Before establishing himself as a marquee actor in Hindi cinema, Akshay Kumar underwent a period of rigorous hustle. During his early years, he frequented production offices across Mumbai, carrying photo portfolios in pursuit of acting opportunities, including visits to the workspace of India's first superstar, Rajesh Khanna. In an extraordinary turn of events, Akshay later married Rajesh Khanna's daughter Twinkle Khanna in 2001, transitioning from a struggling outsider to the legendary icon's son-in-law.
Waiting for Opportunities at Rajesh Khanna's Office
Reflecting on his early career in an older interview, Akshay shared how unpredictable his path had been. He recalled carrying his photographs to Rajesh Khanna's office, hoping to secure even a minor role in a project. During those visits, Rajesh Khanna would tell him to return later as he was currently occupied with a film production. Akshay has often noted how life brings unexpected turns that one could never anticipate during moments of hardship.
A Fate-Driven Turn and Marriage in 2001
The star who once waited for hours seeking an audience with the veteran actor eventually formed a deep personal connection with his family. After establishing his foothold in Bollywood, Akshay built a close relationship with Twinkle Khanna. The couple tied the knot in 2001, turning an aspiring newcomer into the son-in-law of India's original superstar.
The Greatest Career Lesson from a Superstar
During an interaction at the India Today Conclave, Akshay reflected on his personal and professional dynamic with his late father-in-law. When asked about the guidance he received from Rajesh Khanna, Akshay offered a candid perspective: "I learned a lot from my father-in-law, but the biggest lesson was what not to do."
Rajesh Khanna engaged in transparent discussions with Akshay regarding the trajectory of his fame and career mistakes. The veteran actor openly shared the missteps that impacted his stardom, providing Akshay with essential insights into handling long-term success. Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Recent Release and Box Office Performance
Regarding his current screen presence, Akshay was recently seen in the film 'Haiwaan', portraying an antagonist opposite Saif Ali Khan, who played the lead hero. Directed by Priyadarshan, the movie is an official remake of the successful Malayalam film 'Oppam'. However, the release witnessed a quiet reception at the commercial counter, generating approximately 5 crore rupees across its initial two days in theatres.
