Akshay Kumar is probably the only Bollywood superstar, who has three-four releases every year. The actor always chooses an eclectic mix of projects so that each time he can offer something new to his fans. While this year he had Pad Man, Gold and 2.0, in 2019, he will be seen in Kesari, Good News and Housefull 4. In between Good News and Housefull 4, the actor-producer has chalked out dates to roll out his next venture, Mission Mangal, which is an inspirational tale about Indian women scientists and their contribution to the Mars Orbiter Mission. The movie also stars Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and marks the Bollywood debut of South actress Nithya Menen.
WHAT’S THE SHAME?
Quiz Akki what prompted him to back it and he replies, “That script demands the women to be ahead of us. They are the real heroes of the mission. Mission Mangal is interesting and inspiring. I’ve no shame in doing a movie that is led by women. At this stage, I don’t have to think much about my screen time. Whenever people approach me, I just see if my role is making an impact. If it does, and I have dates, I do it.”
NOT A CAMEO
However, he adds that his role isn’t a cameo, like it was in Naam Shabana (2017). “It’s not a special appearance, but a full-fledged role. So, it’s a six-hero film. We are currently shooting it and will release it on Independence Day,” Akshay tells us.
The Mission Mangal team: (L to R) Sharman Joshi, Kirti Kulhari, Taapsee Pannu, Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha and Nithya Menen
A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE
Seldom do we see an ensemble cast with such big names uniting on screen. The Padma Shri recipient asserts, “I’m happy that these girls are not bothered about the fact that there are five female leads in the same film. That ‘main kyu karu’ attitude isn’t there. I don’t think five heroes will come together for a movie like this. When I approached these actresses, they were happy with their respective roles.”
Given that all the heroines share a warm rapport with Akshay, did that relationship play any role in getting them on board, we ask. Pat comes the response, “No, they agreed to be part of the film because they liked the script. They gave their nod only after reading the screenplay.”
Though over the last few years, Bollywood has seen a huge change in the kind of movies that are being made, it’s been a while since leading male stars have united for a project. Akshay points out, “I want seven heroes to come together. Pehle toh hota tha — Rajkumar sir has done such movies. Even I’ve acted in Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002) and Khakee (2004). I don’t know why we aren’t okay with such projects anymore. I should ask them (my contemporary heroes),” he signs off.
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 "(Clockwise from left) Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha and Taapsee Pannu")
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