Akshay Oberoi is making the most of a rare pause in his packed schedule before diving into a busy second half of 2026. He is on an extensive family holiday covering London, Paris, Ghana, New Jersey, Los Angeles, San Francisco and several other destinations across the globe.

Akshay says, “This trip is honestly my calm before the chaos. As actors, we are constantly moving from one set to another and one city to another, but we rarely get to travel with no agenda other than spending time together as a family. My son Avyaan is growing up so fast, and I don’t want to miss these moments with him.”

His nine-year-old son, Avyaan, has been at the heart of the month-long itinerary. Akshay says, “We keep Avyaan’s interests in mind because he’s nine and needs to stay engaged, but he’s wonderfully adaptable and goes with the flow. We wanted him to experience the world this way because I truly believe travel broadens a person’s perspective.”

Even while on holiday, Akshay doesn’t believe in completely switching off from work. He says, “I don’t think I would ever want to completely disconnect from work because I genuinely love what I do. My wife often calls acting a lifestyle job, and she’s absolutely right. It’s become such an integral part of who I am that I’m always thinking about my work, the films I’m making and the dreams I have for my career.”

The experiences he gathers away from film sets, he believes, eventually enrich his performances. He shares, “Travel has always been deeply therapeutic for me. I love meeting people, trying local food, walking through unfamiliar streets and simply soaking in new experiences. The more you travel, the richer your understanding of life becomes, and that naturally reflects in your work as an actor. Every experience adds something to your craft because, ultimately, life is what an actor brings to the screen.”

Actor Akshay Oberoi has started shooting for his upcoming Bollywood romantic thriller Love Lottery in the scenic city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The film, directed by Arvind Pandey and  produced by Kuldeep Bhargava 'Tushar' under the banner of Cinema Ganj Films, went on the floor in March. Akshay recently shared a few glimpses from the sets, giving fans a look at the early days of the shoot and the beautiful surroundings where the film is being shot.

Love Lottery is an intense courtroom drama that mixes romance and suspense. The film also stars Heli Daruwala along with a strong supporting cast including Kabir Duhan Singh and Manu Rishi Chadha, who play important roles in the story.

Talking about beginning the shoot in Dehradun, Akshay shared that the experience has been refreshing and exciting for him. “Starting the shoot for Love Lottery in Dehradun has been a really nice experience. The city has a calm and beautiful vibe, and it feels great to begin this journey here. We’ve just started filming, but the energy on set has been amazing. I’m excited to work with Arvind Pandey and such a talented cast, and I can’t wait for the audience to see what we’re creating.”

Talking about the kind of stories he is drawn to as an actor, he says, “As an actor, I’m always looking for stories that challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone. I enjoy characters that have layers and emotional complexity, because they allow me to explore different shades of human behaviour. When I heard the script of Love Lottery, I felt it had that intensity and unpredictability that excites me as a performer.”

When you get an offer to feature alongside Shah Rukh Khan, you don’t say no. So, when Akshay Oberoi was presented with the opportunity to fulfil one of his childhood dreams — featuring in King — the answer was obvious. With the much-awaited film nearing completion, Oberoi is over the moon.

“I’ve grown up watching his films, admiring his journey, and being inspired by his incredible body of work. Shah Rukh Khan is not just a superstar; he is an institution in himself. His discipline, humility, and professionalism are unmatched, and it’s unbelievable how grounded he remains even after decades of ruling hearts across the globe. Being associated with one of his projects is incredibly special,” smiles Oberoi, who plays a pivotal role in the Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan-starrer.

Oberoi admits that working side by side with Shah Rukh has been a “huge learning experience”. “His contribution to cinema over the past several decades is phenomenal. Being connected to that legacy, even in a small way, feels extremely rewarding,” says the actor.

In September, US President Donald Trump reiterated his plan to impose a 100 per cent tariff on all films made outside the US. Even as details about when the tariff will come into effect and how it will impact other film industries remain unclear, Akshay Oberoi — who grew up in the US before moving to India in 2008 to pursue acting — believes there may be a silver lining to it. “It will definitely take a toll, but it may also make us focus on satisfying our own audience instead of chasing global validation,” he says.

The actor, recently seen in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, has two projects lined up in Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups and Shah Rukh Khan’s King.

