Artist Anjanna Kuthiala is set to collaborate with Akshay and Katrina

Well Salman Khan may be the better painter, but that’s not stopping the Khiladi from trying his hand at it. And since Akshay Kumar has just taken the plunge into reality shows, it’s only fitting that he’ll be giving a ‘live demonstration’ of his painting skills to the world with co-star Katrina Kaif for company. And who knows, he might just be competition for Sallu.

Delhi-based artist Anjanna Kuthiala, who is currently working on a special series called the Singh is Kinng art collection, will unveil the paintings in Mumbai on August 6, in the presence of the film’s producer Vipul Shah. Akshay and Katrina will put the finishing touches on two incomplete canvasses by Kuthiala. But since neither of them are trained painters, will they be able to do justice to it?

“Of course they will,” says Anjanna. “Colours are just another extension of creativity, and creative people - in whichever field they are - have an inherent understanding of colours. It’s not so much about technical finesse; it’s more to do with having an open heart and the ability to connect.”

While the exact content of Akshay’s painting is still under wraps, it’s likely to be a picture within a picture - Akshay will be portrayed as a painter himself, painting a legendary Sikh revolutionary, as a tribute to the community itself.

As for Katrina, Anjanna says, “She comes from London, the art capital of the world. She has such a creative boyfriend and I’m sure some of that must have rubbed off on her —  at least she must have watched him paint.”

The event was initially scheduled to take place in London along with the premiere of the film, but now that both are happening in Mumbai, is Salman Khan also likely to be present? “I wouldn’t know that, but it’s possible. After all he’s starring in Vipul Shah’s next film London Dreamz,” she points out.

Anjanna recounts meeting the actor when he displayed his painting in public for the first time at an auction organised by Ramola Bachchan some time back. “That’s where I met him for the first time. He was very friendly and very nice. I do hope he will come,” she signs off.