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'I want to get into action mode'

action hero, Akshay moved on to be screen rib-tickler. A consummate professional, Akshay is not apologetic about his luck, insisting he's 'worked very hard' to be where he is.

A major hit (Namastey London) tucked under his six pack abs in 2007, Akshay surprisingly hasn't gone into a signing mode. A few weeks before he turns 40, Akshay admits that he's 'smartening up to do the right thing.'

"It's important to do the right films which determine how you would like to see your career moving ahead and doing quality work. It's not like I would be doing one film a year. If the script interests me and I can offer something new to viewers then I am open to doing that film."

In fact, 2007 will have a couple of Akshay starrers hitting the marquee —Heyy Baby, Bhool Bhulaiyan (both outright comedies). "Heyy Baby is a film which I've done for my son.Sure, it's a fun film, the guys in the film (Ritiesh Deshmukh and Fardeen Khan) were cool. Priyan's Bhool Bhulaiyan has been a challenging experience. But, it's always good to push yourself. Working with newer actresses like Vidya (Balan) and Deepika Padukone has been a learning experience for me."

A decade ago Chhote Nawab Saif Ali Khan and Akshay's screen chemistry created magic. The two reunite in Yash Chopra's Tashan. Akshay admits, "It's always been a pleasure to work with Saif. He can make you crack up with his one-liners. And when we are together (working in a film) lots happen."

Given that Tai Chi, kickboxing and karate were his leisure activities, Akshay's decision to stop his kick butt stunts on screen has been the fodder of mags for years. Akshay seems to have made up for it by indulging in doing stunts for his endorsements instead.

"I make up for the lack of on screen action by indulging it in real life during ads or promotions of brands. I know people ask me why do stunts for a commercial. I tell them, 'why not?' It's a short film after all and I have to give it my best shot. Ad filmmakers expect that from me. And I do enjoy the action bit. But, I am getting back to action in films also," he shoots off.

Like most of his counterparts who've suffered injuries while doing risky stunts, Akshay has his near-escapes too. In fact, his near brush with a shark while doing an underwater shoot scared wife Twinkle so much that he reportedly gave up his action guy image. So, why's he returning to action again?

In Nikhil Advani's Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo, Akshay is readying for some more death-defying stunts we hear. His sheepish answer is: "It's been worth it. Mera Naam —is an entertaining film. I am raring to get back to doing some stunts again. But, I am also balancing this film with light-hearted films like Singh is King and Made in China, so that's okay, I guess."

A self-confessed fitness freak, Akshay never misses his 2 am jog and spending time with his family (though not in that order). "My family makes up my small world. There is always time for family. I try to spend as much time as I can with them." And, while everyone's been speculating about his Hollywood deal with Warner, Sony or even a film with Salma Hayek, he shrugs them off as rumours. "The word Hollywood sounds nice. But do let me know when my film with Salma Hayek is starting. I'd love to have that information."

Looking ahead, Akshay feels acting is all about evolving each day. Good films motivate you to push yourself to newer heights. Fridays decide our fates as stars, not being part of movie camps. I am concentrating on my films as an actor. At the end of the day I am a normal, regular guy who gets hurt when unsavoury things are said about him. But, it's been a great journey nevertheless." Point taken.