Point out that the tariffs may affect the global audience for such big films, and Oberoi analyses, “In Hindi cinema, I think we started losing our core audience. Hindi films were trying too hard to be Hollywood. Characters started feeling like they’d landed from New York instead of being desi. Maybe now we’ll return to entertaining the common man. Trump’s policies are unpredictable, but I’m trying to find a silver lining. Maybe this will push us to create stronger films for our audience.”

Oberoi will soon resume shooting for King. The actor says that director Siddharth Anand was his primary reason to say yes to the action thriller.

“Sid and his team have my loyalty. I didn’t ask any questions, I just showed up. They’ve not only helped my career with Fighter [2024], but are the nicest people in the business.”

Actor Vivek Oberoi has responded to his cousin, actor Akshay Oberoi’s recent remarks that their families were “never close” and that Vivek never helped him in his career. In an earlier interview, Akshay (40) had expressed regret that “there was no real relationship” between their families. Vivek and Akshay’s fathers, actor Suresh Oberoi and Krishnan Oberoi, are brothers.

Probed about the statement, Vivek tells us, “I asked Akshay what the interview was about, and he told me, ‘No, it’s been misinterpreted’. But best that he speaks for himself.”

The 49-year-old adds that he “loves Akshay” and their family interactions have always been warm: “We are always there at each other’s birthdays, Diwali or parents’ anniversaries. We have some great memories of growing up together.”

The actor, who is organising a Mega Blood Donation Drive on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday (September 17) this year, stresses that both he and Akshay carved their careers independently. “Every bit of success and acclaim he has is well deserved, because he is the only one responsible for it. It shouldn’t be because of whose nephew or cousin you are; it should be based on pure merit. Akshay has achieved everything on his own merit and I am very proud of it,” he signs off.

The KGF franchise, with its massive success, is a tough act to follow. But Kannada actor Yash is hoping to up the game with his next, Toxic, which is being designed as an action spectacle. Director Geetu Mohandas kicked off the latest schedule in Mumbai on July 21 with the leading man, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Akshay Oberoi. The three-week schedule is focused on a singular aspect — the action sequences.

A source said, “Last Monday, the new schedule kicked off in Film City, Goregaon. It will be largely indoors, where the actors will perform their stunts without the help of body doubles. It includes many sequences that involve hand-to-hand combat.” 

Given the demand of the story, the actors underwent intense training before reporting to the set.

The source added, “A team of 15 experts has been put together for safety and execution. They are helping the actors with close-cut scenes. The action in Toxic is raw, brutal, and grounded. In the hand-to-hand combat sequences, action directors J J Perry and Giorgi Iarajuli have blended elements of Krav Maga, Filipino Kali, and MMA techniques to create a gritty style of action.”

For many writers, direction is a natural progression. It was only a matter of time before Ritesh Shah, who has penned acclaimed films like Sardar Udham (2021), Pink (2016), and Airlift (2016), took his place behind the camera. Now that he has taken the leap, the first-time director has put together an eclectic cast for his thriller — Manoj Bajpayee, Saqib Saleem, and Akshay Oberoi. Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey is serving as the creative producer on the project.

Sources tell us that the film went on floors in Mumbai on April 18. After a long schedule in the city, Shah led his crew to Bhopal. “The three lead actors were recently spotted shooting in Bhopal. Through May and June, they are set to film across various parts of India. The movie is an intense thriller with twists, characteristic of Neeraj’s storytelling style. Neeraj is providing creative leadership and production support.”

While plot details and the title remain under wraps, the source adds that the movie will stream on Netflix sometime next year. 

Known for his intense and unconventional performances last few years in projects such as Fighter, Illegal 3, Broken News 2, Ghuspaithiya, and Kisko Tha Pata, Akshay Oberoi now embraces a lighter, more family-friendly character in the much-anticipated film, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. Produced by Karan Johar and directed by Shashank Khaitan, the film sees Oberoi portray a realistic boy-next-door role, unlike his previous dark and gritty characters.

Reflecting on this transition, the actor says stepping into the Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf-starrer has been an incredibly refreshing experience for him.

“Over the last few years, I have explored intense, layered characters—roles that were dark, complex, and psychologically demanding. But this film allowed me to tap into a completely different energy. I play a warm, charming, and family-oriented character, which is a delightful change, but it also comes with a twist. I’m excited for audiences to see this side of me. This has been such a clutter breaker. The kind of roles that I am getting now are so different from the gritty ones before.”

