akshay
Upala KBR (DNA; August 10, 2015)

The last time Akshay Kumar went on a world tour was for Heat 2006 with Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen and Celina Jaitly in tow. He got caught up in several films after that and has not found time for another outing since.

While he has performed at award functions, he hasn’t really done shows since. Now, after nine years, he, along with Sonakshi Sinha and Madhuri Dixit, will be heading for Fusion 2015, in USA (Oakland, Houston and Washington DC) from August 21 onwards with a number of Bollywood celebs.

It’s been a while, you tell him and he says, “Yes, it has been a long time away from the stage, but you know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder! It’s been nine years since my last world tour in America in 2006. My feet are literally twitching in suspense, and can’t wait to get back out there and give my fans a good time.”

Lineup
He adds, “Our lineup consists of Madhuri Dixit, Sonakshi Sinha, Prabhu Dheva, Chitrangda Singh, Badshah, Gutthi and Bua (of Comedy Nights With Kapil fame) as well as yours truly! We have lots in store. It’s going to be a fusion of fun from all different states of India, between dancing, singing, performing, stunts and a stand-up comedy show, so much so, even I’m wishing I was in the audience (laughs)!”

Behind the stunts
His stunts on stage are always something different. He explains the reason he gives it his all on stage, “Performing live is a huge passion of mine. I love giving the best of me to my audiences. It may not be all the time, but when I do, I don’t leave the stage till there’s nothing left to give. What I love most about performing live is pushing myself to my limit, my heart and soul will never leave the stage until I’ve given all I can!”

I’ll be there
He is usually not there when his films release. Will he be there for Brothers which releases this week? “I am always there on the day of my release. It’s normally by Saturday that I start another shoot, working on my next project, to keep myself busy while the audience makes their minds up about my film. This time, I will not only be in Mumbai for my release but I will also be rehearsing like a madman in earnest to please my fans the following week on this Fusion tour. This is a big month for me! I aim to give it my best and please not only my fans on screen, but on stage also! Wish me luck!”