On his 48th b’day, Akshay Kumar shares his anti-ageing secret

Facing life with grace, dignity, restraint and humour….that’s the secret formula of birthday boy Akshay Kumar’s youthful looks.

Akshay who turns 48 today, says he has absolutely no fear of aging. Says the actor defiantly, “If I look nearly 50 with my beard that’s because I am nearly 50. It’s my face and I’ll grow my beard how I want to. I don’t care if my salt-and-pepper beard makes me look my age. I’m proud of how I look.”

Akshay, who’s had a great year so far at the box-office with Baby, Gabbar Is Back and Brothers, asserts, “I’m not running off for secret holidays shoving needles in my face and drinking youth potions. I’m my own self, I have no vices. I don’t smoke or drink. I take care of myself. I’ve never tried to be someone I’m not.”

When I point out that  he hardly looks his age  Akshay shoots back, “How many 50-year-olds do you know that can do what I do at my age?”

The star’s recipe for a healthy life? “Embrace your natural growth, don’t hide from it. Why would I show you a fake version of me? If you’re a real fan, you’ll want to see me, not a product version of me squeezed out from a bottle.”

As one of the fittest actors in this country what’s Akshay’s message to his fans? “Health and fitness are the key to fulfilling any physical dream, even if it’s just to look good for your partner, or for yourself, but get up and  go out there and exercise your body, no excuses.”