Oberoi credits the cast for making his journey special. He shares, “The energy on set has been electric. Collaborating with Varun, Janhvi, Sanya, and Rohit has been an absolute joy. Of course, Karan and Shashank have ensured that the film is filled with heart, laughter, and entertainment.”

Four weeks of dancing may sound like fun to some. But for others, it spells hard work. Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf and Akshay Oberoi are in the midst of shooting four songs back-to-back in the last schedule of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. With two dance numbers already shot at a set in Madh Island, Oberoi admits that matching steps with seasoned dancers like Dhawan, Kapoor and Malhotra has been challenging.

Actor Akshay Oberoi, who plays a pivotal role in the film, shared exclusive details about the intense shoot and his own challenges while matching steps with seasoned dancers like Varun, Janhvi, and Sanya.

"It’s been an incredible learning experience. I had to really step up my game because these three are natural dancers, and their energy is infectious. I went through rigorous dance training before the shoot to make sure I could keep up," he says.

The songs, choreographed by some of the best names in the industry including Ganesh Acharya, are all different high-energy dance numbers, including an elaborate wedding dance party. The shoot has been an exhilarating ride for the team, with each day bringing in a new set of challenges—from intricate footwork to maintaining stamina for long rehearsals and back-to-back takes. Two of the songs have already been shot at a set in Madh and the team is shooting for two more tracks over the next two weeks. 

While Varun is known for his effortless moves and Janhvi has showcased her flair for dance in multiple projects, Sanya, too, brings her flair as a gracious dancer to the table. Akshay adds, "I’ve always enjoyed dancing, but this is the first time I’ll be seen grooving to 4 songs in a single film. Dancing with Hrithik Roshan in Sher Khul Gaye was an incredible experience, but that was just one song. We have Varun, Sanya and Janhvi. They all are great dancers and with Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, I get to truly explore this side of me, and it’s such an exhilarating feeling. The script demanded that there be that many peppy numbers. I have never had this opportunity to be part of a role that demanded to display so much dancing on the big screen. Until now. So excited to see how this shapes out. I for one have had a blast shooting for these numbers”.

Akshay Oberoi, who starred in the Hrithik Roshan-led Fighter says he has no qualms about people drawing similarities between his film and Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force. The two films released on Republic Day weekend — Sky Force premiered this year, while Fighter hit the big screen in 2024 — and both are based on the Indian Air Force.

Ask the actor about the comparisons, and he tells us, “Both the films are on the Air Force, so comparisons are inevitable. But it doesn’t bother me at all. There are only about six or seven stories you can tell in this space, so it’s about how you tell it. I’m sure the screenplays are very different.”

However, its not just the narratives — many have also drawn parallels between the two films’ box-office performances. Reacting to it, Akshay replies, “The problem is, we’ve created a society in which the profit and bottom line are the most important things. You could be the worst actor on the planet, but if your films make a ton of money, you will get cast by the biggest directors.”

The 40-year-old adds, “That’s just the way it’s been. We live in a capitalistic world jahan paison ko pooja jaata hai, more than talent. So, in a place like this, how can you expect it to not happen?”

He elaborates: “You would see one actor putting out things about another actor, like they made more money than the other in the last few years. [But] we created the rule that money is number one, so people do whatever it takes to make money.”

“So, if that is at the cost of pulling someone down to pull yourself up, you’ll do it, and it will keep happening. In an ideal world, it should not happen, but there’s no point in crying over such things. This is the game, and this is how you play it,” he signs off.

Right after the Diwali festivities, it will be work calling Yash. The Kannada superstar, along with co-actor Nayanthara, will dive into the next leg of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups. The buzz is that director Geetu Mohandas will lead an extensive Mumbai schedule from November 6. While Film City will serve as the primary venue for the shoot, an additional set is being built at Madh Island.

Right after the Diwali festivities, it will be work calling Yash. The Kannada superstar, along with co-actor Nayanthara, will dive into the next leg of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups. The buzz is that director Geetu Mohandas will lead an extensive Mumbai schedule from November 6. While Film City will serve as the primary venue for the shoot, an additional set is being built at Madh Island. 

While Nayanthara plays Yash’s on-screen sister in the actioner revolving around the drug mafia, Kiara Advani portrays his love interest. In this leg, the KGF superstar and Nayanthara will wrap up most of their combination scenes. Some critical action sequences are also on the cards.

