Birthday Special! 5 avatars of Akshay Kumar that prove he is the ultimate Khiladi

While the Khans have always been considered as the rulers of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar is one actor who has always maintained an undisputable position. No matter whether his films fare well or not (Well, almost every film does), the Khiladi Kumar always proved his versatility as an actor. Akshay Kumar made an entry later than Salman and Aamir; he did more than 100 movies in his 25 years in Bollywood. In terms of average BO collection, he is far behind Salman and Aamir. But a noticeable fact is that movies of Akshay did a good business, almost on par with BO collection of Salman’s movies. Akshay could have toppled Salman’s position if Prem Ratan Dhan Payo would have released in 2016.

Leave behind the BO part, Akshay, in terms of acting, has always been creating waves. The Airlift actor started his Bollywood career with 1991 film Saugandh and then there was no looking back for our action hero. Not just being known as the Khiladi Kumar, Akshay has also managed to tickle our funny bone with his impeccable comic timing. The Housefull actor has also become the new-age poster boy for patriotism. The actor has turned 49 years old today and on this special day, we have listed down 5 of his onscreen avatars.

Modern Bharat Kumar 

Instead of following the jingoistic patriotism largely associated to Manoj Kumar, Akshay explored new-age plots depicting the spirit of nationalism. His recently released film Airlift is the story of the biggest-ever human evacuation in the history of mankind. Directed by Raja Menon, the film is about those 1,70,000 Indians stranded in Kuwait when Saddam Hussein invaded the country in 1990 and kick-started the Gulf War. He has had one release every year lately to evidence as much. Holiday, Baby and Gabbar Is Back have been the actor’s shots at becoming the new-age poster boy of pop patriotism.

Khiladi Kumar 

There are action heroes, there are stuntmen and then there is 'baap of all' - Akshay Kumar. Khiladi Kumar, Akshay can be solely credited for revolutionising fight sequences in Bollywood. The action is synonymous to Akshay Kumar and you can't really think of any other Bollywood actor if it's about maar-dhaad and full-on action. From Main Khiladi Tu Anari to Khiladi 420 to the 2015 film Brothers, the 49-year-old actor has lived up to his action hero image. 

Comedy ka Badshah 

After 2000, Akshay Kumar reinvented himself and shifted his image from an action hero to a guy who can make you laugh till you start crying. His comic timing is amazing and it needs no briefing. Priyadarshan's Hera Pheri (2000) was just the beginning of his successful stint with comedy. The comic saga continued with films like Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhaag, Welcome, Phir Hera Pheri and Housefull. 

Khakee Vardi Guy 

Remember 1994 film Mohra when Akshay wore the Khakee uniform and the ladies went all gaga over him? It's not just limited to his 90's films like Tarazu, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Kayda Kanoon, Insaaf, and Paandav. In Khakee (2004) and Aan: Men at Work (2004), he played a cop while he essayed the role of an army man in Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (2004). And this goes without saying, Akshay nailed the cop character in Rowdy Rathore.

Lover Boy 

Akshay is a charmer. He is 49 and we are sure that the Rustom actor has all the talent to woo a teenager and get her all crazy for him. From comedy to action to romance, the actor stunned the audience every time he appeared on the silver screen. Akshay has had his share of films that offer an overdose of romance and love. Dhadkan (2000), Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006) and Namaste London (2007) had Akshay playing the lover boy. 

Well, Akshay, we are surely smitten by your charm and we wish you a happy birthday!