Akshay Kumar Opens Up About Comedy Mentors and Award Industry Bias
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is gearing up for the April release of his upcoming horror-comedy film, 'Bhooth Bangla', directed by Priyadarshan. In a recent candid discussion, the actor delved into his comedic journey and expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for comedy in the film industry.
Learning the 'C' of Comedy from Three Masters
At the India Today conclave, Akshay Kumar reflected on his extensive career, having acted in around 150 movies and collaborated with over 70 filmmakers. He emphasized a special connection with Priyadarshan, stating that working with him is always fun and educational. The actor credited three key figures for his comedic prowess: Priyadarshan, Rajkumar Santoshi, and the late Neeraj Vora. He remarked, "These are the three people; if I got to know even the 'C' of comedy, it's because of them." This heartfelt acknowledgment highlights the significant influence these directors have had on his craft.
Comedy: The Toughest Genre That Goes Unrewarded
Akshay Kumar passionately argued that comedy is the most challenging genre to master, noting that it cannot be taught and must come from within. He pointed out a glaring bias in award ceremonies, where comedy actors are consistently overlooked for Best Actor awards. "If I talk about the film industry, if there is any actor who does comedy, you will never have them getting the Best Actor award," he said. He contrasted this with the difficulty of making people laugh versus eliciting tears, asserting that while glycerin can simulate crying, genuine comedy requires immense skill and often goes unappreciated.
'Bhooth Bangla': A Long-Awaited Collaboration
Marking a reunion after more than 15 years, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are set to deliver 'Bhooth Bangla', their first film together since 2010's 'Khatta Meetha'. The horror-comedy features an ensemble cast including Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Mithila Palkar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Jisshu Sengupta, and Asrani. Scheduled for release on April 10, 2026, the film is highly anticipated by fans eager to see the duo's magic on screen once again.
In summary, Akshay Kumar's insights shed light on the undervalued nature of comedy in Bollywood, as he prepares for his latest cinematic venture with trusted collaborators.
