Akshay Kumar, born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, India, is a leading Indian actor, producer, and television presenter primarily known for his work in Hindi-language films[3][4]. Raised in Old Delhi and later moving to Mumbai, Kumar’s early life was marked by a keen interest in sports and martial arts, which later became a hallmark of his acting career[4][5]. He made his film debut with a minor, non-speaking role as a karate instructor in the 1987 film Aaj, appearing on screen for just 17 seconds[2][3][5]. His first leading role came in Saugandh (1991), but it was the 1992 action film Khiladi that established him as a bankable star and launched the successful Khiladi film series[1][3]. Throughout the 1990s, Kumar became synonymous with action thrillers, earning the nickname "Khiladi" (Player). Notable films from this era include Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Mohra (1994), and Yeh Dillagi (1994), the latter earning him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actor[1][3]. He later diversified into romantic comedies and dramas, with hits like Dhadkan (2000) and a villainous turn in Ajnabee (2001), for which he won his first Filmfare Award, for Best Villain[3]. A commercial slump in the late 1990s was reversed with the comedy Hera Pheri (2000), which showcased his versatility and comic timing[5]. The mid-2000s saw a resurgence in Kumar’s career, with a string of box office hits starting in 2007 and critical acclaim for films like Special 26 (2013), Baby (2015), and Airlift (2016)[4]. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Rustom (2016) and gained further recognition for socially relevant films such as Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) and Pad Man (2018)[4]. His 2019 releases—Kesari, Mission Mangal, Housefull 4, and Good Newwz—were all commercial successes, reinforcing his status as one of Bollywood’s most consistent stars[4]. However, most of his theatrical releases after 2019 underperformed, with the exception of the 2023 comedy-drama OMG 2[4]. Beyond acting, Kumar has hosted popular TV shows like Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and MasterChef India, and has been involved in philanthropic activities, particularly initiatives related to women’s safety and martial arts training[2][4]. He is also a prominent brand endorser in India. Kumar held Canadian citizenship from 2011 to 2023 but remains a dominant figure in Indian cinema[4]. His recent work includes music video appearances and continued involvement in both mainstream and socially conscious projects, maintaining his relevance in a rapidly evolving industry[1].