The star has got back to the sets – amid the Coronavirus pandemic – for multiple ads and films; says everyone has to return to normal life, though with precautions
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 4, 2020)

Trust Akshay Kumar to do the unthinkable. So, even as others ponder over resuming work in the Covid-era, the star is already out and about, doing what he does best – working. In May, he shot for a Covid awareness ad. Last month, he shot for seven ads within about 10 days. This month, he will fly to the UK to start work on his next film, Bellbottom. In October, the shoot of his Aanand L Rai-directed film, Atrangi Re will resume. And on Monday, Kumar announced a new film, Raksha Bandhan, as a special dedication to his sister, Alka Hiranandani. It will team him up again with Rai. Kumar, who is also slated to start shooting for his debut web series in 2021, will next be seen on the big screen in Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi, scheduled to hit theatres this Diwali. He talks about restarting work amid the pandemic and his special equation with sister, among other things.

You are the only star/actor, who has resumed work in a big way. Aren’t you afraid?
Of course, I was, but for how long can you live in fear? Initially, when the pandemic started, very little was known about the virus – the way it affects a person. So, there was a lot of fear. Now, with time, we know more and also that it’s possible to beat it if we’ve a good immune system. Hence, I decided to get back to work taking all the precautions, not just for me but the entire unit.

Do you feel when a big star like you restarts work, it sends a positive signal to everyone?
I can’t comment about other people. All I can say is that I, for one, was itching to get back to work as soon as it was permitted, and possible. I don’t think I’ve stayed away from the camera for so long and now, there’s a newfound excitement to be back on set.

Do you feel it’s high time people restarted their lives — armed with all the necessary precautions – after having been cooped up at home since the end of March?
I’ve a simple question: if not now, then when? So many people have lost their jobs [during the lockdown] and were pushed into poverty. I’m sorry but if we keep waiting for a vaccine, then, before the virus, people will get badly affected by unemployment. I think we all need to, slowly and safely, get back to normal life where a mask will be your essential companion.

What has been your family’s reaction to you stepping out?
I’m very fortunate that my family has been so supportive. They understand where I’m coming from, that one just can’t stay cooped up at home forever. Eventually, will have to step out and start working. I’ve just decided to do it before anyone else.

You’ve always been very close to your sister. What kind of bond you share with her?
I don’t want to sound clichéd but my sister, Alka and I really have a very special relationship. And over the years, it has only grown. She is like my sounding board for everything – be it in my personal or professional sphere. I value her opinion a lot because she’s the most neutral person I know (smiles).

Since you are the elder sibling, have you always been very protective of her or has it been the other way around?
Even though I’m elder to her, while we were growing up, she behaved like the ‘elder’ one – being always more responsible, and also protected me from my parent’s scoldings during sticky situations (laughs). Of course, we used to have our share of fights but if a third person ever came into the picture, it would be like, ‘us against the world’. And that’s how things are even now. We’ll always have each other’s back.

And how did you come up with the idea of getting her to debut as a producer with your new film, Raksha Bandhan?
It was the festival of Raksha Bandhan yesterday, and what better gift could I have given my sister? Over the years, I’ve given her many gifts but I think, this one supersedes them all, as it will be there forever on celluloid. Hence, I wanted to dedicate this film to her and also bring her on board as a producer.

Aanand L Rai directorial is slated to roll next summer
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 4, 2020)

Akshay Kumar’s new film, Raksha Bandhan, his second collaboration with Aanand L Rai, after the yet-to-release love story Atrangi Re, has him playing elder brother to four sisters. Mirror has learnt that the family-dramedy is all set to roll in summer 2021 and is eyeing a Diwali release. It could be the actor’s third consecutive Diwali release, after Housefull 4 and Sooryavanshi, which is hoping to make it to the theatres this festive season.

In an emotional statement, Akshay had revealed that the story had touched his heart, deeply and instantly. “It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. And it will make us realise how blessed are those who have sisters. It makes me happiest that my sister Alka Hiranandani is presenting and producing this film, along with ace director Aanand L Rai. Can’t thank him enough for bringing me one of the most special films of my life,” he stated, announcing the project on Monday, on the day of Raksha Bandhan.

According to a source, he came on board soon after the first narration. “The plan is to go on the floors around April with a start-to-finish schedule. There have been several films on the brother-sister bond in the past, but we haven’t seen one in the last decade. Aanand and his writer, Himanshu (Sharma), believe in rooting their characters in the heartland of India where the sibling bond is still strong,” informs the source.

Aanand describes the film as “a special tale which celebrates relationships in the most beautiful way”. He is excited to collaborate with Akshay again.

Before starting Raksha Bandhan, Akshay will wrap up Bellbottom, Atrangi Re, Prithviraj and Bachchan Pandey. Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi is already lined up for a theatrical release, while Laxmmi Bomb will go direct to digital.

He plans to make up to the exhibitors for a dry year with five releases in 2021. He was the first to start shooting during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and has shot a couple of ad films and has done some promotional photoshoots for upcoming films. Later this week, he will fly off to Scotland for a month-long shoot of his espionage thriller, Bellbottom. In October, he starts a month-long schedule of Atrangi Re which will be shot in real locations in Madurai, Delhi and Mumbai. The cross-cultural romance is set in two different eras with Sara in a double role, paired with both Dhanush and Akshay.