The source added, “The action will be raw and gritty, with an emphasis on physicality. Fifty stunt experts have been roped in for these scenes. Kiara and Akshay Oberoi will also be a part of this schedule.”

If you ask Akshay Oberoi the biggest highlight of working on Two Zero One Four, the actor will name Jackie Shroff. His first collaboration with the veteran actor has been nothing short of “transformative”, and his biggest takeaway from the experience is to imbibe Shroff’s humility and warmth.

The actor recounts that when they were shooting for director Shravan Tiwari’s action thriller in Delhi in September, fans had flocked to the venue to see Shroff in action. Despite the day’s hectic shoot, the senior actor took time to meet them, recalls Oberoi.

“Watching Jackie sir interact with his fans was inspiring. His humility and grounded nature struck me. It was during this moment that I realised the true value of staying connected with people, no matter where life takes you,” he says.

Oberoi recalls that after meeting the admirers, Shroff told him that actors owe their success to their fans.

“Jackie sir told me, ‘If an actor gives himself credit for his success, then he is nothing less than stupid.’ It was a lesson that goes beyond acting—it’s about life. From a man like him, you learn the value of craft, hard work, and humility.”

Akshay Oberoi has always been passionate about mixed martial arts (MMA), but due to his work schedule, he has had to put it on the back burner. However, the actor is once again training hard for an upcoming project. Akshay packed a punch for an exclusive shoot with Bombay Times and spoke to us about getting back into the groove.

Happy to reconnect with his earlier fitness regime, Akshay shares, “I got interested in MMA at the age of 11; It was on and off in New Jersey. I wanted to be an actor. When I moved to Mumbai and started working, I was never cast in an action film until recently, as action films are expensive. So I stopped and then I trained again. Later, I got busy with my acting assignments and couldn’t make the time for it. But when this film came my way, I was delighted as it gave me an opportunity to get back to my passion. It took me a while, as I lost touch with it. When you're out of practice, you're rusty, even acting when you're out of practice, you're rusty. That is why it's part of my daily routine now. I keep basic touch with it and my body used to kicking and stretching at that level, it's easier to not lose touch. I hope to continue training even in the future.”

Talking about his acting journey, he shares, "When I started out, the movies I was doing did not have any scope for martial arts. It’s only recently that I started doing some action films. Action also requires bigger budgets. So, finally, I’m in that space. Yes, I have a lot more desire to explore, but I'm so grateful for this period because I'm finally getting to do bigger films like with Toxic and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and such mainstream Hindi cinema, which is something that Fighter gave me access to. These are the same filmmakers who probably knew me before Fighter but wouldn't give me these opportunities, but that's how the business works. That is particularly why I am grateful for this phase."

In Hindi movies, actor Tiger Shroff is primarily known for doing MMA. However, Akshay is in no mood to compare himself with the Bade Miyan Chote Miyan actor.

"For me, my core business is acting – doing different and versatile roles. His core business is action. These are just bonuses that I have in my toolkit. I would be a fool to think I'm on Tiger’s level. That's not even my dhandha, ye unka dhandha hai. They need to sell that. There are some actors known as action stars and some chocolate heroes, but I want to be known as an actor. I enjoy action, but I don’t want anything to take the focus away from my performances. I need to keep experimenting with movies. Sometimes a performance will go wrong and sometimes it will go right. But that's my journey. This is just a small part that I can bring to the table. It's not my main focus," he concludes.

The joy of an ensemble film is that it feels less like work and more like fun. The cast of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari would agree. After kicking off Shashank Khaitan’s directorial venture in May in Mumbai, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor have now headed to Udaipur.

Akshay Oberoi, who is part of the romantic comedy that also features Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf, says the ongoing schedule has been delightful. “Anyone can imagine the scenario on the set—the laughter, the bonding, and all the fun behind the scenes. I’m enjoying every bit of it,” he shares.

We hear Khaitan has charted out a three-week schedule in Rajasthan during which most combination scenes will be canned. The unit will follow it up with another stint in Mumbai. Oberoi says being part of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has only reinforced his faith in ensemble films.

“I remember those ’80s films that had all the stars— from Vinod Khanna to Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor. The audiences used to love those movies because they would see so many different characters on screen. [Another advantage is] that the weight of the entire film does not rest on one person. Ensemble films bring your favourite heroes together on screen; we should be doing more of them.”

