khiladi (1992), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi (1997) and Khiladi 420 (1999). In 1994, he also appeared in Mohra and Yash Chopra's Yeh Dillagi, earning a Filmfare nomination for Best Actor for the latter.

His career expanded across action, thriller, romance, drama and comedy. Priyadarshan's Hera Pheri became a turning point, while Ajnabee brought him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain and the IIFA Award for Performance in a Negative Role. He later appeared in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Welcome.

Kumar's later film work included content-focused projects such as Special 26, Baby, Gabbar Is Back and Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. His performances in Airlift and Rustom, both released in 2016, earned critical acclaim, and he received the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2017 for Rustom.

He played Ajay Singh Rajput again in Naam Shabana and starred in The State vs Jolly LLB 2. Other notable films from this period included Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Padman, 2.0, Gold, Kesari, Housefull 4, Bell Bottom, Sooryavanshi, Atrangi Re, Ram Setu, Raksha Bandhan, OMG 2, Mission Raniganj, Sarfira and Khel Khel Mein. 2.0 marked his debut in Tamil cinema, where he appeared alongside Rajinikanth.

Kumar hosted the reality adventure series Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and launched the dance reality show Dare 2 Dance. His production career began with Hari Om Productions, which he started in 2008. The company co-produced films including Singh Is Kinng, Action Replayy and Tees Maar Khan.

In 2011, Kumar co-founded Grazing Goat Pictures. Its first project was OMG: Oh My God!, in which he co-starred with Paresh Rawal. Kumar has also received producer credits on films including Airlift, Rustom, Kesari, Mission Mangal, Good Newwz, Sooryavanshi and OMG 2.

Kumar received the Rajiv Gandhi Award in 2004 for his contribution to Bollywood and the Padma Shri in 2009 for his contribution to Indian cinema. The University of Windsor awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Law in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.

His screen image combines martial arts, physical comedy and action roles. He is known for performing his own stunts, and his martial-arts background has contributed to his reputation as an action performer.