By Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM
Friday, August 5, 2005
 
Akshay Kumar is going through the best phase in his career. With hits to his credit [Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, Waqt - The Race Against Time] and prestigious banners under his belt, the one-time action hero, who has graduated to being an all-rounder actor, couldn't have asked for more.

"Yes, I am going through a good phase and I hope it only gets better," the soft-spoken actor smiles. He's at the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai, completing his visa formalities for the non-stop shooting of Jaaneman [Salman Khan, Preity Zinta] in U.S.A.

In the following tete-e-tete, the all-rounder discusses a number of issues concerning his life, including the decision to act with Priyanka Chopra.

On rumour that he has turned producer.

Fantastic! Is that the new rumour concerning me in town? I wish I was ready for it [film production], but the fact is I am not. I want to live my life happily [laughs]. But jokes apart, I really don't have the time to concentrate on the nitty-gritties of film production. The day I am ready for it, I wouldn't mind announcing a film.

On his decision to shut down his distribution activity after Waqt.

That's true! It's just not possible for me to concentrate on acting and distribution simultaneously. Distributing Waqt [in Mumbai territory] was an emotional decision and it proved a profitable venture financially as well. But I have to admit, distribution is not my cup of tea. As a distributor, you need to concentrate on the film one month prior to its release, 24 x 7, and keeping in mind my schedules as an actor, I really can't devote that kind of time. Film distribution is a demanding business and I'd rather do what I know best -- act.

But that doesn't mean I have shut the doors completely. If I do come across a film that I feel I need to distribute, I'd do so pronto.
On working with Priyanka Chopra in the future.

Of course, we'd like to work with one another. We are professionals and as a pair, we've had a 100% success track record [Andaz, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, Waqt]. And we wouldn't mind making that 200% success record. But the right script has to come by. If a good script comes my way, I would definitely work with Priyanka.

On hiking his fees to Rs. 3.5 crores after Waqt.

That's not the right figure! I'd like to admit that there has been a marginal 10% - 20% increase in my fee. Let's not discuss money matters here, but let me put it this way. If the producers and distributors are making money on my films, shouldn't I deserve a respectable amount as well? Let me add, nobody gives you more than what you deserve.

At the same time, there are instances where I decided to forego a chunk of my remuneration since the producer was in dire straits. I didn't want the film to suffer and I gave up a part of my fee to ensure that the film makes it to the movieplexes.

All the same, there have been a few instances where the producers have voluntarily compensated me financially, since they felt that they were making surplus on the films. The relationship between an actor and producer has to be based on mutual trust, only then will the relationship grow.

Dream role.

I've essayed a wide variety of roles so far, but I am keen to do a dark film. Something artistic. I am working on it currently and would announce it the day I am ready with it. 

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