What does a big film on your résumé do? Gets you a bigger movie. Fighter did just that for Akshay Oberoi. Soon after he featured in director Siddharth Anand’s aerial action thriller, the actor bagged Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which is led by Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor.

“Working on Fighter has been a transformative experience for me. Its success has landed me a substantial role in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, directed by Shashank Khaitan. Additionally, the recognition from Fighter has [opened me up to] the southern film industry, and I will be part of a yet-unannounced south project,” shares Oberoi.

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, also starring Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf, is set against the backdrop of a wedding and went on floors in May. While working in a Dharma production is a dream come true for Oberoi, the joy of collaborating with Khaitan and Dhawan stands out for him.

“Shashank understands an actor’s language. He knows how to bring out the best, because he knows exactly what to say to you. I have already worked with Sanya [on Love Hostel]; she is a great talent. Janhvi is wonderful. Varun never brings his stardom to set, and his fun energy keeps the set lively.”

When director Siddharth Anand conceptualized Fighter, he wanted to ensure that the principal cast was adequately prepped before they stepped into the world of the aerial action thriller. Since the Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor-starrer is centred on a few Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, the director shot a portion of the film at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam, thus lending it authenticity. Not only that, in late 2022, the production team also organised a special camp with the real-life pilots at the air force base that would aid the actors in their prep for the movie.

Akshay Oberoi, who plays a squadron leader in the recent release, says the few days spent with some of India’s finest pilots gave him enough material to enhance his character of Basheer Khan aka Bash. Though it wasn’t a formal training camp, the sessions allowed the actors to delve into different aspects of the profession.

“I was curious and wanted to be well-prepared with regard to my character. Having access to some of India’s best pilots was an incredible privilege, and I made sure not to let that opportunity go to waste. We asked them about their manner of speaking, the significance of different badges on their uniforms, and protocols. All [this knowledge] has an emotional impact, and it is necessary to learn the psyche of the person you play,” says the actor.

With Fighter less than a month away from release, director Siddharth Anand has already given us a peek into the film’s world with the teaser and two songs. While the party number Sher khul gaye saw Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor hit the dance floor, Ishq jaisa kuch served crackling chemistry between the leads. Given that Fighter is an aerial action thriller, it turns out that the director wanted to keep the songs to bare minimum. Sources tell us that two more numbers are on the anvil, with one picturised as a dream sequence since Anand felt that it didn’t lend naturally to the thriller that sees Roshan and Padukone as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force.

Like Ishq Jaisa Kuch, the upcoming romantic number, composed by Vishal-Shekhar and shot by Satchith Paulose, has been canned in the picturesque Italian island of Sardinia. Apparently, the director’s brief to choreographer Bosco Martis and art designer Rajat Poddar was to make it look dreamy.

A source reveals, “Ishq Jaisa Kuch and the other romantic track are part of dream sequences and not related to the film’s proceedings. Both songs were shot in October, across the beautiful locales of Sardinia. Siddharth wanted each number to look grand, glamorous and distinct. Since Bosco and Rajat have worked with him on chartbusters from War [2019] and Pathaan, they knew exactly what he wanted. While Ishq Jaisa Kuch  has been imagined as a sensuous number on the golden beaches, the upcoming one is an exotic dance track set in the outdoors. Caravans, bonfires, barbecue and a dance floor form the set-up.”

The last track has been filmed in Kashmir and will serve as a background song. The source adds, “In the movie, it has been used to introduce the central characters, including those essayed by Akshay Oberoi and Karan Singh Grover. It focuses on the pilots’ indomitable spirit and their camaraderie.”

It’s a great alliance of sorts when Akshay Oberoi teamed up with Hrithik Roshan on the set of Fighter. A long-standing fitness enthusiast, Oberoi shared how he found a fitness buddy in his co-star.

“Working with Hrithik Roshan on Fighter has given me a fresh perspective on fitness and maintaining a healthy body,” says the actor who plays Squadron Leader Basheer Khan, a skilled weapon system operator in the action-packed film.

Roshan, celebrated for his chiselled physique and commitment to a healthy lifestyle, serves as a fitness icon in Bollywood and a guidance for Oberoi. He acknowledges Roshan’s dedication and passion for fitness as truly inspirational, and the camaraderie fostered a shared commitment to promoting health and wellness in the industry.

“Driving inspiration from my co-actor has given me fresh perspective on leading a fitter life. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s a holistic approach that Hrithik embodies, and it’s truly motivating,” says the actor.