Akshay Kumar, the real-life hero
Akshay Kumar announced death compensation and mediclaim insurance for 380 stunt artistes between the age group of 18-55 years, in association with the Movie Stunt Artists Association.
He said that even women stunt artistes belong to this category and that they too, would have access to the same facilities. When asked why help would only be extended to those in the 18-55 age bracket, Akshay says, “This is as per the norms of the insurance policy. If it was in my hands, I would do it for older stuntmen too.” When we ask Akshay who among the new actors can sustain the longest in this action-hero race, he says, “Tiger Shroff, Vidyut Jammwal and Ranveer Singh are all great action heroes.”
On the controversy surrounding his National Award win, he says, “For the last 25 years, whenever someone won the National Award, there’s always a debate on whether they should or shouldn’t have won. I got it after twenty six years, if someone doesn’t want me to get it, go ahead and take it away.”
Akshay says he is ever grateful to his stunt choreographers. “I’m lucky that I haven’t broken any of my bones! I would thank my stunt choreographers for this as they are exceptionally good. They’ve always taken great care of me, and I believe that a great stunt choreographer is one who takes care of the actor’s health and safety.”