मैं कभी 'सुपर स्टार' नहीं बन पाया ! | Akshaye Khanna | Aamne Saamne | Anurradha Prasad

Summary

In this candid reflection, Akshaye Khanna shares insights on his career and the difference between being a critically acclaimed actor and a superstar in the film industry. He discusses the challenges of fame, success, and the marketing world of Bollywood. Despite not being a mainstream star, Khanna is content with his work, valuing longevity and artistic satisfaction over fame. He reveals his personal life, mentioning his love for solitude, hobbies like gardening and photography, and a balanced lifestyle away from the glitz and glamour of the film world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Akshaye Khanna is a critically acclaimed actor but has not reached superstar status.
• 😀 Stardom is often linked to being in big commercial hits like Gadar, Dilwale Dulhania, or Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
• 😀 Akshaye believes that despite not being a superstar, he has experienced success in his own right.
• 😀 The film industry is highly influenced by marketing, and being a star often requires media presence and promotions.
• 😀 Akshaye prefers working with good people and doing better work rather than focusing on becoming a star.
• 😀 Akshaye compares his situation to a businessman who finds success in their field but doesn't need to be the richest to be successful.
• 😀 There are limited opportunities for leading roles in films, with only 15-20 people in the industry getting these chances.
• 😀 Akshaye has had a steady career for over 16-17 years, working on his own terms.
• 😀 In the film industry, it’s crucial to maintain visibility, as being in the public eye is necessary to survive.
• 😀 Akshaye values his solitude and enjoys spending time alone, but he also appreciates the company of his close friends and family.
• 😀 Outside of work, Akshaye leads a simple life, engaging in activities like gardening, reading, watching movies, exercising, and cycling.

Q & A

Why did Akshaye Khanna not become a superstar despite being a critically acclaimed actor?

Akshaye Khanna did not become a superstar because, according to him, superstardom is determined by factors like starring in huge commercial films such as 'Gadar', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', or 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun'. These films bring the marketing, mass appeal, and visibility that lead to superstardom, something Akshaye didn't pursue.

What does Akshaye Khanna mean by saying 'I have seen success but not become a star'?

Akshaye Khanna implies that while he has achieved professional success, having worked in the industry for over 15 years, he hasn't become a household name or a 'star' in the traditional sense. Success in his view does not always equate to fame or superstardom.

What does Akshaye Khanna think about the marketing exercise in Bollywood?

Akshaye Khanna believes that becoming a star often requires heavy marketing and a certain type of public persona. He contrasts himself with other actors who follow this marketing strategy, implying that he is different because he chooses to focus on good work instead of a marketing-driven approach.

How does Akshaye Khanna view his career in relation to the film industry?

Akshaye Khanna seems content with his career, acknowledging that he has been working on his own terms for many years. He feels he has been successful in getting work consistently, even if he hasn’t reached the level of superstardom.

What does Akshaye Khanna say about Bollywood parties and staying relevant?

Akshaye Khanna acknowledges the importance of attending parties and maintaining visibility in Bollywood. However, he expresses that he is not someone who needs to be constantly involved in this social scene to feel relevant, showing that he prefers staying true to himself over following industry trends.

What kind of activities does Akshaye Khanna enjoy outside of work?

Akshaye Khanna enjoys simple, down-to-earth activities such as gardening, reading, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and exercising. He also enjoys cycling and swimming, highlighting his preference for a calm, fulfilling life outside of his professional commitments.

What is Akshaye Khanna's perspective on fame and the pressure of being a star?

Akshaye Khanna seems indifferent to the pressures of being a star. He mentions that he is okay with being less famous and even embraces the idea of staying out of the limelight if it means maintaining his authenticity and independence.

How does Akshaye Khanna differentiate himself from other actors in Bollywood?

Akshaye Khanna distinguishes himself by not being part of the typical Bollywood marketing machine. He does not focus on building a larger-than-life image, unlike many actors who use media presence and public relations to create their star personas.

Does Akshaye Khanna feel that his career is successful despite not being a 'star'?

Yes, Akshaye Khanna feels successful in his career. He mentions that despite not becoming a massive star, he has consistently worked on his terms for many years and achieved recognition for his craft.

What does Akshaye Khanna mean when he says, 'I can stay alone for 10 days, no problem'?

Akshaye Khanna is expressing his comfort with solitude. He does not need constant social interaction to feel content, and he values time alone, which may also reflect his independent mindset and avoidance of the typical Bollywood social scene.