Akshay Kumar on his controversial role in Rustom

The actor tells City Times why he decided to play a naval officer who shot his wife in the film that releases in the UAE on Thursday, August 11

In a career spanning over two decades, he has turned police officer, college student, security agent, and even the deity Krishna. These are just a few of the varied roles Akshay Kumar has attempted, and while we may always picture him as an 'action hero' thanks to his martial arts background and fast-paced films, he's also earned critical acclaim as a comic actor, giving us cinematic gems like the unforgettable Hera Pheri. Despite him doing an eclectic selection of films in the past, the news that the actor would be stepping into the shoes of a naval officer who shot his wife after she had an affair, came as a surprise to both fans and film buffs. Playing a character with shades of grey is not what Akshay is famous for, and we're eager to see what he does with his role in Rustom, which is largely based on the KM Nanavati case of 1959 that shook up the Indian judicial system.

What made you decide to take on this role, as it's quite a controversial one? What did you know of the case before you read the script?
I was intrigued by the character, and how he would react to discovering his wife was involved in an affair. It is very different from most Hindi films, in the way that we see an extramarital affair. Contrary to the usual narrative of the male character having an affair and the wife forgiving him, the movie shows what happens when the woman slips.
Playing a guy who sees his wife having an affair and finding out what happens to him intrigued me the most. It is a very sensitive subject and I'm overwhelmed that audiences have loved the trailer. If you have seen the trailer you will know that the movie asks this question: Is he a patriot, a traitor or a murderer? I was aware of the cases Rustom is inspired by though I did not know the details, but I liked the way producer Neeraj Pandey handled the subject.

Given as the actual case dates back to the 50s, do you feel the issues it brought up are still relevant now?
Integral to the issues we expose in the film are emotions, and no time period can change how one feels in a situation. So everything is still very relevant, love is love, what goes on between a married couple will always be sacred, how we choose to forgive or not will always depend upon the person and what they truly want to fight for... times change, but matters of the heart change us...  

This role has shades of grey and it's a career first for you. Do you want to take on more varied roles in the future?
Yes, I enjoy trying something new. I will always enjoy my action comedies, but my soul is demanding something fresh every year, and I'm enjoying the freedom and wonderful acceptance that I'm receiving.

Your cameo in Dishoom received a lot of praise. What was it like working with John and Varun? What did you think of the film?
We had a great time - it is always fun working with friends like John and Varun, and it was definitely one of the most relaxed sets I've ever been on.
They were tanning themselves while I was speeding around on my jet ski! They adored my look and it gave me a lot of confidence knowing my kilt was just a first of many things in this film...

Being a martial arts expert, would you recommend that everyone learns this art?
I am determined to make self-defence compulsory especially for girls throughout India! Martial arts gave me everything; the discipline it gives you is outstanding, and it made me the person I am now, and has mentally trained me for many of the stunts I perform on screen.
I would definitely encourage everyone to take up this agile sport...

Almost everyday, attacks on women make the news - what do you feel can be done on a grassroots level to keep women safe in India?
As a father, I think it is very important to make sure women in India are safe. That's why I started up my free self-defence classes as a way of giving back to society and helping to teach women to keep themselves safe, or at least be able to handle a situation more wisely, and give them the edge of not being so vulnerable.
I'm not creating a female army, though that wouldn't be a bad idea! I'm just helping them to help themselves.
'THERE WILL BE A LOT OF ARGUING ABOUT THE FILM'

Many might wonder what the makers of Rustom hope to achieve by digging up the past.  "I think the main message is that nothing is truly black and white," Akshay said. "I think there will be a lot of arguing about the film when audiences leave theatres. There are lots of different angles to the film, and I think people will ask themselves what they would have done in those circumstances, how they would have reacted to being a member of that jury.
'I DID A LOT OF C-GRADE FILMS'
We wondered what Akshay's personal highest and lowest point was as someone who has spent over twenty years in Bollywood, and how he views the industry today as compared to the 90s. "I don't think of it as high points and low points," he said, adding, "There was a time where I had 14 flops in a row which was a low point, but it was followed by 16 box office hits. I have learnt that if I worked hard it would pay off.
"I did a lot of C-grade films, but it allowed me to work on B-grade films, which allowed me to get to where I am now. In terms of how the industry has changed, there is a misconception that Bollywood is like a goose laying golden eggs - in truth, the industry these days seems to be thriving on a few hits."
Akshay's top five:
Favourite co-star (male)
I always enjoy working with John Abraham.
Favourite co-star (female)
Ileana and Esha did a great job in Rustom.
Favourite Hollywood star
I really enjoyed working with Sylvester Stallone.
Favourite comedy film
Mr Bean's Holiday!
Favourite action film
Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon - it inspired my career path.
(enid@khaleejtimes.com)