Akshay Kumar
Let's see — there are two kinds of people in the world. There is the darpok who likes nothing more than to be a fly on the wall at high profile fashion events. And then there is Akshay Kumar. His fly steals the show! That takes guts.
Yes, his audacity on the ramp landed him in big trouble. And while we cannot dissect the issue here (the matter is sub judice), it has to be said that only an Action Kumar could have pulled off such a stunt with aplomb, and walked away, rakish smile and mucho attitude intact.
For an unknown guy who turned his young life upside down and created a brand new identity, in order to break into the tight, closed world of Bollywood, Akshay has done exceedingly well for himself — be it in the expert management of his personal life (a beautiful/dutiful wife who obligingly unzips his fly in public — even though several other female volunteers were ready), to supporting a feisty mother-in-law's battle for her late husband's substantial property.
Akshay has shrewdly positioned himself as a 'Man for All Seasons'. Today, he is up there in the Bollywood pantheon, along with the Khans and Kapoors. And yet, this Bhatia Boy is a Lone Ranger who prefers to ride into the sunset, in search of the next high octane adventure.
So, what has contributed to Akshay's success apart from the obvious 'hero' attributes — good looks and a great bod? I'd say two things: his neck and his voice. Both are unique. Forget abs. This guy looks like he could drag a tank with those neck muscles alone. Akshay's neck is stronger than his arms.And very sexy. Then comes the voice. No baritone for this chap. His voice is distinct — not quite broken, not exactly a falsetto, more a hoarse, seductive whisper. He uses both assets very effectively. Whether it is to threaten a 'dushman' or seduce a woman.
Interestingly, the rough-and-tough rustic roles with a comic turn that contributed to his considerable box office clout, were cleverly counter balanced with other, darker roles that showcased his acting skills. Don't laugh. He has them! Whether he is wooing his woman or smashing skulls, Akshay's reputation today extends well beyond the earlier all-granite performances, which had critics gleefully writing him off as a non-actor. That he managed to hang in there, and today, holds his own in a crowded field dominated by far younger actors, is testimony to his staying power (pun intended).
Brand Akshay is interesting to deconstruct. Is he the irresistible Bad Boy, with zero tolerance for those who stand in his way? Or does Akshay represent something more complex — an outsider who took his chances, cracked the Bollywood code on his own terms, made the cut as an A-lister, backed movies he believed in, became hugely successful as a businessman-actor, and is happy playing loving hubby-daddy, off- camera? His big test as a mega star is coming up soon. How he pulls off this role, will be fascinating to watch. Especially since it's a passionate romance.
Akshay as Lover Boy has always done well for himself (in real and reel life). Rivals trash his overt style of courting ladies. And describe it as being a bit too dehati. But Akshay has smartly turned the criticism around to his own advantage and made it his USP. With his raw, unpolished, son-of-the-soil approach, he remains more rooted in the mustard fields of Punjab than the sophisticated high society salons of Mumbai. And that's exactly why he scores. Here is one Bad Boy who has made good.Very good.
May his hormones rage on
!
0 comments:
Post a Comment