New Delhi, March 14 – Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar credited filmmakers Priyadarshan, Rajkumar Santoshi, and the late Neeraj Vora for teaching him comedy, a genre he believes hasn't been fully appreciated in the film industry.
Kumar discussed this during the second day of the India Today Conclave held in New Delhi on Saturday, where he was asked about the filmmakers he has worked with over the past 30 years. He noted that he has collaborated with over 70 directors and starred in 150 films.
"I have worked on around 150 films, and I have worked with around 70 directors. But I have a strong connection with Priyadarshan; it's a joy to work with him. I learned a lot about comedy from him. Rajkumar Santoshi is also one of the directors from whom I have learned a great deal. There was another director and writer, Neeraj Vora. These three people have significantly influenced my understanding of comedy," Kumar said.
Kumar, who is reuniting with Priyadarshan for "Bhooth Bangla", which is set to release on April 10, elaborated on the comedy genre, describing it as the most challenging.
"Comedy can't be taught; it comes from within. It's about finding the right rhythm. If I talk about the film industry, any actor who does comedy will never be considered for the Best Actor award. They don't see it that way. However, if you ask the biggest actors, comedy is the most difficult genre to perform.
"To make someone laugh, you need to understand their sensibilities. When it comes to making someone cry, a situation can evoke emotion. You can use glycerin, but comedy requires a deeper understanding. Unfortunately, comedy has often been overlooked," he added.
When asked about audience preferences, Kumar said that the film industry is constantly evolving. He cited examples of the horror-comedy franchise "Stree" and Aditya Dhar's latest directorial "Dhurandhar", featuring Ranveer Singh, to illustrate this point.
"The film industry is like a circle; after every 2-3 years, things change. The audience's preferences also evolve. Take 'Dhurandhar', for example. It's an action film, which was well-received. Similarly, earlier films like 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' and 'Pad Man' also resonated with audiences. So, what's popular today might not be popular tomorrow," he said.
Kumar, known for his consistent output of 3-4 films per year, emphasized the importance of thorough preparation.
"Many people think I do four films a year because I have plenty of time. There are 365 days in a year. Before starting a film, I read the script multiple times, usually over 100 times, which helps me understand the nuances. My films are typically completed within 50-55 days, which allows me to maintain a high standard," he added, noting that he also takes breaks to recharge.
Kumar shared an anecdote about a period when he faced several consecutive flops. "I've always learned from my mistakes. I never planned anything, I just went with the flow. Even when I faced setbacks, I continued to work. I had 4-5 projects lined up at the time. So, discipline is key. I also want to encourage aspiring filmmakers to embrace discipline," he said.
When asked about competition within the industry, Kumar said, "There can be regret over missed opportunities, but there's no jealousy. We are all actors, and we strive to achieve success. However, it's important to remember that happiness comes from within, not from being number one, two, or three."
Kumar, who also has "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Golmaal 5" in the pipeline, expressed his desire to continue making films until he is no longer able to. "I love making films, and I want to explore different genres, whether it's action, tragedy, or comedy. I'm fortunate to have this opportunity, and I want to make the most of it. I want to give my best to the audience, and I will continue to work in this industry until they no longer want to see me," he concluded.