“There is nothing quite like playing a true Punjabi Sikh boy” – Akshay Kumar on Singh Is Bliing

October 1, 2015 - 10:52 AM IST

The character Singh is back, though actor Akshay Kumar was never away. Baby, Gabbar Is Back, Brothers - He has already enjoyed as many as three releases in last nine months gone by. Now his quarterly release is happening in the form of Singh Is Blinng, which also brings him back with Prabhu Dheva, the director with whom he has made his biggest grosser ever, Rowdy Rathore. With 'entertainment' as the driving factor, Singh Is Bliing - with Amy Jackson and Lara Dutta - is being pitched as a perfect family outing this weekend.

As a performer, you have been doing brilliantly over the years, though now with Baby, Gabbar Is Back and Brothers, there is further deal of appreciation that has come in. It must be heartening for you as an actor?

As an actor, it is years like these where you fall in love with your job all over again. There are times when you want your films to do commercially well no matter what. On other times, you want that critical acclaim which separates a particular film from the rest. And then sometimes you just want your film to be appreciated for what you did.

“There is nothing quite like playing a true Punjabi Sikh boy” – Akshay Kumar on Singh Is Bliing

So how has 2015 been for you?

This year especially, I feel like I have been given all these things and more, and I haven't even released my comedy of the year yet (smiles). Grateful almost isn't a humble enough word; I don't think I have ever enjoyed a year full of releases as much as this one. Well, not for a while anyway. Every project that I have taken up recently, despite its achievement, has been delivered wholeheartedly from my side. When you are proud of your work, I think it shows.

Guess there were always huge plans to make Singh Is Bliing a big release this Gandhi Jayanti, right?

That's the plan! I know many people are waiting for the Rowdy Jodi to score again, but as always one can only pray; what will happen will happen. It's a lovable film, everything about it is lovable, from the characters to the songs to the situations, it's all about love, desperation & values. All I ask is that people bring their hearts and enjoy me being the Mesmeriz-Singh (smiles).

I am sure this film is again set to glorify the legend of Sikhs, who are considered to be some of the most honest people around. How is that aspect explored in the film?

Without giving too much away, it is a film that glorifies everyone and everything, the good, the bad and the ugly are brought to life. I may not be able to give much away but I will tell you this, I have played many-many characters in my time, but there is nothing quite like playing a true Punjabi Sikh boy. I feel at home, I feel a certain amount of protection when I walk on the sets wearing my Pug and I miss being in character since we have got back. There truly is something so special about playing a Singh!

Talking of Singhs and Punjabis, how did Amy Jackson come into the film, especially since she is not even an Indian, leave aside being a Punjabi?

Amy is the secret element behind the whole film. We didn't want an Indian Hindi speaking actress for this role per se, let alone a Punjabi. The whole idea is that she doesn't understand a word that I am saying. Hence the reason Lara is the savior of the film, as she is the one who translates and confuses everything for us. Lara has such a brilliant role that I am glad Amy can't speak Hindi, as it just makes the whole misunderstanding so much more genuine. Amy hasn't had to play dumb in her role, she just had to play an even bigger version of herself, and she did it with grace and humor. I respect her for that.

Closer home, your wife Twinkle Khanna has found a new celebrity status for herself as an author. You must be proud to see your wife as an entrepreneur and a best seller?

Proud isn't a strong enough word to describe my feelings of happiness for my wife's achievements this year. She again has proved the power of women, the humor one can have and spread when given the chance to be free. The love people can have for someone with an honest open opinion is so refreshing in these diplomatic times. My wife is a breath of fresh air for so many reasons for so many people, and I am more than proud of her. I'm in awe of her.