Akshay Kumar Advises Newcomers to Avoid Three-Film Deals, Praises Aryan Khan’s ‘The Ba*ds of Bollywood’ in a Witty Filmfare Moment
By Tanveer Zaidi
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, celebrated for his mastery of both action and comedy, has once again captured the spotlight—this time not for his films, but for his candid advice to newcomers in the industry.
The actor, known for his sharp wit and practical insights, urged aspiring actors to steer clear of restrictive three-film deals, while also giving a humorous nod to Aryan Khan’s much-talked-about web series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*.
A Viral Moment on the Filmfare Stage
At the Filmfare Awards ceremony held in Ahmedabad, the audience witnessed a heartwarming reunion between Akshay Kumar and his contemporary—and once perceived rival—Shah Rukh Khan.
The two megastars shared a warm embrace on stage, an image that instantly went viral across social media. Fans rejoiced, calling for a big-screen collaboration between the iconic duo.
Taking the microphone to present the Best Debut Awards, Akshay Kumar playfully addressed the young talent in attendance.
“Before giving away the awards,” he began with his trademark humor, “I just want to say to all newcomers—don’t sign a three-film deal.
And if you want to know why, watch Aryan Khan’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood*! It’s very good!”
His spontaneous remark not only drew laughter but also underscored a significant reality about the challenges faced by newcomers in Bollywood’s tightly controlled studio ecosystem.
The Context: Three-Film Deals and Aryan Khan’s Web Series
Akshay’s comment cleverly referenced a key plotline in Aryan Khan’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which critiques the darker side of the industry’s contract system.
The show’s protagonist, Aasmaan Singh (played by Lakshya), finds himself trapped in an exclusive three-film deal with a fictional studio, Sodawallah Productions.
His dilemma deepens when Karan Johar, appearing as himself, offers him a career-changing role — forcing Aasmaan to navigate ambition, ethics, and the price of fame.
Interestingly, Lakshya went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his performance in Karan Johar’s Kill, blurring the line between fiction and reality in a way that mirrors Aryan’s satirical narrative.
Akshay’s Continued Support for Aryan Khan
This isn’t the first time Akshay Kumar has expressed admiration for Aryan Khan’s creative work.
On the eve of the show’s release, Akshay took to social media to extend his best wishes to Aryan, calling him “a talented young voice of a new generation.”
His recent Filmfare shoutout reaffirms his encouragement of emerging storytellers who bring freshness and boldness to the industry.
Akshay Kumar’s Upcoming Projects
Even after more than three decades in the industry, Akshay Kumar continues to be one of Bollywood’s most prolific and bankable stars.
He is currently working on two films with acclaimed director Priyadarshan.
Haiwaan – Reuniting Akshay with his Main Khiladi Tu Anari co-star Saif Ali Khan, this film promises to blend high-octane action with a gripping narrative.
Hera Pheri 3 – A much-awaited sequel to the cult classic, bringing back the beloved trio of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty as Raju, Babu Bhaiya, and Shyam.
A Legacy Built on Versatility and Discipline
Akshay Kumar’s illustrious journey from a martial arts instructor to one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema is a testament to hard work, discipline, and adaptability.
Martial Arts Foundation: Before stepping into films, Akshay trained rigorously in martial arts and worked as an instructor, lending authenticity to his action-packed roles.
The Khiladi Era: His breakthrough came in the 1990s with the Khiladi series—Khiladi (1992), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996)—cementing his reputation as Bollywood’s “Khiladi.”
Action Icon of the ’90s: Blockbusters like Mohra (1994) and Jaanwar (1999) made him synonymous with high-adrenaline entertainment.
Reinvention Through Comedy: As the new millennium dawned, Akshay reinvented himself with roles like Raju in Hera Pheri (2000), proving his unmatched comic timing and versatility.
Comedy King: Films such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Welcome (2007), and Singh Is Kinng (2008) solidified his status as a comedic powerhouse.
He even bagged a Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for Garam Masala (2005).
Action-Comedy Formula: The 2010s saw him masterfully combining his two strongest suits—action and humor—in hits like Rowdy Rathore (2012) and Singh Is Bliing (2015).
Genre-Bending Performer: Whether in patriotic dramas (Airlift, Kesari), social message films (Toilet: Ek Prem Katha), or slapstick comedies, Akshay’s adaptability has made him one of the most dependable and diverse actors in the industry.
With a career defined by constant reinvention and an unshakable work ethic, Akshay Kumar remains a symbol of discipline, determination, and dynamism—both on and off the screen.
His humorous yet insightful Filmfare message serves as practical advice for newcomers navigating the complexities of stardom in today’s digital, contract-driven entertainment world.
(Tanveer Zaidi is an Actor, writer, and educator)
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